Al-Khair School Preparatory School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Al-Khair Preparatory School 36 Pitlake, Croydon CR0 3RA

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided All paragraphs  Leaders have developed appropriate curriculum and assessment policies, programmes of study and teaching plans, which consider the needs of pupils aged four to 11.  The curriculum covers all the required areas of learning, as well as Islamic studies and Arabic. Planning takes account of pupils’ different ages, abilities and interests, and integrates opportunities to teach British values and to encourage respect for all the protected characteristics, as identified in the Equality Act 2010. In addition to Islamic studies, religious education and a values-centred programme of assemblies, a discrete personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education programme will be taught weekly from September 2019.  The school is likely to be suitably resourced and staffed, including in the early years.  Suitable arrangements are in place to monitor the consistency and quality of

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Main inspection findings

education provided.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if Al-Khair Preparatory School is registered as an independent school.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils All paragraphs  The school’s proposed PSHE plans and equality policy outline a clear commitment to the promotion of British values and to ensuring that pupils are encouraged to show respect for all the protected characteristics. As a result, pupils are likely to develop tolerance and appreciate the diversity of British society.  The school has an Islamic ethos and welcomes pupils of all faiths. The planned programme for religious education ensures that pupils will learn about a range of religions, cultures and beliefs.  The school’s staff handbook and code of conduct make it clear that no member of staff may promote partisan views, and that balanced viewpoints must always be presented in the teaching of all subjects.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standard in this part is likely to be met if Al-Khair Preparatory School is registered as an independent school.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils All paragraphs  Designated safeguarding leaders have completed an appropriately enhanced level of training; they are acutely aware of their responsibilities. The proposed school’s system for recording concerns, referrals and any action taken is fit for purpose. Arrangements for staff induction, training and checks on their understanding are likely to ensure that staff will be provided with the knowledge and skills they need to keep pupils as safe as possible. As a result, there is likely be a strong safeguarding culture.  The school’s proposed child protection policy is suitable and likely to be implemented well. It reflects the most recent statutory guidance, including ‘Keeping children safe in education’ (September 2018) and ‘Working together to safeguard children’ (July 2018). The policy is currently available in hard copy and will be available online when

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Main inspection findings

the school’s new website is launched.  The school’s proposed behaviour and anti-bullying policies are suitable and likely to be implemented well. The school intends to make use of an online system for recording any sanctions imposed for incidents of serious misbehaviour.  The school’s health and safety, first aid and risk assessment policies are likely to meet the required aspects of health and safety. Several members of staff are trained first aiders. Appropriate risk assessments are in place, including for the premises and trips.  The school is likely to be compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Appropriate actions have been taken following an external fire risk assessment undertaken in January 2019. Leaders understand the importance of completing and logging all the required checks on electrical equipment, fire-safety equipment, emergency lighting and the alarm system. Evacuation drills are carried out termly.

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Main inspection findings

 An appropriate number of staff is likely to be deployed to ensure that there is a ratio of at least one adult for every 20 pupils, and at least one qualified teacher for every 10 children in Reception.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if Al-Khair Preparatory School is registered as an independent school.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors All paragraphs  The existing Al-Khair School staff will continue to work at this proposed school.  Leaders have a clear understanding of safer recruitment. They understand the importance of completing all the required checks on new staff before they work with pupils. All the required vetting checks, including for the proprietor, employees, agency staff and volunteers, are recorded accurately on a single central register.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if Al-Khair Preparatory School is registered as an independent school.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools All paragraphs  The separate two-storey preparatory premises are secure, well maintained and clean. Facilities include 16 classrooms, a library, a large outdoor play area and dedicated indoor and outdoor areas for children in Reception.  There are suitable toilet, washing and medical room facilities.  A chilled drinking water supply is provided at suitably labelled fountains.  The acoustic features, sound insulation, regulated hot water supplies and internal and external lighting are all suitable.  The school’s proposed health and safety policy is likely to be well implemented.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if Al-Khair Preparatory School is registered as an independent school.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information All paragraphs  All the required policies and information will be made available on the school’s new website when it is launched. For now, everything is readily available in hard copy.  The school’s intended termly report template for parents is likely to meet requirements as it clearly identifies pupils’ progress and attainment in all the required areas of learning.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standard in this part is likely to be met if Al-Khair Preparatory School is registered as an independent school.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled All paragraphs  Leaders have prepared a suitable complaints procedure, which is likely to be compliant with all the requirements. A suitable complaints log is also ready for use.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standard in this part is likely to be met if Al-Khair Preparatory School is registered as an independent school.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools All paragraphs  Leaders have paid good attention to detail in planning to separate their school into three schools. They have a secure working knowledge of the independent school standards and the statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage.  As a result, all the independent school standards are likely to be met and pupils’ well- being is likely to be assured if Al-Khair Preparatory School is registered for up to 320 pupils aged four to 11.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school’s proposed accessibility plan is likely to meet the requirements of Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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Main inspection findings

Statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage  The proposed school will offer up to 40 places across two Reception classes.  Leaders have ensured that the statutory requirements, both for safeguarding and welfare and learning and development, are all likely to be met.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is likely to meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements.

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Proposed school details

This inspection was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards that are required for registration as an independent school.

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Proposed school details

Type of school Islamic primary day school

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Proposed school details

Email address primary@alkhairschool.org.uk

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proposal

Inspector’s recommendation Age range of pupils Not applicable 4 to 11 4 to 11 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 320 320

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 280

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 24

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 7

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 7

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Information about this proposed school

 Al-Khair School is currently a mixed school for pupils aged four to 16 and is located across two sites, primary and secondary, in the London Borough of Croydon.  Following the school’s most recent full standard inspection in January 2019, leaders have applied for Al-Khair to become three schools. To do this, leaders have applied to change Al-Khair School to Al-Khair Boys’ School, and to open two new schools: Al-Khair Girls’ School and Al-Khair Preparatory School. Leaders plan to operate as three separate schools from September 2019.  The proposed school’s website is being redeveloped; a new one catering for three separate schools is currently being designed.  The individual proprietor of the current school will be the same for all three schools if registration is granted. The school does not currently have a governing body, but is planning to introduce one from September 2019.

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Information about this inspection

 This pre-registration inspection was conducted with two days of notice.  The inspection was conducted at the same time as another pre-registration inspection and a material change inspection, following the school’s application to become three separate schools: Al-Khair Boys’ School, Al-Khair Girls’ School, and Al-Khair Preparatory School.  This inspection sought to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with all the independent school standards relevant to registering Al-Khair Preparatory School for up to 320 pupils aged four to 11.  The inspector considered a wide range of evidence, toured the premises, and met with all senior leaders, including the proprietor. He also met with an assistant headteacher and the early years leader.

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Inspection team

James Waite, lead inspector Ofsted Inspector guidance ‘Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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