Edenfield Girls' High School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Edenfield Girls High School The Innovation Centre, Brunswick Street, Nelson, Lancashire BB9 0PQ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e), (2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h) and 2(2)(i)  Leaders have developed a suitable curriculum policy to reflect the likely needs of the pupils who will attend the school.  Pupils at key stage 3 will study a broad range of subjects, including science, humanities and the arts. At key stage 4, pupils will be able to study for a range of qualifications, including GCSEs, that lead on to post-16 studies.  Leaders have well-considered plans in place to provide pupils with careers education, information, advice and guidance. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(i) and 3(j)  The headteacher, deputy headteacher and teachers are suitably qualified and experienced. The headteacher intends to closely monitor the quality of teaching and

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Main inspection findings

learning across the school through frequent lesson observations, discussions with pupils and work scrutiny.  Leaders have devised a wide-ranging training programme for all staff to help them to implement the school’s policies effectively. This includes the policies relating to teaching and learning.  Leaders shared a sample timetable, which suggests that time will be used well across the school day. Sufficient time is likely to be given to the teaching of English and mathematics.  Leaders have made sure that there are suitable and sufficient high-quality resources to support learning. This includes computers and a science laboratory. Most of these resources are already in place. Leaders intend that the remainder will be in place before the school opens. Paragraph 4

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Main inspection findings

 The school’s proposed assessment and tracking system will enable leaders and teachers to evaluate pupils’ progress from their different starting points over time. Leaders’ plans for termly parent-teacher meetings should ensure that parents are well informed about how well their children are getting on. Leaders intend for teachers to hold an additional meeting with parents if there are any concerns about their children’s progress.  The standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5(a), 5(b), 5(b)(i), 5(b)(ii), 5(b)(iii), 5(b)(iv), 5(b)(v), 5(b)(vi), 5(b)(vii), 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii) and 5(d)(iii)  The school’s proposed schemes of work include plans to promote pupils’ spiritual moral, social and cultural development across the curriculum. Lessons will give pupils time to find out about, consider and debate a range of topical issues, such as

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Main inspection findings

deforestation. Moreover, the school will promote pupils’ awareness of Britain’s democratic and judicial systems, for example through talks by a local councillor and magistrate.  Pupils’ timetables will include a daily reflection time.  The standard in this part is likely to be met when the school opens. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a) and 7(b)  The school has a suitable safeguarding and child protection policy. This complies with current government guidance and pays heed to local arrangements.  The headteacher and deputy headteacher are up to date in their safeguarding training. Leaders intend that new staff will undergo safeguarding awareness training as part of their induction programme. The school’s policy sets out clearly the staff’s roles and responsibilities. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c) and 10  The school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policies comply with statutory requirements.

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Main inspection findings

 The policy sets out clearly how staff will deal with and prevent bullying at the school.  The school’s behaviour policy sets out expectations for pupils’ behaviour and the sanctions which will be applied for any misbehaviour. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 16, 16(a), 16(b) and 16(c)  The school has written health and safety, risk assessment and first aid policies.  There is adequate fire signage, a suitable assembly point and appropriate fire detection and alarm systems.  The headteacher has received appropriate first aid training. There are sufficient suitable first aid resources throughout the building.  Leaders are preparing a range of written risk assessments for the building and also for activities, including potential trips and visits, in readiness for the school’s opening. Paragraph 14  Leaders’ arrangements will ensure a sufficient number of staff to supervise pupils. Leaders intend to increase the levels of staffing as more pupils join the school.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 15  Leaders have admissions and attendance registers ready for when the school opens.  The school has a detailed attendance policy. It sets out clearly the actions to be instigated when a pupil is late or is absent from school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(a), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(i), 18(2)(c)(ii), 18(2)(c)(iii), 18(2)(c)(iv), 18(2)(d), 18(2)(e), 18(2)(f)  Leaders have well-developed plans in place to carry out all required checks. These will ensure the suitability of staff to work with children.  The school intends to maintain all required information on a single central record, which will be routinely checked by senior leaders. Paragraphs 19(2), 19(2)(a)(i), 19(2)(a)(i)(aa), 19(2)(a)(i)(bb), 19(2)(a)(i)(cc), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d), 19(2)(d)(i) and 19(2)(d)(ii)

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders intend to employ supply staff as required. Leaders understand their responsibilities to make sure that the employment businesses have carried out checks to ensure the suitability of these supply staff to work with children. Paragraphs 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii) and 20(6)(c)  All required checks have been carried out with respect to the proprietor, including those required in section 128 of the Education and Skills Act 2008. Paragraphs 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(i), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(a)(iv), 21(3)(a)(v), 21(3)(a)(vi), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(4), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a) and 21(7)(b)  The school intends to keep all records in an electronic form. The school can reproduce these records in a hard copy form.  The standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 22  The proposed school is housed upstairs in a converted office building. With the exception of the school hall, a nursery school occupies the downstairs rooms. The premises and accommodation are in good condition. All rooms have been recently decorated, and there is carpet and linoleum on the floors. There are five rooms designated as classrooms. The school also has a science laboratory, school hall and playground. The building is secure. The front door is locked during the school day. All visitors are required to sign in. Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b) and 23(1)(c)  There are four toilet cubicles for pupils. Each toilet cubicle has a lockable door. There are wash basins supplied with hot and cold running water.  There is a separate toilet for staff, pupils and people who have disabilities.  On the first floor, there is a suitable changing room with showers.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b) and 24(1)(c)  Currently, the accommodation for sick or injured pupils is located in the staff room. Leaders propose to relocate this to another area of the building. This space will be more suitable for use as short-term care for sick or injured pupils, as well as for the medical examination or treatment of pupils. This room is large enough to accommodate a bed. It has a wash basin and is located close to a toilet. Moreover, it will not need to be used for any other purpose. Paragraph 25  The building has been finished to a high standard. There is suitable furniture in each classroom for the age and number of pupils.  The facilities are clean, tidy and well maintained.  There are fire notices displayed throughout the building. Signage for fire exits is clear. Paragraph 26  The rooms are soundproofed, so that pupils should not be disturbed by lessons and activities taking place elsewhere in the building. In the communal areas, carpeting

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Main inspection findings

minimises the noise levels in these high-traffic areas.  The building has an efficient heating system. The rooms are at a comfortable temperature. Paragraphs 27, 27(a) and 27(b)  Classrooms are brightly lit. All the classrooms benefit from large windows, which let in plenty of natural light.  The exterior of the building is well lit. Paragraphs 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a) and 28(2)(b)  Pupils have access to drinking water. There is a water fountain installed on the main corridor, close to the classrooms. Paragraphs 29(1), 29(1)(a) and 29(1)(b)  There is a tarmacked outdoor play area. This can also be used for physical education lessons and sports activities.  The standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(e), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c), 32(2)(d), 32(3),

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Main inspection findings

32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f), 32(3)(g), 32(4), 32(4)(a), 32(4)(b), 32(4)(c) and 32(5)  Leaders have prepared a draft prospectus which includes all the required information.  Leaders intend to develop a school website, so that information is more accessible to parents and carers. Leaders know what information they are required to publish on the school’s website when it is launched.  Important policies are available from the school on request, for example those relating to safeguarding and child protection, behaviour and complaints.  Leaders intend to provide written reports to parents at the end of each school term.  The standard in this part is likely to be met when the school opens. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33, 33(a), 33(b), 33(c), 33(d), 33(e), 33(f), 33(g), 33(h) 33(i), 33(i)(i), 33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii) and 33(k)  The school has a suitable complaints policy, which is available on request.

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Main inspection findings

 The complaints policy complies with all statutory requirements, including setting out clear timescales for the management of a complaint.  Leaders know their responsibilities with regard to maintaining and making written records available as required by the standards.  The standard in this part is likely to be met when the school opens. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)  Leaders demonstrate suitable knowledge and experience to establish a school. The charitable trust operates both a nursery and primary school. The chair, headteacher and deputy headteacher have experience of educational leadership and management.  Leaders have ensured that the school is likely to meet the independent school standards consistently when it opens.  Leaders have made sure that the standards in relation to pupils’ welfare, health and safety are likely to be met when the school opens.

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Main inspection findings

 The standard in this part is likely to be met when the school opens. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have prepared a detailed accessibility plan for the school.  This requirement is likely to be met when the school opens.

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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 faith secondary school

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Proposed school details

Email address info@fountainsofknowledge.com

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age Not yet operating Number of pupils of compulsory school age for whom a statement is maintained under section 324, or who is looked after by a local authority Not yet operating

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Provider already operating

Total hours operating as a school per week Not yet operating

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week Not yet operating

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not yet operating 11-16 11-16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not yet operating 100 100

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not yet operating Girls Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not yet operating 100

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not yet operating 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not yet operating Not known

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not yet operating Not known

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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 yet operating Not known

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not yet operating 3 teaching staff initially. Leaders intend that this number will increase as pupil numbers rise. Number of part-time teaching staff Not yet operating 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not yet operating 0

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is housed in a converted two-storey office building. Apart from the school hall, a nursery school operated by the proprietor occupies the ground floor of the building. There is a tarmacked playground at the side of the building. This is separated from the nursery outdoor space by a high fence. The premises are located close to Nelson town centre.  The proprietor body is a charitable trust, Fountains of Knowledge. The chair of governors is one of the four trustees. The proprietor also operates Al-Ikhlaas Primary School and Edenfield Nursery School.  The proposed school will have an Islamic faith ethos.  The proposed school’s mission is to ‘inspire our girls to achieve academic, behavioural and moral excellence, allowing them to live as happy, successful individuals.’

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was conducted by Ofsted at the request of the Department for Education, to consider the school’s application to open an independent Islamic faith girls’ school.  This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector met with the chair of the charitable trust that forms the proprietorial body, a governor, the intended headteacher, deputy headteacher and three teachers.  A tour of the premises was carried out by the inspector, accompanied by the intended headteacher, the proprietor’s representative and a governor.  The inspector scrutinised available documents to check the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards and other requirements. This included curriculum plans, the school’s prospectus, its safeguarding policy and other policies concerning health and safety.

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Inspection team

Pippa Jackson Maitland, lead inspector Her Majesty’s 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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