Al-Furqan Solihul

School progress monitoring inspection report

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Al-Furqan Community College 1021 Warwick Road, Solihull B91 3HG

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b) and 2(1)(b)(i)  These standards were met during the previous monitoring inspection on 10 and 11 October 2018. Inspectors looked at these standards because the school has applied to make a material change to its registration.  The proprietor has a plan for the curriculum. However, it is basic, and does not consider pupils’ needs, including the needs of those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). A small number of pupils have education, health and care (EHC) plans. Leaders have considered the subjects that these pupils will study, but they have not ensured that the schemes of work for each subject have been adapted appropriately.  Leaders have not ensured that these standards are currently met. Therefore, they are unlikely to be met by the school if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 2(1)(b)(ii)  This standard was met during the previous monitoring inspection in October 2018. Inspectors looked at this standard because the school has applied to make a material change to its registration.  Although the schemes of work do not have much detail in them, leaders do intend to teach pupils about British values. For example, there are plans to teach pupils about democracy through weekly physical, social, health and economic (PSHE) education lessons.  Leaders have ensured that the school continues to meet this standard. Paragraphs 2(2) and 2(2)(a)  These standards were not met during the previous monitoring inspection in October 2018.  At the time of the previous inspection, pupils did not have suitable physical education (PE) lessons. Leaders have created a timetable that includes weekly PE lessons. However, because there were no pupils in school to talk to, or lessons to visit, it is not

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Main inspection findings

possible to say whether the provision is now suitable. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to say whether this standard is now met. Paragraphs 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii) and 2(2)(e)(iii)  These standards were not met during the previous monitoring inspection in October 2018.  At the time of the previous inspection, the PSHE curriculum was not planned appropriately and pupils were not given suitable advice about careers. Leaders have reviewed the PSHE curriculum and updated the school’s careers policy. However, because it was not possible to speak to pupils or visit lessons during the inspection, it is not possible to determine whether the policy or the schemes of work have been implemented effectively.  There is insufficient evidence to say whether these standards are now met. Paragraphs 2(2)(b), 2(2)(c), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f),

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Main inspection findings

3(g), 3(h), 3(i) and 3(j)  These standards were met during the previous monitoring inspection in October 2018. Inspectors looked at these standards because the school has applied to make a material change to its registration.  During this inspection, we were unable to speak to teachers or pupils, and it was not possible to visit lessons or review pupils’ work as there were no lessons taking place and no pupils’ books available.  There is insufficient evidence to say whether these standards relating to the quality of education continue to be met, or whether it is likely that these standards would be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5, 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), 5(d)(iii)  These standards were met during the previous monitoring inspection in October 2018. Inspectors looked at these standards because the school has applied to make a material change to its registration.  During this inspection, we were unable to speak to teachers or pupils, and it was not possible to visit lessons or look at pupils’ work.  Therefore, it is not possible to say whether the standards in this part continue to be met, or whether it is likely that these standards would be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a) and 7(b)  These standards were not met during the previous monitoring inspection in October 2018.  At the time of the previous inspection, the school’s safeguarding policy was not compliant with statutory guidance. Leaders have updated the policy and it now includes all of the information that it should.  However, leaders do not ensure that pupils are safe in school. The site is dangerous in places. In one classroom on the first floor, the windows open fully onto a flat roof that does not have a barrier. Pupils could climb out of the windows and fall off the roof.  Leaders have not ensured that these standards are currently met and therefore they are unlikely to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Paragraph 12  When the school was last inspected in October 2018 there were no staff trained in fire

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Main inspection findings

safety. There are now two members of staff who have had fire safety training. However, leaders have not addressed serious fire risks around the school site. For example, there are two wooden cabins that are used by the school. These are not connected to the school’s fire alarm system.  Leaders have not ensured that these standards are currently met and therefore they are unlikely to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Paragraph 14  This standard was met during the previous monitoring inspection in October 2018. Inspectors looked at this standard because the school has applied to make a material change to its registration.  During this inspection, we were unable to speak to teachers or pupils, or observe pupils during breaktimes and lunchtimes. Because of this, there is not enough evidence to say whether pupils are properly supervised during the school day, or whether the school is

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Main inspection findings

likely to meet this standard if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Paragraph 15  This standard was met during the previous monitoring inspection on 10 and 11 October 2018.  However, leaders do not keep accurate attendance registers. They are not always completed correctly. Inspectors noted some pupils with missing marks and sometimes registers are not taken at all. This is sloppy practice and presents a significant health and safety risk.  Leaders have not ensured that this standard is met. It is unlikely, therefore, that the standard will be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Paragraphs 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  These standards were not met during the previous monitoring inspection in October 2018.  At the time of the previous inspection, the school’s risk assessment policy was not being implemented effectively. Risk assessments were not completed for the school premises

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Main inspection findings

or for school trips.  Leaders now complete risk assessments for school trips, but this is not the case for the school premises. There are still areas of the school that do not have appropriate risk assessments. For example, there is a fire risk in the wooden cabins, and there is a risk of falling from the first-floor roof because of wide opening windows. Moreover, there is a mosque on the school site which is open to the public. Visitors to the mosque could access the school. There are no risk assessments in place that cover these risks, and leaders have not taken any action to reduce them.  Leaders have not ensured that these standards are met and therefore it is unlikely that they will be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c) and 23(2)  These standards were met during the previous monitoring inspection in October 2018. Inspectors looked at these standards because the school has applied to make a material change to its registration.  The proprietor is proposing to change the school from single-sex to co-educational. There are appropriate toilet facilities for boys and girls and there is a separate shower room. Although there are no changing facilities on site, leaders have arranged for pupils to come to school in their PE kit on the day that they have PE.  Leaders have ensured that these standards are met. These standards are likely to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Paragraph 25  The teaching accommodation which is away from the main building but within the school grounds is not maintained to a standard which ensures the health, welfare and safety of

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Main inspection findings

pupils. The heating of the cabins is inadequate in colder weather, sometimes requiring relocation to other parts of the school.  The two cabins remain extremely cold with no adequate form of heating. The school plans to discontinue their use. Currently, resources for pupils with special educational needs are stored in one of the cabins and it appears that the room remains in use.  Neither of the cabins has a fire alarm point and any alarm signal from the main building is inaudible in the cabins.  The science room, in the main building, contains the main electricity boxes which are accessible and not closed in. This results in an unidentified hazard to pupils and staff.  This standard is unmet. Therefore, it is unlikely that it will be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(g)  These standards were not met during the previous monitoring inspection in October 2018.  During the previous monitoring inspection, leaders were not able to provide inspectors with all of the information that they asked for. During this inspection, leaders did provide us with the information that we requested, including the school’s admission and attendance registers.  Leaders have ensured that these standards are now met and are likely to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Paragraph 32(1)(c)  This standard was met during the previous monitoring inspection in October 2018.  There is a safeguarding policy in place that now reflects statutory guidance and is up to date. The school has a website, but it is currently not working. Leaders wrote to parents at the beginning of this academic year to let them know that the school’s safeguarding

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Main inspection findings

policy is available on request.  Leaders have ensured that this standard is met, and it is likely to continue to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  These standards were not met during the previous monitoring inspection in October 2018. Leaders had not made sure that the independent school standards were met consistently.  Leaders have responded to some of the unmet standards identified during the previous inspection. They have produced an action plan that has been partially completed. For example, leaders did provide us with the information we requested during this inspection, and they have amended the school’s safeguarding policy so that it complies with current requirements.  However, there are some standards that remain unmet. For example, leaders have not completed thorough risk assessments of the school premises, and they are not doing enough to ensure that the site is safe if there is a fire.  There are other standards that were met previously but are now not met. For example,

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Main inspection findings

leaders do not ensure that teachers take accurate attendance registers. Sometimes attendance marks are missing, and this leaves pupils vulnerable. As a result, leaders cannot be sure which pupils are in school.  Leaders have not ensured that the independent school standards are met consistently. They are not fulfilling their responsibilities effectively. They do not ensure that pupils are safe, and they are not actively promoting the well-being of pupils.  Therefore, the standards in this part are not met, and are unlikely to be met by the school if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  At the time of the previous monitoring inspection on 10 and 11 October 2018, arrangements had been made to meet the requirements of paragraph 3 of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.  The proprietor has developed an accessibility plan. However, the accessibility plan does not provide information about how leaders are improving the curriculum to ensure that it is fully accessible to, and meets the needs of, pupils with an EHC plan.  Therefore, the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 are now not met. They are unlikely to be met by the school if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school does not meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements that were checked during this inspection, as set out in the annex of this report. This included the standards and requirements that the school was judged to not comply with at the previous inspection. Not all of the standards and associated requirements were checked during this inspection.

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School details

This inspection was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s suitability for continued registration as an independent school. The school has applied to the Department for Education (DfE) to make a ‘material change’ to its registration. At the DfE’s request, we checked whether the school meets the relevant independent school standards if the DfE decides to approve the change. This part of the inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002.

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School details

Gender of pupils in the sixth form Mixed

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School details

Of which, number on roll in sixth form 2

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £2,000 to £6,900

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 26 May 2010

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Information about this school

 Al-Furqan Community College is registered as an 11 to 16 girls’ school. The school proposes to change from single-sex to co-educational. The school currently admits boys as well as girls between the ages of 11 and 18. The school has an Islamic ethos.  The sole proprietor is also headteacher of the school.  The school operates on a single site. The school’s address is 1021 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3HG. The school does not currently use any alternative providers.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The purpose of the inspection was to monitor the progress the school has made in meeting the independent school standards and other requirements that it was judged to not comply with at its previous inspection. The inspection was conducted without notice.  The inspection was also commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) because the school has applied to the DfE to make a ‘material change’ to its registration. The school has applied to change from single-sex to co-educational by admitting boys as well as girls. The school has already implemented the material change. This was the school’s first material change inspection.  The school was previously inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) on 10 and 11 October 2018. This was a compliance only inspection. The school did not meet all of the independent school standards. The school’s previous standard inspection

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Information about this inspection

was on 10 to 13 November 2015. This inspection was also carried out by the ISI. The school did not meet all of the independent school standards.  The DfE required the school to prepare an action plan by 1 March 2019. The action plan was approved by the DfE on 13 June 2019.  This inspection was carried out with no notice and lasted one day. The inspection was carried out in parallel with the inspection of Al Furqan Community College (Boys).  During the inspection, the inspector met with the proprietor and toured the school. The inspector reviewed the school’s procedures for keeping pupils safe and scrutinised school documents, including risk assessments and pupils’ attendance records.  The inspector was unable to speak to pupils, visit lessons or review pupils’ work. This is because there were no pupils on site. The inspector was unable to meet with a wide range of staff. This is because the proprietor had taken the decision to close the school

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Information about this inspection

to pupils and staff on the day of the inspection due to a faulty heating system. This was done before the inspector arrived for the inspection.

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Inspection team

Niall Gallagher, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

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The school does not meet the following independent school standards

Standards that were not met at the previous inspection and remain unmet at this inspection

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school- – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Standards that were met at the previous inspection, but are now judged to not be met at this inspection

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and – 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work- – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 15 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that an admission and attendance register is maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006.  25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

Arrangements made to meet the requirements of paragraph 3 of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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standards

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 32(1)(g) any information reasonably requested in connection with an inspection under section 109 of the 2008 Act which is required for the purposes of the inspection is provided to the body conducting the inspection and that body is given access to the school’s admission and attendance registers. 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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standards

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standards

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standards

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standards

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standards

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standards

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