Peninim

School material change inspection report

p.1

Peninim 37 Elmcroft Crescent, London NW11 9TB and 285 Golder’s Green, London NW11 9JE

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 11, 12, 14 and 16  Safeguarding leaders have recently completed enhanced training. They have a secure understanding of how to keep pupils as safe from harm as possible, including in light of the latest statutory guidance. Leaders manage concerns well. However, the school’s child protection policy does not reflect the latest guidance issued by the Secretary of State. In addition, the single central register of vetting checks is not compliant, as outlined in part 4.  The school’s health and safety and risk assessment policies are suitable. However, there are no written risk assessments for either of the new premises. Leaders ensure that daily safety risk assessment checklists are completed, but these lack rigour. Of greatest concern is fire safety, especially at the Golders Green Road premises. Leaders have not commissioned external fire safety risk assessments. Instead, they

p.1

Main inspection findings

have written internal fire safety risk assessments, which lack credibility. For example, the Golders Green Road site’s risk assessment states that there is no need for fire safety doors, and that there is no requirement for emergency lighting in the building. This is not the case. Certification from September 2019 confirms that emergency lighting is present in the premises but that some of it is not working. This has not been fixed and the required monthly checks have not been carried out. The school is not compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  There is likely to be an appropriate deployment of staff to ensure that pupils are safely supervised. Children in the early years are supervised in line with the requirements of the early years foundation stage. Pupils of compulsory school age are appropriately supervised at a ratio of approximately one adult to eight pupils.  Some of the independent school standards checked in this part are not met, as listed

p.1

Main inspection findings

in the annex to this report. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors All paragraphs  The single central register (SCR) of checks on staff, agency staff, governors and proprietors is not compliant.  Prohibition from teaching checks have not been completed on all the required staff; some are wrongly marked as ‘processing’.  Barred list checks are not identified on the SCR.  One of the proprietors and none of the governors have been checked and included on the SCR.  There were some misunderstandings about the difference between ‘right to work in the United Kingdom’ and ‘additional checks for those who have lived and/or worked abroad’ checks, which were clarified during the inspection.  Leaders have incorrectly continued to check whether staff are ‘disqualified by association’, a practice that leaders ceased during the inspection.  Some staff members’ qualifications required to meet the requirements of the early

p.1

Main inspection findings

years foundation stage have not been listed on the SCR.  Some of the independent school standards checked in this part are not met, as listed in the annex to this report.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools All paragraphs  The school has already relocated to its new main premises at 37 Elmcroft Crescent, London NW11 9TB, which is where pre-nursery children attend. These premises have been fully refurbished and currently accommodate 58 children. They are likely to be able to accommodate a maximum of 70 children.  The Elmcroft Crescent premises are clean, safe and well maintained. Works to further improve the suitable toilet and washing facilities are underway. The two large classroom spaces are modern, bright, spacious and well equipped. There is suitable outdoor space for play and physical development. Hot water supplies are safely regulated, drinking water is labelled as such and provided to pupils in jugs. The acoustic conditions, sound insulation and internal and external lighting are suitable throughout the premises. However, there is not a suitable medical room facility. The

p.2

Main inspection findings

current arrangement to draw curtains on a teaching and play area that does not include a washing facility is not appropriate.  All other pupils now attend the new temporary premises at 285 Golders Green Road, London NW11 9JE. There are currently 45 pupils attending these premises. It is the inspector’s view that the premises are at capacity and that no further pupils should be admitted.  The Golders Green Road premises, converted from their previous use as a hotel, have been made safer than they were when they were acquired, but are not suitable for long-term use as a school. The building includes five classrooms (previously hotel bedrooms), several toilets with washing facilities (previously hotel bathrooms), offices and an area for pupils to eat their lunch.  The acoustic conditions, sound insulation and internal and external lighting are suitable throughout the premises. However, there are multiple blown or missing

p.2

Main inspection findings

lightbulbs, and dangling wires in some places where bulbs have not been replaced. Though these are not in pupils’ reach, they reflect a lack of attention to detail in making the premises a pleasant place to work, learn and play.  There is ample outdoor space in the large garden. However, there are some gaps in the fencing and the artificial lawn presents a tripping hazard. Staff told the inspector that the fire exit signage appears to be incorrect, as it leads to a locked gate. There are additional fire safety concerns about fire doors and emergency lighting, as identified in part 3.  Labelled drinking water is available from taps throughout the building. It is not known whether the temperature of hot water supplies is safely regulated because there was no hot water supply and no heating in half of the building during the inspection. The lunch space in particular was unacceptably cold.  There is no suitable medical room facility. The space presented does not include a

p.3

Main inspection findings

washing facility, has the staff toilet facility within the room, and is set up entirely as an office, with an available camp bed. There is no space for the secure storage of medication.  Some of the independent school standards checked in this part are not met, as listed in the annex to this report.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(c)  In the absence of a website, leaders ensure that a hard copy of the school’s child protection policy is readily available to parents and visitors. As a result, this requirement is met.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34  The change of the school’s main premises has already taken place, and this inspection has identified unmet independent school standards. Additionally, leaders have not ensured that all the standards checked during this inspection – including the standard in this part – are likely to be met if the material change to increase the maximum number on roll is implemented at this time.

p.3

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 are relevant to the material change, as set out in the annex of this report.

p.4

School details

This inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s compliance with the independent school standards relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

p.5

School details

Type of school Jewish Orthodox primary day school

p.5

School details

Date of previous standard inspection 6–8 November 2018

p.5

recommendation

Age range of pupils 2 to 11 No change Not applicable

p.5

recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 103 115 Change not recommended

p.5

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed in pre-nursery; girls only from Nursery upwards No change Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 40 50

p.5

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils None No change

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 8 Up to 15

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan None Up to 3

p.6

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 None Up to 3

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 11 14

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 20 22

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 5 7

p.6

Information about this school

 Peninim is an independent primary day school in the London Borough of Barnet. It serves boys and girls in the pre-nursery, and girls only from ages three and above. Pupils are of Jewish Orthodox faith.  The school’s most recent inspection was a full standard inspection in November 2018, when its overall effectiveness was judged to require improvement, and all the independent school standards were judged to be met.  Information about the school’s proprietorship is currently incorrect on the website ‘Get information about schools’ (GIAS). The proprietor is Peninim Ltd. The chair of the proprietorial board is Isaac Brief. There are two other members of the proprietorial body. The proprietors are now supported by a governing body.  Since October 2019, the school has vacated the premises currently identified on GIAS. The pre-nursery now operates from the school’s new main premises at 37 Elmcroft Crescent, London NW11 9TB. All other pupils attend the new temporary premises at

p.6

Information about this school

285 Golders Green Road, London NW11 9JE.  The school’s current registered capacity is 50 pupils. At the time of this inspection, 103 pupils were on roll.

p.7

Information about this inspection

 This first material change inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to consider the school’s application to increase its pupil numbers and change its main premises. The inspection was conducted with two days’ notice.  In light of the change in premises and the increase in number on roll from 50 to 103, the inspector was asked to consider whether the school continues to comply with some of the requirements in Parts 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 of the independent school standards.  In the absence of the substantive headteacher, the inspector met with the chair of the proprietorial body, the designated safeguarding leader and the head of secular education. The inspector toured both new premises and considered a range of relevant documentation, such as policies, risk assessments and fire safety information. He also checked the school’s single central register of vetting checks.  There were not enough recent responses on Ofsted Parent View to consider as part of

p.8

Inspection team

James Waite, lead inspector Ofsted Inspector

p.8

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.  11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.  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.

p.9

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 20(6) The standard in this paragraph is met in relation to an individual ("MB"), not being the Chair of the school, who is a member of a body of persons corporate or unincorporate named as the proprietor of the school in the register or in an application to enter the school in the register, if– – 20(6)(a) MB– – 20(6)(a)(i) is not barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act where that individual is or will be engaging in activity which is regulated activity within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 4 of that Act; and – 20(6)(a)(ii) does not carry out work, or intend to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either

p.9

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

such direction; – 20(6)(b) subject to sub-paragraphs (7) to (8), the Chair of the school makes the following checks relating to MB– – 20(6)(b)(i) where relevant to the individual, an enhanced criminal record check; – 20(6)(b)(ii) checks confirming MB’s identity and MB’s right to work in the United Kingdom; and – 20(6)(b)(iii) where, by reason of MB’s living or having lived outside the United Kingdom, obtaining an enhanced criminal record certificate is not sufficient to establish MB’s suitability to work in a school, such further checks as the Chair of the school considers appropriate, having regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  21(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor keeps a register which shows such of the information referred to in sub-paragraphs (3) to (7) as is applicable to the school in question.  21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is–

p.9

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff ("S") appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether– – 21(3)(a)(ii) a check was made to establish whether S is barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act; – 21(3)(a)(iii) a check was made to establish whether S is subject to any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in such a direction; – 21(3)(a)(iv) checks were made to ensure, where appropriate, that S had the relevant qualifications; – 21(3)(b) in relation to each member of staff ("S"), whether a check was made to establish whether S is subject to a prohibition order or an interim prohibition order, including the date on which such check was completed.  21(6) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation each member

p.10

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

("MB") of a body of persons named as the proprietor appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether the checks referred to in paragraph 20(6)(b) were made, the date they were made and the date on which the resulting certificate was obtained.

p.10

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 24(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including– – 24(1)(a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils; – 24(1)(b) accommodation for the short term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility.  24(2) The accommodation provided under sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) may be used for other purposes (apart from teaching) provided it is always readily available to be used for the purposes set out in sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b).  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.

p.10

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 28(1)(b) toilets and urinals have an adequate supply of cold water and washing facilities have an adequate supply of hot and cold water; – 28(1)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users.

p.10

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. 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 .

p.11

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child’s school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

p.12

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk , or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/ofsted .

p.12

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

p.12

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.12

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.12

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.12