Beis Ruchel Girls School

School material change inspection report

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Beis Ruchel Girls School 87, Devonshire Street, Salford M7 4BE

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 32(1)(c)  The proprietor has ensured that the school’s safeguarding policy is appropriate. The policy is up to date and takes account of the latest guidance from the Secretary of State. It includes an addendum outlining the school’s procedures in relation to COVID- 19 (coronavirus). The school does not have a website. The safeguarding policy is available to parents and carers on request.  There are members of staff who are designated safeguarding leads in both buildings. Leaders ensure that staff receive appropriate training about the actions that they need to take should they have any concerns about the children and pupils in their care. Paragraph 9  Leaders have a detailed behaviour policy in place that is appropriate for the proposed material change to the school’s age range.  The policy sets out guidance for staff about the strategies that they can use to

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Main inspection findings

promote positive behaviour. There are detailed flow diagrams to explain the sanctions that can be implemented if behaviour falls below the expected standards.  The policy provides staff with the appropriate guidance on how to promote children’s personal and social development. The sanctions in place are appropriate for the age and stage of development of the youngest children, including 2-year-olds.  Systems are in place to record any incidents of poor behaviour. Paragraph 10  The school’s anti-bullying policy includes definitions of the different forms bullying can take, for example about race or religion, and online bullying. It also includes guidance for staff on the strategies that they may use to manage any incidents of bullying. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13  There is a written health and safety policy in place. It links to a range of safeguarding documents. There are systems and procedures in place to ensure that all relevant

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Main inspection findings

safety checks are carried out in a timely manner. For example, there are detailed logs noting the checks on the fire evacuation procedures and the play equipment in the early years.  Additional risk assessments for the school grounds and equipment are completed by the site manager to ensure that any risks to pupils and/or staff are swiftly identified and remedied. Electrical checks and checks on fire extinguishers are carried out by suitably qualified external contractors.  A fire risk assessment is in place. Any actions have been completed to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Fire routes are free from clutter. All exits are easily operated and there is clear signage in place.  There is a written first-aid policy in place. Leaders have ensured that a suitable number of staff have received first-aid training. This includes paediatric first-aid training for staff working with the youngest children. Detailed incident records indicate

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Main inspection findings

that first aid is administered in a timely and appropriate manner, when needed. Paragraph 14  The proprietor has ensured that the pupil to staff ratio is appropriate to ensure pupils are supervised throughout the day. The number of staff is suitable for the proposed increase in pupil numbers.  Leaders have ensured that staff in the early years have the appropriate qualifications to work with the youngest children. Leaders have plans in place to appoint appropriately qualified additional staff should the proposed extended age range be approved for 2-year-old children. Paragraph 15  An appropriate system to record admissions and attendance is in place. Admissions procedures comply with current legislation. All information is secure and the system contains all relevant information.  Leaders are able to give an appropriate explanation as to why any pupil is absent from school. Procedures are in place to follow up on any absence to check that pupils

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Main inspection findings

not in school are safe. Paragraph 16  The proprietor has ensured that there is a written risk assessment policy in place. Appropriate risk assessments are carried out for a range of activities. Leaders ensure that the information gathered is used to reduce potential risks both in and out of school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for a material change is approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c)  The school has moved to a new site. Pupils in Years 1 to 6 are taught in a new purpose-built building.  Children in the early years foundation stage (EYFS) are taught in a separate building on the same site. The purchase of the new building for the older pupils has provided the additional space needed to consider the age range to be extended to include 2- year-olds.  In both buildings, there are suitable toilet facilities for the sole use of pupils. They are

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Main inspection findings

in individual cubicles provided with suitable locks. There are an adequate number of toilets for the proposed increase in the number of pupils.  There are separate toilet facilities for visitors and staff.  Both buildings are accessible for pupils and adults with physical disabilities. There are also suitable toilet facilities in both buildings for pupils who have physical disabilities.  There are appropriate changing facilities in place to meet the statutory requirements for the EYFS. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)  A medical room is available for the medical examination and short-term care of pupils. The room has easy access to a nearby toilet facility. A bed, bedding and first-aid kit are available within the medical room. Paragraphs 25, 26  The school buildings are well maintained. They are clean and tidy and free from clutter. All parts of the accommodation have appropriate acoustics, lighting and

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Main inspection findings

heating.  The classrooms are of a suitable size for the proposed increase in the number of pupils. The furniture is also suitable for the needs of the pupils, including for the provision of 2-year-olds.  The accommodation is suitable for the additional requirements of the EYFS. For example, there is a room set aside for staff to meet with parents and carers to talk confidentially. Paragraph 27, 27(a), 27(b)  Classrooms, corridors and stairwells in the new building are well-lit.  Lighting in the EYFS classrooms and corridors is appropriate.  There is suitable lighting at every entrance to the school, including the EYFS building.  Lighting in the new car park ensures that the premises are safe to access and leave in the dark. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  Each classroom has a sink. This allows all pupils access to clearly labelled drinking water in their own classroom.

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Main inspection findings

 Separate handwashing facilities are available in the toilets provided solely for pupils. The temperature of the hot water is checked regularly. The water is at a suitable temperature for pupils and does not pose a risk of scalding. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  There is a suitable outdoor space that is safe for pupils to play in. The space is also sufficient for the proposed increase in the number of pupils.  The outdoor space is suitable for the delivery of the physical education curriculum.  There is a separate, suitable outdoor space for the youngest children to play in. This space has a range of equipment and resources to promote children’s physical development. These include a selection of appropriate bikes and scooters. There is also a designated, covered quiet area and a new garden area. This space is suitable for the proposed increase in the number of children.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for a material change is

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Main inspection findings

approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor, headteacher and leaders in school have a secure understanding of the independent school standards.  Leaders, including those responsible for the youngest children, demonstrate an understanding of the statutory requirements for EYFS.  The proprietor has ensured that the school can provide accommodation for an increased number of pupils in the new premises. This includes for the children in the EYFS and pupils in Years 1 to 6.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for a material change is approved. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has ensured that there is an accessibility plan in place. The policy references access for pupils to the curriculum and the premises.  The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 are likely

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Main inspection findings

to be met if all the relevant policies are fully implemented. Statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage  The proprietor has ensured that the safeguarding and welfare requirements for the EYFS are in place.  Leaders’ plans pay particular attention to the provision for 2-year-olds. This includes the appointment and training of suitably qualified staff. The plans include actions to promote children’s learning and development.  The statutory requirements for the EYFS are likely to be met if the request for a material change is approved.

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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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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 likely compliance with the independent school standards relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

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School details

Email address mrskrausz@jnrbeisruchel.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 22–24 January 2019

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 3 to 11 2 to 11 2 to 11

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 335 370 370

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 268 340 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 1 3

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 1 3

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 22 22

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 35 44

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 31 35

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Information about this school

 Beis Ruchel Girls School moved to a new site at 87 Devonshire Street, Salford, M7 4BE on 20 October 2020.  There is a separate building for the provision of early years education on the same site.

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Information about this inspection

 The material change inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education because the school requested a change of premises, an extended age range from three to 11 years to two to 11 years, and an increase in the number of pupils on roll across the whole school from 340 to 370.  The inspector toured the new premises for the main school and the separate early years building which is on the same site. The inspector was accompanied by the headteacher and the leader responsible for the early years.  The inspector scrutinised a range of documents and policies, including the safeguarding policy.  The inspector met with the headteacher, the leader responsible for early years and the leader responsible for the main school, to discuss all aspects of the material change.  The inspector met with the proprietor of the school.

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Inspection team

Amanda Stringer, 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 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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