Yeshivah Ohr Torah School

Yeshivah Ohr Torah School - School progress monitoring inspection report

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Yeshivah Ohr Torah School 28 Broom Lane, Salford, Lancashire M7 4FX

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 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)  At the previous progress monitoring inspection in March 2019, this standard was unmet because leaders did not provide any written policies or statements to explain their approach to promoting pupils’ development in this area. They were also unwilling to allow pupils to talk with the inspector about these matters.  There are now several documents and policies that cover a broad range of aspects of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. These include the encouragement of respect for other faiths and cultures and the promotion of fundamental British values. There are also strategies in place to preclude partisan political views.  Leaders allowed the inspector to talk with pupils, who were not accompanied by staff,

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Main inspection findings

about their experience of school and about safeguarding. However, leaders made it clear that there could be no discussion with pupils to explore their understanding of sexual orientation and gender reassignment. This was because they felt that such discussion was not in keeping with the school’s faith and beliefs.  The documents provided, along with discussions with leaders and pupils, demonstrate that leaders have made progress across most of the paragraphs in this part. However, there is still a lack of action to ensure that the proprietor body and leaders encourage respect for all the protected characteristics. Sexual orientation and gender reassignment are deliberately absent from leaders’ work in this area.  The standard in this part remains unmet. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  At the previous progress monitoring inspection, this standard was not met because the

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Main inspection findings

inspector did not receive sufficient documentation from leaders to enable him to evaluate any progress against this standard. As a result, he could not confirm if the arrangements for safeguarding met requirements.  However, the inspector at the emergency inspection in December 2019 scrutinised the proprietor body’s safeguarding documentation and found it suitable.  The proprietor body has a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place. It has been updated to reflect the most recent guidance from the government. It contains leaders’ approach to managing issues such as upskirting and allegations against staff. There are other policies and documents in place, such as guidance on staff recruitment, which supplement the policy. There have been few safeguarding concerns related to pupils to report, but the designated safeguarding lead records them thoroughly. Staff have received appropriate training. Pupils who spoke with the inspector expressed confidence

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Main inspection findings

in the ability of staff to keep them safe in school. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 10  At the previous progress monitoring inspection, no policies were available for the inspector to examine relating to behaviour or bullying. Because of this, he could not confirm that the policies met requirements. Therefore, the standards were not met.  The proprietor body has a suitable behaviour policy in place. It explains the school’s principle of a positive approach to behaviour management. It also describes sanctions and rewards. Pupils who spoke with the inspector said that behaviour in school is very good and that staff manage it well.  There is an appropriate bullying policy. It contains a description of what the school deems to be bullying and recognises that some bullying happens because of prejudice. There are strategies for managing bullying and clear information about how leaders will respond to it, if it happens.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 13  At the previous progress monitoring inspection, leaders did not present the inspector with a first-aid policy. Consequently, the inspector could not ascertain if the standard in this paragraph was met.  The proprietor body now has a suitable first-aid policy in place. It contains relevant content, such as the roles of first-aiders and leaders’ approach to providing a programme of ongoing training. A first-aid kit is easily accessible, and leaders keep records of any injuries and their responses to them. Paragraph 15  At the emergency inspection in December 2019, the inspector found that the proprietor body had not breached the relevant restriction on further admissions which the Department for Education (DfE) imposed in October 2019. However, the admissions register contravened the government’s regulations regarding the registration of pupils. Specifically, it did not contain: the name and address of every person known to the

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Main inspection findings

proprietor body of the school to be a parent of each pupil; or the name and address of the school that pupils last attended, if any. As a result, the standard in this paragraph was not met.  Leaders have amended the admissions register to ensure compliance with the relevant regulations. They have also updated the attendance register so it now uses standard codes. Codes other than oblique strokes appear as Hebrew characters, but the document contains a key to explain each one in English.  At the emergency inspection, there were 87 pupils on the school’s roll. This was in excess of the school’s registered capacity of 39 pupils. Since then, the proprietor body has continued to comply with the relevant restriction on further admissions imposed by the DfE. The number of pupils on roll has now reduced to 74. However, this is still more than the number for which the school is registered.  The standards in this part are now met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(b), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 21(1), 21(3), 21(3)(a) and 21(3)(a)(iii)  At the previous progress monitoring inspection, the standards in this part, concerning safeguarding checks on members of the proprietor body, were not met. This was because the inspector was unable to examine the school’s register of safeguarding checks on staff.  The chair of the proprietor body has now carried out the required checks on members of the proprietor body. These details are recorded correctly in an appropriate document. The chair keeps copies of the relevant documents that he has received to establish members’ suitability.  The standards in this part are now met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(c)  At the last progress monitoring inspection, the school had no changing or showering

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Main inspection findings

facilities for pupils to use after receiving physical education (PE). As a result, the standard in this paragraph was not met.  Leaders explained that they have received planning permission for new premises. They intend to provide suitable changing and showering facilities when they move to the new site. However, there are still no suitable showering and changing facilities on the existing site. Leaders have received permission to use facilities in the adjacent community centre but were unable to produce a risk assessment that explained how they would ensure pupils could use these safely. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(b)  At the previous progress monitoring inspection, leaders had provided a suitable space to accommodate sick and/or injured pupils on a short-term basis. The provision was checked again during this inspection and is still suitable. There is a bed in a curtained-off area of an office, with washing facilities and a toilet nearby. It is available for exclusive

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Main inspection findings

use when required. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  At the time of the last progress monitoring inspection, the school had no outdoor area suitable for pupils either to play outside or to take part in PE. Leaders also had not put in place any alternative arrangements for pupils to access sports venues off site.  Although leaders plan to provide suitable outdoor space in their proposed new premises, there is still no suitable, safe space outdoors for PE lessons or play. Leaders stated that they have been unable to provide off-site PE activities because COVID-19 (coronavirus) restrictions have closed suitable venues, such as swimming pools.  The standards in this part remain unmet. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(g), 32(3), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f)  At the previous progress monitoring inspection, the inspector was unable to determine whether the school met the relevant paragraphs of the standard in this part because

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Main inspection findings

leaders did not provide enough documentary evidence. As a result, the standard was unmet.  During this inspection, leaders demonstrated that they now have a wide range of policies and documents in place. These include the safeguarding policy and the required details about the school’s complaints procedure. Parents and carers know that these are available at school because leaders publicise the fact in the school’s prospectus.  Leaders were unable to present evidence of how they provide for pupils who have an education, health and care plan (EHC plan). They were also unable to present information about the school’s academic performance in the previous school year.  The standard in this part remains unmet. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  At the previous progress monitoring inspection, this standard was unmet. This was because leaders had not provided sufficient evidence that they had addressed the other

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Main inspection findings

unmet standards from the previous standard inspection.  The proprietor body and school leaders have brought about several improvements and have seen to it that the school now meets many of the unmet standards. For example, there are now suitable policies and procedures in place to ensure the welfare and safety of pupils. Leaders have clear strategies to promote many aspects of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.  However, there are still some standards that are not met. For example, there is still no progress in ensuring that leaders encourage pupils to have respect for all the protected characteristics, including sexual orientation and gender reassignment.  Leaders described their intentions to provide suitable facilities for PE, including showers and a changing area, at their proposed new premises. However, the current site does not meet the requirements of the relevant standards.

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Main inspection findings

 The school’s registered capacity is 39 pupils, but at the time of the inspection there were 74 pupils on roll. Although this is a smaller number than at the emergency inspection, leaders are not ensuring that the number of pupils in the school is appropriate, given the accommodation available and terms of the school’s registration.  The standard in this part remains unmet. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  At the last progress monitoring inspection, this requirement was not met. This was because leaders were not able to provide a written accessibility plan.  The proprietor body has an appropriate accessibility plan in place. The plan contains actions to: adjust the curriculum for any pupils who are disabled and provide training to staff; allocate classrooms and make future adjustments to the building to take disabilities into account; and provide information in alternative formats, depending on need.

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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. 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.

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) Voluntary contributions

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 10–12 July 2018

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Information about this school

 The school received its last standard inspection on 10–12 July 2018. It subsequently received a progress monitoring inspection on 6 March 2019 and an emergency inspection on 12 December 2019.  The school has exceeded the number of pupils agreed by the DfE. There are currently 74 pupils on roll. This has reduced from 87 pupils at the emergency inspection. The school’s registered capacity is 39 pupils.  There is no record of the proprietor’s name on the government’s website ‘Get information about schools’. The number of pupils who have an EHC plan which is recorded on this website has not been amended.

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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 standard inspection.  This inspection was conducted during the interim phase of inspection following the disruption to schools caused by COVID-19. The school had 30 minutes’ notice of the inspection.  This was the school’s second progress monitoring inspection. Its first such inspection was on 6 March 2019. The school also received an emergency inspection covering a limited number of independent school standards on 12 December 2019.  Ofsted evaluated the school’s action plan, following the previous standard inspection, on 10 January 2019. The DfE rejected the action plan following the previous standard

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Information about this inspection

inspection.  The inspector held discussions with the school’s operational manager and the chair of the proprietor body. He spoke with a group of pupils about their experience of school and about safeguarding matters. No members of staff were present during this meeting. Leaders requested that the inspector should not speak with pupils about their understanding of gender reassignment and sexual orientation. This was because they feel such matters are not compatible with the beliefs of the Jewish faith.  The inspector examined policy documents, including the school’s safeguarding policy, the attendance and admissions registers and other written information about the school’s work.  The inspector toured relevant parts of the school premises, accompanied by the operational manager, to gather evidence on the standards he had been requested to check.

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Inspection team

Mark Quinn, 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 un-met at this inspection

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

 5 The standard about the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at the school is met if the proprietor- – 5(b) ensures that principles are actively promoted which- – 5(b)(vi) encourage respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 23(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 23(1)(c) suitable changing accommodation and showers are provided for pupils aged 11 years or over at the start of the school year who receive physical education. – 29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable- – 29(1)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum; and – 29(1)(b) pupils to play outside.

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 32(1)(b) the information specified in sub-paragraph (3) is made available to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate.  32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(3)(b) particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans and pupils for whom English is an additional language; – 32(3)(e) particulars of the school’s academic performance during the preceding school year, including the results of any public examinations.

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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.

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

 5 The standard about the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at the school is met if the proprietor- – 5(a) actively promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; – 5(b)(i) enable pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence; – 5(b)(ii) enable pupils to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England; – 5(b)(iii) encourage pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality in which the school is situated and to society more widely; – 5(b)(iv) enable pupils to acquire a broad general knowledge of and respect for public institutions and services in England; – 5(b)(v) further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures; – 5(b)(vii) encourage respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in England; – 5(c) precludes the promotion of partisan political views in the teaching of any subject in the school; and – 5(d) takes such steps as are reasonably practicable to ensure that where political issues are brought to the attention of pupils– – 5(d)(i) while they are in attendance at the school, – 5(d)(ii) while they are taking part in extra-curricular activities which are provided or organised by or on behalf of the school, or – 5(d)(iii) in the promotion at the school, including through the distribution of promotional material, of extra-curricular activities taking place at the school or elsewhere.

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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.  9 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor promotes good behaviour amongst pupils by ensuring that– – 9(a) a written behaviour policy is drawn up that, amongst other matters, sets out the sanctions to be adopted in the event of pupil misbehaviour; – 9(b) the policy is implemented effectively.  10 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that bullying at the school is prevented in so far as reasonably practicable, by the drawing up and implementation of an effective anti-bullying strategy.  13 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that first aid is administered in a timely and competent manner by the drawing up and effective

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

implementation of a written first aid policy.  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.

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

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if– – 18(2)(b) no such person carries out work, or intends 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 such direction.  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

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

– 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 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

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

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– – 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff (“S”) appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether– – 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.

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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)(b) accommodation for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility.

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 32(1)(c) particulars of the arrangements for meeting the standard contained in paragraph 7 are published on the school’s internet website or, where no such website exists, are provided to parents on request; – 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. – 32(3)(f) details of the complaints procedure referred to in paragraph 33, and the number of complaints registered under the formal procedure during the preceding school year.

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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)(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 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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