Madina-tul-Uloom Al Islamic College

Assurance visit report: Madinatul Uloom Al Islamiyah 1 Madinatul Uloom Al Islamiyah

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Butts Lane, Stone, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY10 4BH

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Information about this boarding school

The school is an independent boarding and day school for Muslim pupils and students aged 11 to 28. The vast majority of pupils are boarders.

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Information about this boarding school

The boarding provision for all pupils is in the school grounds, with different age ranges in each boarding house.

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Information about this boarding school

This inspection concentrated on pupils under the age of 18.

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Information about this boarding school

Previous inspection date: 8 October 2019

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Information about this boarding school

Previous inspection judgement: Inadequate

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Information about this visit

Due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), Ofsted suspended all routine inspections in March 2020. As part of a phased return to routine inspection, we are undertaking assurance visits to children’s social care services that are inspected under the social care common inspection framework (SCCIF).

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Information about this visit

At these visits, inspectors evaluate the extent to which:

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Information about this visit

 children are well cared for  children are safe  leaders and managers are exercising strong leadership.

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Information about this visit

This visit was carried out under the Children Act 1989, following the published guidance for assurance visits.

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Information about this visit

Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills is leading Ofsted’s work into how England’s social care system has delivered child-centred practice and care within the context of the restrictions placed on society during the COVID-19 pandemic. Assurance visit report: Madinatul Uloom Al Islamiyah 2

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Findings from the visit

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance visit.

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The care of children

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic the boarding provision was closed from March 2020 until September 2020. During this period children received their education online.

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The care of children

Once the boarding provision reopened in September, children have been able to stay in contact with their families.

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The care of children

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, senior leaders have needed to make changes to the boarding accommodation in order to create support bubbles. Children are clear about the measures and why these are necessary to keep them safe.

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The care of children

Since the last inspection, improvements have been made to the overall condition of the boarding provision. For example, children’s rooms now have curtains that fit the windows. These improvements have given children better living accommodation and ensured that their dignity is protected.

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The care of children

The school has carried out a children’s survey to find out children’s wishes and feelings. Overall, the results show that children are happy and feel well cared for. The leadership team has put together an action plan to help to address areas that require further improvement.

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The safety of children

There is now better oversight of the health, safety and well-being of children. For example, leaders and managers have now prioritised fire safety. This has included carrying out work to address the concerns raised during the last inspection. The fire service has visited the boarding provision and confirmed that it is now at an acceptable standard.

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The safety of children

No children have gone missing from the school. Staff practise in a way that supports the development of positive behaviour. This includes complying with policies, procedures and practice that help to support a child-centred approach to the development of positive behaviour.

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The safety of children

Children spoken to during the inspection told the inspectors that they felt safe. They are confident that if they have a concern that staff would act.

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The safety of children

The school has brought in additional help when children and their families have been directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including experiencing personal loss. This has included senior staff receiving bereavement training. Staff have used Assurance visit report: Madinatul Uloom Al Islamiyah 3 this training, alongside their own personal experiences, to help support children during this challenging time.

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Leaders and managers

Leaders and managers have acted to address the shortfalls raised at the last inspection. As a result, the national minimum standards are now met.

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Leaders and managers

Parents contacted during the inspection all spoke positively about their experience of the boarding provision. They feel that communication is good.

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Leaders and managers

An independent listener has continued to visit the school, in line with the school’s risk assessment around COVID-19. This has given the children the opportunity to talk to someone who is independent and to share any concerns.

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Leaders and managers

Leaders have high aspirations for the future of the boarding provision. However, some plans are still in their infancy and are yet to be fully embedded, reviewed and tested.

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Boarding school details

Headteacher/Teacher in charge/Principal/CEO: Abdullah Memi

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Inspectors

Louise Battersby, Social Care Inspector Dave Carrigan, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: Madinatul Uloom Al Islamiyah 4 to 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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Inspectors

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 .

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Inspectors

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 .

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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