Darul Uloom London School

School and boarding progress monitoring inspection report

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Darul Uloom London Foxbury Avenue, Off Perry Street, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7 6SD

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a) and (b)  At the previous inspection in May 2017, the school’s safeguarding arrangements were inadequate. Senior leaders, including trustees, did not actively promote the welfare and safety of boarders and pupils. They failed to follow procedures in response to a serious child protection allegation. They did not inform the local authority designated officer or the Disclosure and Barring Service.  The action plan evaluated in August 2017 stated that it was likely that the school would meet these standards in light of leaders’ proposed actions.  This inspection confirmed that leaders have implemented most of the planned actions.  A new chair of trustees has been appointed who, together with the designated safeguarding lead and the deputy, have undertaken up-to-date safeguarding training. Staff and pupils have also undertaken recent safeguarding training. Pupils learn how to

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Main inspection findings

keep safe, including when using the internet. They have received guidance on how to sustain a healthy mental well-being.  Leaders have acted on all of the recommendations identified by the external safeguarding audit. This includes improvements in external security.  Safeguarding has a higher profile and is now the focus for a weekly discussion in staff and senior leadership team meetings. These meetings provide staff with the opportunity to raise any potential safeguarding issues. Concerns are logged and referred on to the appropriate agencies. Local authority officers confirm that the school now liaises more effectively with them and regularly seeks their advice on safeguarding matters.  Nonetheless, there remains a worrying inconsistency in how leaders tackle potential safeguarding concerns including allegations about members of staff. There are flaws involving the fitness for purpose of the safeguarding policy, risk assessment and

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Main inspection findings

safeguarding procedures, in part relating to conflicts of interest. Leaders in key safeguarding positions continue to lack a full appreciation of how to keep pupils safe. Current arrangements are not effective in safeguarding pupils and promoting their welfare.  The proprietor and school leaders have not ensured that the school meets these standards. Paragraph 8, 8(a) and 8(b)  The previous inspection found that sixth-form students volunteered to work in the boarding provision. These students had responsibility for the supervision, welfare and safety of other young people. This was counted as work experience that contributed to their vocational social care courses.  These arrangements placed an unacceptable level of responsibility on students who may not have the maturity, experience and knowledge to keep pupils safe.  The arrangements were incompatible with the requirements of boarding provision to

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Main inspection findings

safeguard younger pupils from the risk of abuse by older pupils.  The action plan set out arrangements for leaders to review the roles and responsibilities of these students and to end their responsibilities for supervision of boarders.  Senior leaders have successfully implemented the above actions to address the previous weaknesses. Older students act as prefects and undertake supervision of pupils, for example at lunchtime and prayer-times, but they no longer perform any boarding duties.  Nonetheless, there are inherent weaknesses in the school’s safeguarding procedures. As a result, the proprietor and school leaders have not ensured that the school meets these standards. Paragraph 9 and 9(c)  The previous inspection established that records were not kept of incidents of poor behaviour on the part of pupils or the outcomes of any incidents.  The action plan outlined leaders’ intention to review the way in which instances of poor

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Main inspection findings

behaviour were recorded.  Senior leaders have implemented revised behaviour logs. They routinely analyse records of behaviour in order to identify patterns of poor behaviour and so inform further actions. All incidents are now fully recorded, with clear incremental sanctions outlined.  The proprietor and leaders have successfully implemented the above actions to address the previous weaknesses. They have ensured that the school now meets these standards. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 22-30  Inspectors were asked to consider a material change request by the Department for Education, as school leaders wish to increase the maximum number of pupils on roll from 155 to 225. Inspectors were also asked to clarify the age range of pupils on roll.  This inspection found that there is sufficient room to accommodate an additional 70 pupils. Classrooms are not at full capacity and there are three additional classrooms,

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Main inspection findings

currently unused. There are sufficient toilets and washing facilities for the proposed increase in numbers.  Senior leaders also outlined a request to increase the age range to 25. They explained that this would enable older students to undertake further Islamic studies. This was not part of the material change request.  It was pointed out to school leaders that they have already exceeded the maximum number by six and have two 20 year-old students on roll. As a result, the school breaches its registration.  In light of the unmet standards in part 3 of the independent school standards and the associated national minimum boarding standards, this inspection does not recommend the material change.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33 (d)  The previous inspection found that school leaders were not implementing the complaints policy effectively. They had not kept records of concerns raised by parents or responded appropriately to them. Leaders had no effective procedures in place for responding to complaints before the formal stage. As a result, some concerns had gone unanswered. This presented a risk to pupils’ welfare.  The action plan indicated that leaders would ensure that any complaints were made directly to the general manager. Leaders also intended to review the way in which complaints were recorded, including informal complaints. The plan provided guidance about the exact information which must be included in these records. Trustees and leaders would evaluate the impact of these actions.  The proprietor and leaders have successfully implemented the above actions to address

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Main inspection findings

the previous weaknesses. All informal complaints are recorded and acted on appropriately by the general manager.  The proprietor and school leaders have ensured that the school now meets these standards. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1) (a), 34(1) (b) and 34(1) (c)  At the time of the previous inspection, the proprietor had failed to ensure that leaders were taking effective action so that all of the independent school standards were met. Inspectors considered that unmet standards presented a risk to the welfare of pupils and boarders at the school.  This inspection established that leaders have successfully ensured that some of the previous unmet standards are now met. However, the remaining unmet standards continue to put pupils at risk of potential harm. Trustees do not provide leaders with sufficient challenge about all aspects of safeguarding practice. As a consequence, they

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Main inspection findings

do not actively promote the welfare and safety of pupils and boarders.  The school has made changes to the age range and numbers of pupils on roll in breach of its registration. Leaders have not notified the Department for Education of these changes.  These standards relating to leadership remain unmet.

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Main inspection findings

Boarding provision Compliance with the national minimum standards for boarding schools that were assessed during this inspection

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Main inspection findings

NMS 11.1  The school keeps detailed records of safeguarding concerns relating to the school and boarding. They work effectively in partnership with relevant agencies to investigate concerns. This is a significant improvement since the previous full inspection. Despite these improvements, the school failed to take action in response to child protection concerns raised by the police. They failed to recognise the potential risks to pupils and boarders.  The requirements for this standard are not met. NMS 13.3  The safeguarding systems in the school and boarding are intrinsically flawed, with the potential for a conflict of interest which undermines the ability of the school and the professional network to impartially and objectively investigate concerns and could prevent them taking necessary action in order to keep young people safe.  The requirements for this standard are not met. NMS 13.1 and 13.5  The principal demonstrated a lack of understanding of this potential conflict of interest.

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Main inspection findings

The head of trustees was aware of the potential conflict of interest but did not intervene or challenge the school to make alternative arrangements to investigate the concern. He took no action to ensure potential risks to pupils and boarders were assessed and addressed.  The requirements for this standard are not met. NMS 13.8  Since the previous full inspection, school leaders have significantly improved their recording systems with regard to pupils’ poor behaviour. This means that school leaders are better able to monitor practice in relation to the quality of care and welfare of pupils and boarders in the school.  The requirements for this standard are now met. NMS 18.1 and 18:2  The school implements an appropriate policy in relation to recording and responding to complaints. They record both informal and formal complaints and take action to address any concerns raised by pupils or parents in relation to both education and boarding. This

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Main inspection findings

is a significant improvement since the previous inspection.  The requirements for this standard are now met. NMS 19  The school has clarified the roles and duties of prefects in the school and they no longer have a role in supervising young people in boarding. Their newly defined duties are appropriate and no longer place them in a situation where they have unacceptable levels of responsibility. The school provides induction and training for prefects to ensure that they are aware of the limits of their authority and role. Prefects have a clear understanding of their duty to report and share concerns to teaching and boarding staff.  The requirement for this standards are now met.

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Material change request

 The proprietor and leaders plan to increase the accommodation over three floors of the existing boarding wing. The accommodation follows the same format of the existing accommodation used by pupils.  Pupils will have access to an adult for support during the night if necessary. A further staff room to accommodate two members of staff is also planned for each floor. Two of the rooms allocated for six boarders are not presently fit for purpose. The larger room on the first floor connects onto a balcony. No assessment of possible risk was made available to inspectors. In addition, the larger bedrooms require light fittings. The accommodation is adequately heated. The school plans to recruit more staff upon completion of the works. There are sufficient washrooms on each floor. The school explained that the accommodation of disabled students would be limited to the ground floor of the boarding accommodation.

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Material change request

 Despite evidence of some progress towards meeting the standards that were unmet at the time of the previous inspection in May 2017, concerns still remain. Leaders did not take effective action following a recent concern expressed about a member of staff. This represents a continuing lack of understanding of senior staff in key positions within the boarding provision.  On the basis of the inability of the school to meet the national minimum standards, the material change request is not recommended.

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minimum standards for boarding schools

The school does not meet the requirements of the schedule to The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’), the national minimum standards for boarding schools and associated requirements that were checked during this inspection. Not all of the standards and associated requirements were checked during this inspection.

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The school does not meet the following independent school standards

 Ensure that arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school, and that such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State (paragraph 7, 7(a) and 7(b)).  Ensure that arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of boarders while they are accommodated at the school; and such arrangements have regard to the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools (paragraph 8, 8(a) and 8(b)).  Ensure that the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently, fulfil their responsibilities effectively and actively promote the well-being of pupils (paragraph 34, 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)).

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The school now meets the following independent school standards

 Ensure that good behaviour is promoted amongst pupils by ensuring that a record is kept of the sanctions imposed upon pupils for serious misbehaviour (paragraph 9 and 9(c)).  Ensure that the complaints procedure is drawn up and effectively implemented which deals with the handling of complaints from parents of pupils and which allows for a complaint to be made and considered initially on an informal basis (paragraph 33 and 33(d)).

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schools

 Ensure that arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and that such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State (NMS 11.1).  Ensure that the school’s governing body and/or proprietor monitors the effectiveness of the leadership, management and delivery of the boarding and welfare provision in school and takes appropriate action where necessary (NMS 13.1).  Ensure that the school’s leadership and management demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role (NMS 13.3).  Ensure that the school’s leadership and management and governance actively promote the well-being of pupils (NMS 13.5).

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schools

 Ensure that the school has, and follows, an appropriate policy on responding to complaints that is compliant with the relevant regulatory standards (ISS paragraphs 33–33(k)) and the school’s written record of complaints identifies those complaints relating to boarding provision, and action taken by the school as a result of those complaints (regardless of whether they are upheld) (NMS 18.1 and 18.2).  Ensure that any prefect system (or equivalent) gives prefects (or equivalent) specific duties and suitable responsibilities that are appropriate for them, with adequate staff supervision, training and measures to counter possible abuses of the role (NMS 19.1).

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School details

Social care unique reference number SC006927

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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 inspection of boarding provision was carried out under the Children Act 1989, as amended by the Care Standards Act 2000, having regard to the national minimum standards for boarding schools.

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School details

School status Independent boarding school

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School details

Of which, number on roll in sixth form 24

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 9–11 May 2017

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Information about this school

 Darul Uloom London is a boarding school which is registered for pupils aged from 11 to 19. The school is located in purpose-built premises in Chislehurst, in the London Borough of Bromley.  The school has a Muslim ethos and aims to prepare pupils to be good Muslims and responsible citizens in modern Britain.  There are currently 161 male pupils on roll, this exceeds the agreed registration by six. Inspectors also established that two older students were being educated beyond the school’s agreed registration age limit of 19.  All pupils board in accommodation that is located within the school. The pupils return home every other weekend.  There are no pupils who have a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan, and none who speak English as an additional language.  Pupils follow a religious curriculum in the morning and a secular curriculum in the afternoon.  The school does not use any alternative provision. The school uses the facilities at

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Information about this school

Farringtons School in Chislehurst for swimming.  At the time of the inspection, the school’s website was accessible. School policies are made available on this website and from the school office on request.

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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 school was inspected in May 2017. Not all of the standards were met and the school’s overall effectiveness was judged to be inadequate. Unmet independent school standards were in parts 3, 7 and 8. There were a number of unmet national minimum standards for boarding schools.  The school submitted an action plan for the Department of Education in August 2017 to show how these unmet standards were to be addressed. This was judged to be acceptable.  This inspection was carried out without notice. It is the first progress monitoring inspection since the full inspection in May 2017. Inspectors also considered a material

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Information about this inspection

change request from the school to increase maximum numbers from 155 to 225. Inspectors were also asked to clarify the age range of pupils on roll.  Two groups of pupils met with inspectors, with a particular focus on their views on their welfare and safety, as well their views about the boarding arrangements. Inspectors also talked informally with pupils at breaktimes.  Inspectors scrutinised a range of documentation. These included, safeguarding, behaviour and complaints policies and associated records, as well as the checks made on staff’s suitability to work with children.  Meetings were held with the principal and other members of the senior leadership team with responsibility for safeguarding and boarding. Inspectors also met with three trustees, including the chair.  Inspectors communicated with the designated officer for safeguarding for Bromley local authority both before and during the inspection.

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Information about this inspection

 Inspectors also held a telephone conversation with a parent of a pupil who has recently left the school.  Inspectors considered 13 responses to the Ofsted online questionnaire, Parent View, three responses from staff and 26 pupils in the point in time survey for boarding schools. There were no responses from parents.

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Inspection team

Mary Hinds, lead inspector Her Majesty's Inspector

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Inspection team

Lee Kirwin Lead social care regulatory inspector

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Inspection team

Barnaby Dowell Social care regulatory 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 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Inspection team

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.

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Inspection team

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

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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 looked after children, 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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