Darul Uloom London School

School and boarding progress monitoring inspection report

p.1

Darul Uloom London School Foxbury Avenue, Chislehurst BR7 6SD

p.1

this inspection

Boarding provision outcome The school meets all of the national

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided All Paragraphs  Leaders have written an appropriate curriculum policy, which includes a sufficiently broad range of subjects. Subject policies highlight the specific contribution each area of the curriculum will make to pupils’ education. The policies are supported by suitable schemes of work, drawing on the subject guidance provided by the national curriculum.  Secular subjects are taught in the afternoon. Leaders have allocated sufficient time for the study of secular subjects by having a longer school day. This arrangement is suited to the school’s nature as a residential education provider.  Leaders’ curriculum thinking is based on the notion that pupils need to embed key knowledge into their long-term memory. To this end, curriculum planning identifies the knowledge to be learned in each half term in their subject. Teaching consists of sequences of lessons based on these plans, using appropriate resources and specialist

p.1

Main inspection findings

facilities where required. However, currently the curriculum is not organised well to support pupils’ deeper learning over time. Overall, teachers’ knowledge and understanding of curriculum quality is not as strong as that of some leaders.  The school library is in the process of being developed into a useful resource for independent learning. Leaders have recently purchased a wide range of appropriate fiction and non-fiction texts from a public library that was closing down. The books are currently being processed and organised into suitable categories linked to different areas of the curriculum. Leaders maintain appropriate oversight of the books and materials that pupils read and ensure that reading resources are suitable.  Leaders have created suitable resources to teach about respect for the protected characteristics, including disability and sexual orientation. This includes opportunities for

p.1

Main inspection findings

pupils to learn about discrimination in society. The opportunity for frequent reflection on the importance of good physical and mental health is embedded in the school’s programme of personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE). Pupils know the importance of the ‘five F’s’ which are a key feature for promoting their personal development and well-being, from fitness to finance.  Leaders are implementing a suitable careers education policy. Pupils are supported to make informed choices about their future education and employment. Part of the programme was put on hold due to the restrictions related to COVID-19 (coronavirus), in particular the opportunities to take part in relevant work experience. Leaders have suitable plans in place to get this back on track.  An appropriate framework is in place to evaluate pupils’ performance over time, which includes nationally recognised qualifications. Older students take a suitably broad range

p.2

Main inspection findings

of GCSE and A-level qualifications, alongside a small number of work-related diplomas at levels 2 and 3.  The school meets the independent school standards in this part. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils All Paragraphs  Leaders have given suitable thought to the provision for pupils’ social, moral, spiritual and cultural development. This commitment is reflected in the content of the curriculum which provides useful opportunities for debate and discussion. For example, pupils learn about democracy and the rule of law in PSHE and humanities. Discussions with pupils indicate that they are knowledgeable about these concepts and their importance in shaping a British identity.  Leaders have an appropriate behaviour policy in place to support pupils to understand right from wrong. Leaders have made links with the local police and other agencies, with the aim of supporting pupils’ respect for public institutions and civil and criminal law.

p.2

Main inspection findings

 This term, leaders have implemented a new relationships and sex education curriculum. This promotes knowledge and understanding of the variety of relationships that exist in society, including those between same sex couples. Pupils are confident to talk about different relationships, showing their tolerance and understanding of British society.  The school meets the independent school standards in this part. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 32(1), 32(1)(c)  The school has an adequate safeguarding policy in place, which follows up-to-date guidance from the Secretary of State. Leaders have updated the policy with consideration of changes to ‘Keeping children safe in education’ from January 2021. Leaders ensure that safeguarding practice and culture are in line with this guidance. The policy is available to parents on the school’s website.  Leaders, at school and proprietor level, conduct regular checks on the quality of record

p.2

Main inspection findings

keeping and actions taken to keep pupils safe from harm.  The school meets the standards listed above. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b)  At the previous progress monitoring inspection in December 2020, the chair of the board and several trustees had resigned. This raised concerns about the capacity of governors to implement their role and hold leaders to account.  The current inspection found that the board of trustees is now fully formed and comprises six professionals, including a chair with expertise in education. The trustees have ensured there are clear structures in place to hold leaders to account. They have started to carry out regular auditing and checks, for instance in safeguarding, health and safety and educational standards. These activities have begun to keep the board of trustees up to date with the school’s performance and inform their decision-making,

p.2

Main inspection findings

including the need for greater support or challenge.  Leaders have a clear understanding of the independent school standards. They form a cohesive team and have relevant experience to support their work. The action plan submitted to the Department for Education (DfE) after the previous monitoring inspection is being implemented appropriately.  The lines of accountability across all tiers of school leadership are clear. Leaders know what staff are responsible for and who they report to. This helps them to ensure that the independent school standards are met.  The independent school standards listed in this part are now met. Boarding provision The national minimum standards that were assessed during this inspection Standards 11, 13.3, 13.4  Leaders have a clear understanding of the national minimum standards. They work well with trustees to assess strengths and weaknesses and identify priorities for improvement.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Leadership of safeguarding is given a high priority, and this is reflected in the school’s work with the national boarding schools association.  Leaders make sure that safeguarding arrangements in the boarding provision are suitable. The well-being and safety of boarders are well planned for and promoted effectively.  The board of trustees has set up a professional advisory board, made up of professionals with relevant expertise. The system is new but shows early signs of impact, for instance providing support for undertaking a safeguarding audit of the boarding provision. Leaders have a suitable system in place for monitoring the quality of provision against the national minimum standards.  The school now meets these national minimum standards.

p.3

standards for boarding schools

The school meets 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. 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.

p.4

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–

p.4

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently

p.4

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently.

p.4

schools

 The school’s leadership and management demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role. (NMS 13.3)

p.4

schools

 The school’s leadership and management consistently fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the standards are met. (NMS 13.4)

p.4

School details

Social care unique reference number SC006927

p.5

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 residential 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.

p.5

School details

School status Independent boarding school

p.5

School details

Of which, number on roll in sixth form 22

p.5

School details

Email address education@darululoomlondon.com

p.5

School details

Date of previous standard inspection 18 to 20 June 2019

p.5

Information about this school

 Darul Uloom London is an independent boarding school for boys. It is registered for 155 pupils aged 11 to 19. There are currently 145 pupils on roll. The school has a Muslim ethos.  All pupils board in accommodation that is located on the school premises. Most pupils return home every other weekend.  The school does not use any alternative provision.  The school’s last inspection was a progress monitoring inspection in December 2020. The school did not meet all the independent school standards and all of the national minimum standards that were checked during the inspection.  The school’s last standard inspection was in June 2019. The inspection judged that the overall effectiveness of the school required improvement. The school did not meet all of the independent school standards or all of the national minimum standards that were checked during the inspection.

p.6

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.  This was the school’s second progress monitoring inspection. The first progress monitoring inspection took place in December 2020. This inspection judged that the school did not meet all of the requirements that were checked. Following this, the school submitted an action plan to the DfE in February 2021. This was evaluated by Ofsted in March 2021 and deemed to be acceptable with modifications.  The school’s last standard inspection took place in June 2019, when the school was judged to require improvement. The boarding provision was judged to be good.  This inspection, in May 2021, took place with 30 minutes’ notice. The DfE asked

p.7

Information about this inspection

inspectors to evaluate the school’s performance against the leadership and management standards for independent schools and boarding provision. Inspectors were also asked to assess the implications of a complaint received by the DfE. Hence the additional requirement to evaluate the school’s performance against the standards in parts 1 and 2 of the independent schools inspection framework.  Inspectors met with leaders, including the headteacher and the head of boarding who is also the designated leaders for safeguarding. Inspectors met with other staff, including teaching and boarding staff. Inspectors met with the trustees, including the chair. Inspectors also met with two groups of pupils to assess their views about the school’s progress.  Inspectors made a tour of the boarding and the school premises.

p.7

Inspection team

Nasim Butt, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

p.7

Inspection team

Juanita Mayers 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 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.7

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.

p.8

Inspection team

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.8

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.

p.8

Inspection team

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.8

Inspection team

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

p.8

Inspection team

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

p.8