Al Jamiah Al Islamiyyah

School and boarding progress monitoring inspection report

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Mount St Joseph’s Convent, Willows Lane, Deane, Bolton, Lancashire BL3 4HE

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checked during this inspection

Boarding provision outcome The school meets all of the national

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b), 8, 8(a), 8(b), 11, 12  The standard inspection in June 2019 found that the school’s safeguarding policy did not pay due regard to the most recent guidance from the Secretary of State. There was also no written health and safety policy or suitable arrangements to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  In the progress monitoring inspection of February 2020, inspectors found that leaders had updated the safeguarding policy so that it met the appropriate requirements. However, there was no specific policy in place for boarders.  In the progress monitoring inspection in February 2020, it was found that leaders had drawn up a suitable policy for health and safety matters. However, they did not implement it effectively, as there were hazards around the premises that compromised pupils’ well-being and safety. Furthermore, leaders had still not taken enough action to

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Main inspection findings

ensure fire safety in the school.  The action plan that Ofsted evaluated in February 2021 stated that leaders would implement a safeguarding policy specific to the boarding provision. However, leaders did not make enough reference to how they intended to meet the related national minimum standards.  The action plan also indicated that leaders would commission a detailed fire risk assessment and would establish systems to monitor health and safety risks in the school.  During this inspection, there was clear evidence that leaders have addressed previous concerns about all relevant aspects of the independent school standards (the standards) in this part. The school’s safeguarding policy is detailed and thorough. It makes reference to current government guidance, including the January 2021 revision of ‘Keeping children safe in education’. The safeguarding policy is published on the school’s website. Leaders also have regard to relevant national minimum standards. They have

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Main inspection findings

created an appropriate safeguarding policy that is specific to the boarding provision.  Leaders now show that they are implementing their policies around health and safety and fire safety effectively. The school premises are well maintained and there are no longer any slip or trip risks around the building. A fire risk assessment was recently carried out by an external provider. It is detailed and contains several recommended actions. Leaders have completed almost all of these, with the exception of a few minor issues. These are scheduled to be rectified soon.  The standards in this part are now met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 25  In the previous standard inspection of the school in 2019, the proprietor body had not ensured that the school’s premises and boarding accommodation and facilities were maintained to a suitable standard to ensure the health and safety of pupils and adults.  In the progress monitoring inspection of 2020, inspectors found that leaders had improved the environment for pupils. However, there were some concerns regarding fire safety provision. These included missing signage and physical hazards relating to some escape routes.  The action plan that Ofsted evaluated in February 2021 indicated that leaders would introduce more effective systems to monitor matters related to health and safety and fire safety.  Leaders are now implementing their policies around health and safety and fire safety effectively. There are no obstacles preventing safe escape from the building. There are

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Main inspection findings

suitable signs to mark escape routes. Emergency exits can be opened without assistance from an adult if necessary.  There have been many new improvements to the school, including two computer suites and two recently converted classrooms. These areas have been finished to a suitable standard.  The school premises are now maintained to a standard that enables leaders to ensure pupils’ safety and well-being.  The standard in this part is now met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  In the previous standard inspection of the school in June 2019, inspectors noted that there had been much instability in the leadership of the school. A lack of the necessary knowledge and skills meant that school leaders and the proprietor body had not ensured that all the standards or the national minimum standards were consistently met.  In the progress monitoring inspection of February 2020, leadership of the school had not

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Main inspection findings

improved enough and remained fragile. New governors and a temporary executive headteacher were not having a sufficiently strong impact at that time. Leaders still failed to ensure that all the relevant standards were met.  The action plan that Ofsted evaluated in February 2021 contained actions to appoint a new headteacher and new trustees. However, it was not clear how leaders would secure appropriate expertise among the new trustees or how leaders would provide appropriate training for them.  A new headteacher, recruited from within the school, has been in post since September 2020. He demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skills to fulfil his role. There is now a stable board of trustees who form the proprietor body. The proprietor body members have had recent training to guide them in their role. They have a range of experience, such as in finance and education, to support them in their work. They now meet

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Main inspection findings

frequently to hold school leaders to account on matters such as improvement to the quality of education and consistently meeting the standards.  Leaders actively promote the well-being of pupils through a range of suitable policies and processes that they now implement effectively. These include a health and safety policy and a detailed fire risk assessment. There are now robust systems in place for monitoring the health and safety of pupils. The school is well maintained and secure.  The standards in this part are now met.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have a suitable accessibility plan in place. It describes leaders’ approach to ensuring access to the curriculum, access to the school environment and the delivery of written information. For example, they plan to make necessary adjustments to the premises, such as the installation of ramps, as required.  The requirement in this part is met.

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Main inspection findings

Boarding provision The national minimum standards that were assessed during this inspection Standard 3.1  At the previous standard inspection in June 2019, inspectors identified that boarding staff did not have sufficient knowledge of boarders’ healthcare needs or how to manage them.  In the previous progress monitoring inspection in February 2020, leaders had brought about some improvement to the practical care of boarders’ health. However, there was no clear procedure in place to guide staff on the actions that they need to take if children fall ill out of hours.  The action plan that Ofsted evaluated in February 2021 contained suitable actions to establish and implement a policy about the care of boarders who are unwell.  Leaders now have an appropriate policy in place to guide staff in the care of children who are unwell. They have ensured that all boarding staff have received appropriate training in

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Main inspection findings

first aid, which also covers emergency asthma and allergy care. The policy is thorough. It describes, for example, what asthma is and gives guidance on what staff need to do if a child has an attack. There is an individual health plan for any child that has asthma.  This standard is now met. Standard 7.1  At the previous standard inspection in June 2019, inspectors found that there were deficiencies in health and safety and fire safety arrangements.  In the progress monitoring inspection of February 2020, leaders had taken some actions to improve these areas. However, there were still some aspects, such as carrying out sufficiently frequent checks on fire extinguishers, in which leaders had not made enough progress.  The plan evaluated by Ofsted in February 2021 included a commitment by leaders to commission external consultants to carry out a thorough risk assessment of the school’s fire safety arrangements and to advise on health and safety matters in general. Leaders

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Main inspection findings

undertook to act on any concerns identified by these consultants.  Leaders have now brought about the required improvements to arrangements for ensuring pupils’ health and safety, and especially fire safety. Leaders have established the training of fire marshals. There are now clear emergency exit signs and easily opened exit doors. There is improved monitoring of fire extinguishers. The school’s new non- compliance log ensures that leaders remedy any defects in the maintenance of the premises. In this way, there is continuous action to promote children’s safety and well- being.  This standard is now met. Standard 11.1  At the previous standard inspection in June 2019, poor safeguarding practice in the boarding provision was identified.  In the progress monitoring inspection of February 2020, inspectors found that leaders had improved the record keeping relating to the safeguarding of pupils. They had also

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Main inspection findings

improved the records of checks that they do on the suitability of staff and senior pupils to work with boarders. However, there was no specific safeguarding policy in place that related to boarding.  The action plan that Ofsted evaluated in February 2021 contained suitable actions to implement a safeguarding policy that would be specific to the boarding provision. Leaders also planned to provide staff with appropriate training.  Leaders have now ensured that there has been an improvement in safeguarding practice. There is a suitably trained and knowledgeable designated safeguarding lead. He ensures that staff attend appropriate training and reinforces the message that it is important to report all concerns using the systems available in the boarding provision. The safeguarding policy and additional boarding arrangements for safeguarding are clear. They support staff to promote children’s welfare and safety. The headteacher conducts

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Main inspection findings

staff appraisals to understand and oversee boarding management staff’s new development needs. This process contributes effectively to continuously improving children’s experience of boarding.  This standard is now met. Standard 13.1, 13.4, 13.5, 13.8, 13.9  At the previous standard inspection in June 2019, the inspection identified that there had been recent and considerable changes to the leadership and management of the school. As a result, the leadership team was chaotic and ineffective.  In the progress monitoring inspection of February 2020, little had changed. Despite the actions of the proprietor body, the school’s leadership and management remained fragile and ineffective. Leaders had not ensured that the national minimum standards for boarding had been met. Additionally, systems to allow leaders to monitor and review the records and issues relating to appendix 2 and appendix 3 of the national minimum

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Main inspection findings

standards had not been established.  The action plan that Ofsted evaluated in February 2021 contained actions to appoint a new headteacher and new trustees. However, it was not clear how leaders would secure appropriate expertise among the new trustees or how leaders would provide appropriate training for them. Additionally, the action plan provided no actions, success criteria or other details concerning issues relating to appendix 2 and appendix 3 of the national minimum standards.  There is now a stable board of trustees who form the proprietor body. The proprietor body members have had recent training to support them in their role. They have a range of experience, such as in finance and education, to support them in their work. Leaders actively promote the well-being of pupils through a range of suitable policies and processes, which they now implement effectively.  The appointment of area heads of boarding and suitable training in boarding principles

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Main inspection findings

and practice provide a suitable foundation for ongoing improvement in children’s boarding experiences. Oversight by the headteacher is evident within the environmental improvements in boarding, such as improved fire safety and better consideration of health and safety matters. The ongoing redecoration programme meets the standard, but remains a work in progress.  The actions taken to improve fire safety and health and safety, such as new mechanisms, audits and staff training, indicate that leaders now monitor these matters appropriately. They ensure that prompt action is taken to address any matters of non-compliance. There are now appropriate systems to allow leaders to monitor and review the records and issues relating to appendix 2 and appendix 3 of the national minimum standards.  These standards are now met. Standard 15.1, 15.3  In June 2019, the previous standard inspection identified that boarding staff did not

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Main inspection findings

receive regular reviews of their practice, or opportunities for training and continuing professional development. Inspectors also identified that supervision arrangements for boarders outside teaching time were weak.  In the progress monitoring inspection of February 2020, inspectors found that leaders had brought about some improvements in the training and monitoring of boarding staff. However, supervisors had not completed the induction to boarding school training, and boarding staff did not receive effective formal reviews of their work. Furthermore, the number of boarding staff on duty each night to care for boarders was still too low.  The proposed actions contained in the plan that Ofsted evaluated in February 2021 were judged to be unlikely to enable leaders to meet the standards. This was because of inconsistencies in the information provided about actions to improve the training of boarding staff, the monitoring of their work and the supervision of boarders.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have improved the arrangements for creating a stronger and more focused boarding staff team. They have appointed managers for boarding, provided appropriate training and development opportunities, and strengthened oversight of practice. Staffing levels are now sufficient to ensure children have the supervision and support necessary to enjoy their boarding experience and get help when they need it.  These standards are now met.

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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.

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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.  8 Where section 87(1) of the 1989 Act applies in relation to a school, the standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 8(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of boarders while they are accommodated at the school; and – 8(b) such arrangements have regard to the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools or, where applicable, the National Minimum Standards for Residential Special Schools or the National Minimum Standards for Accommodation of Students under Eighteen by Further Education Colleges.  11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

health and safety policy.  12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.

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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; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils.

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schools

 The school has, and implements effectively, appropriate policies for the care of boarders who are unwell and ensures that the physical and mental health, and emotional wellbeing of boarders is promoted. These include first aid, care of those with chronic conditions and disabilities, dealing with medical emergencies and the use of household remedies. (NMS 3.1)  The school complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. (NMS 7.1)  The school ensures that: – arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and – such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State. (NMS 11.1)  The school’s governing body and/or proprietor monitors the effectiveness of the leadership, management and delivery of the boarding and welfare provision in the school, and takes appropriate action where necessary. (NMS 13.1)  The school’s leadership and management consistently fulfil their responsibilities effectively

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schools

so that the standards are met. (NMS 13.4)  The school’s leadership and management and governance actively promote the wellbeing of pupils. (NMS 13.5)  The records specified in Appendix 2 are maintained and monitored by the school and action taken as appropriate. (NMS 13.8)  The issues specified in Appendix 3 are monitored, and action is taken to improve outcomes for children as appropriate. (NMS 13.9)  Any staff member or volunteer employed or volunteering in a position working with boarders has a job description reflecting their duties, receives induction training in boarding when newly appointed, and receives regular reviews of their boarding practice, with opportunities for training and continual professional development in boarding. (NMS 15.1)  The staff supervising boarders outside teaching time are sufficient in number, training and experience for the age, number and needs of boarders, and the locations and activities

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School details

Social care unique reference number SC009423

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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. Type of school Other independent school

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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 56

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School details

Proprietor Al-Jamiatul Islamiyah Darul Uloom, Lancashire UK Chair Mr Yakub Nanji

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School details

Email address info@boltondarululoom.org.uk Date of previous standard inspection 25–27 June 2019

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Information about this school

 A new headteacher has been in post since September 2020.  Four of the five members of the proprietor body, including the chair, have taken up their roles since the last progress monitoring inspection.

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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 not to have complied with at its previous inspection.  This was the school’s second progress monitoring inspection. Its first such inspection was in February 2020.  The Department for Education (DfE) required the school to prepare an action plan after the last progress monitoring inspection. Ofsted evaluated this plan as not acceptable. The DfE rejected it in May 2021.  During the inspection, inspectors toured the school site, including the boarding accommodation, accompanied by leaders.  Inspectors held meetings with senior leaders. They also met with the entire board of trustees. Inspectors met with teachers and with staff who have responsibility for the

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Information about this inspection

supervision of boarders. They also spoke with other staff, including teachers who were working in the school. Inspectors spoke with pupils around the school.  Inspectors reviewed documents to confirm compliance with the independent school standards and the national minimum standards for boarding schools. They examined a range of other documents to provide further inspection evidence. These documents included policies, documents relating to safeguarding, health and safety records, other management information, and the school’s website.

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Inspection team

Mark Quinn, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

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Inspection team

Denise Jolly Social Care Regulatory Inspector

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Inspection team

Catherine Fargin 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 .

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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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