Westwood Boys School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Westwood Boys School 121 Union Street, Oldham OL1 1TE

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(c), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proprietor company has a committed aim to promote pupils’ academic development through the provision of high-quality education with an Islamic ethos. The proprietor company has developed an ambitious curriculum that reflects its aims. The range of subjects covered in the curriculum meets the requirements of the independent school standards (the standards). The subjects that leaders intend pupils to study include English, mathematics, information and communications technology (ICT), science, geography and history, art, physical education (PE) and Arabic studies.  The proposed curriculum is designed to take account of the academic needs and ages of pupils, including those in the proposed sixth form. The curriculum provides

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Main inspection findings

opportunities for pupils to work to achieve national qualifications, such as GCSEs and A-levels, in a wide range of subjects.  The proprietor company plans to work in partnership with a local charitable trust to ensure pupils receive appropriate, impartial and up-to-date advice and guidance about their next steps in education, training or employment. The curriculum for personal, social, health, citizenship and economic education (PSHCE) includes specific topics about careers and personal finances that, if implemented effectively, will ensure that pupils are able to make informed choices about their futures.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  The schemes of work (SoW) for the curriculum are planned in detail. The schemes of work contain well-considered sequences of activities to promote pupils’ knowledge over time. Curriculum plans build on what pupils have learned before. They highlight

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Main inspection findings

links to other subjects where knowledge can be usefully shared to promote pupils’ success. This is exemplified in SoWs for art and ICT where common pieces of knowledge are identified regarding digital image manipulation and photography.  The written assessment policy clearly promotes the use of different types of assessment to check on pupils’ achievement. Leaders expect assessments to be used to inform teachers’ planned learning activities and to identify any pupils who are struggling with their learning, so that help can be provided. When implemented, it is likely that assessment will be effective.  Leaders of have high expectations of the staff they intend to employ in the school. Leaders intend to make use of staff employed in the proprietor company’s other local secondary school to deliver subject-specialist teaching. Leaders intend that any other staff appointed to the school will be suitably qualified to effectively deliver the

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Main inspection findings

curriculum. Leaders have appropriate safer recruitment processes established to ensure the suitability of staff employed at the school.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 3(f)  Insufficient furniture is installed in the classrooms to create a purposeful learning environment. In addition, no teaching resources are in place to support pupils’ learning. Computers have been installed in the computer room and the school laboratory has been equipped with suitable benching and gas and power supplies.  This standard is not likely to be met. 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)  The comprehensive SoW for PSHCE encompasses many aspects of spiritual, moral, social and cultural education. The curriculum is further enhanced through the

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Main inspection findings

proposed studies in other curriculum subjects, including relationship and sex education programmes and Islamic studies. Leaders intend pupils to learn about a range of different religions and cultures, including Buddhism, Christianity and Sikhism. The PSHCE SoW includes activities to promote fundamental British values. As part of the PSHCE curriculum, pupils will study the workings of the British government and how laws are made.  The curriculum contains appropriate activities that sensitively promote tolerance and pupils’ knowledge of the diversity of British society, including those groups defined as having protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.  Leaders have developed a well-considered policy and SoW to sensitively promote pupils’ understanding of relationships and sex education. The policy explains the importance of the subjects in modern British society and identifies parents’ rights to

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Main inspection findings

withdraw their children from some aspects of this subject. The proprietor company has appropriate procedures planned to inhibit the promotion of extremist or partisan views or materials. Staff’s induction will include training on how to identify and act upon any concerns relating to radicalisation. Leaders have appropriate procedures planned to check the suitability of any visitors to the school and to monitor the suitability of any material used in teaching.  These standards are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The proposed school’s safeguarding policy and procedures are fit for purpose. They pay due regard to the current guidance of the Secretary of State. The school currently does not have a live website. The policy is available from the school’s office. Leaders intend to publish the safeguarding policy on a website when the school opens.  The proprietor company’s directors and senior leaders have secure knowledge and

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Main inspection findings

appropriate training to promote the safeguarding of pupils. Senior staff have received appropriate training to undertake the role of safeguarding leaders. The proprietor company intends that all staff will receive suitable safeguarding training as part of their induction to the school and that regular training will ensure staff keep their knowledge of safeguarding up to date.  The proprietor company has suitable plans to ensure that the school internet connection is appropriately monitored and filtered to help keep pupils safe.  This standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c)  The written behaviour policy is fit for purpose. The policy clearly identifies leaders’ expectations of the standards of behaviour from pupils. It also identifies the roles and leaders’ expectations of staff and parents and carers. The policy outlines how staff will use rewards and sanctions. If implemented, this policy is likely to be effective.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have in place suitable procedures to record any incidents of serious misconduct and subsequent actions electronically. If implemented effectively, this system will allow the proprietor company to evaluate any emerging trends in behaviour and take action to remedy any issues.  This standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 10  The written anti-bullying policy is fit for purpose. The policy identifies the different types of bullying that pupils may encounter, including that relating to prejudicial behaviour to those people identified as having protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010. The policy includes the expected responses of leaders and staff to any incidents of bullying.  This standard is likely to be met. Paragraphs 11, 12  The proprietor company has a comprehensive, written health and safety policy in place. The policy is appropriate for the school. That said, not all the required health

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Main inspection findings

and safety checks have been completed to ensure pupils are safe to attend the school. These checks include a fire safety risk assessment and audit, portable appliance testing, gas installation certification and legionella tests on the hot water supplies. Additionally, not all the required fire safety equipment is installed at the premises. The missing equipment includes some fire extinguishers and smoke strips missing from some fire doors. The emergency gas isolation valve for the school’s laboratory gas taps is awaiting installation.  The proposed school’s site is covered by a CCTV system. Some cameras cover the main entrance doors to the school. Leaders have ensured that the school is registered with the office for the information commissioner for its use of this information but have not ensured that appropriate signage is in place.  These standards are not likely to be met. Paragraphs 13, 14, 15

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Main inspection findings

 The written first-aid policy is fit for purpose and, if implemented, will ensure that pupils receive the care they need in the event of an illness or accident. The proprietor company intends to train appropriate numbers of staff in first aid to care for the numbers of pupils anticipated to attend the school. Leaders have ensured that suitable first-aid kits are available on the school site. Leaders have appropriate procedures in place to record any illnesses or injury. The records will be held securely using an electronic system and will enable the proprietor company to evaluate any emerging trends.  The proprietor company has carefully considered the numbers of staff required. The proposed numbers of staff and deployment plans will ensure pupils are safely supervised.  The proprietor company has established appropriate systems to record admissions and attendance at the school to comply with current legislation.

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Main inspection findings

 These standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 16(a), 16(b)  The proprietor company does not have a written risk assessment policy in place. The proprietor company has not completed risk assessments. Leaders have not acted to identify and mitigate any risks to pupils, staff or visitors that may arise from the school building or proposed teaching activities.  This standard is not likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18, 18(1), 18(2), 18(2)(a), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(i), 18(2)(c)(ii), 18(2)(c)(iii), 18(2)(c)(iv), 18(2)(d), 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a)(i), 19(2)(a)(i)(aa), 19(2)(a)(i)(bb), 19(2)(a)(i)(cc), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d)(i), 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 19(4), 20(2), 20(3), 20(3)(a), 20(3)(a)(i), 20(3)(a)(ii), 20(5), 20(5)(a), 20(5)(a)(i), 20(5)(a)(ii), 20(5)(b), 20(5)(b)(i), 20(5)(b)(ii), 20(5)(b)(iii), 20(6), 20(6)(a),

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Main inspection findings

20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c)  The chair of the proprietor company has ensured that the required prohibition checks on school leaders and directors of the proprietor company have been completed.  The proprietor company has appropriate systems in place to ensure that all the necessary checks on staff will be completed before they begin their employment in the school. These systems include the provision for carrying out additional checks on any proposed member of staff who may have lived abroad. Similarly, the proprietor company has appropriate systems in place to ensure that all the required checks on the suitability of governors are carried out before they take up their roles.  The proprietor company has suitably trained staff and systems in place to ensure that safer recruitment procedures are followed during the appointment of staff.  Leaders do not intend to use supply or agency staff to cover teachers’ absences.

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Main inspection findings

Leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of the required suitability checks they would need to carry out if they chose to use such staff in the future.  This standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(i), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(a)(iv), 21(3)(a)(v), 21(3)(a)(vi), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(4), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a), 21(7)(b)  The proposed school’s single central record includes all information needed to complete the required checks on members of staff and governors.  This standard is likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 26, 27, 27(a), 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  There are a set of toilet facilities which are suitable for the use of pupils. However, the

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Main inspection findings

number of toilets is not enough for the proposed registered number of pupils. The number of toilets would support a maximum registered number of 80 pupils. Leaders plan to expand the number of toilets for pupils. However, this work is not complete. Toilets for staff are separate to those used by pupils. All toilets have appropriate access to washing facilities that are supplied with hot and cold water. The water supply to the taps does not pose a scalding risk to pupils.  Pupils attending the school will have free access to fresh drinking water supplied from cold taps in kitchen areas located on the ground and upper floors of the building.  The acoustic conditions in the classrooms in the proposed school provide a suitable environment in which pupils can learn.  Appropriate lighting is provided within classrooms.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b)  The proprietor company has identified a suitable room in the school building to cater

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Main inspection findings

for the medical and therapy needs of sick or injured pupils. The room has an appropriate washing facility and is directly adjacent to a shower and toilet. However, building work on the medical room to install suitable flooring is not complete. The room is not equipped to allow medical examinations or the provision of care for anyone who is sick or injured.  This standard is not likely to be met. Paragraph 25  The school is decorated to a high standard and is clean. However, some areas of the school, such as the boiler house and bin store, are cluttered with building materials. Some materials such as paint tins, stored adjacent to the boiler room, pose a fire risk.  Some building work is not complete around the school. This includes missing glass panels from the sides of the cellar steps and the school entrance hall. Additionally, safety grids are missing from the pavement above the cellar window. These missing

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Main inspection findings

items pose safety risks to the users of the building.  This standard is not likely to be met. Paragraph 27, 27(b)  Appropriate external lighting is fitted to nearly all entrances to the school. However, there is no external lighting to ensure safe entrance and exit from the side entrance to the building.  This standard is not likely to be met. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The proprietor company has not ensured that the school has a suitable outdoor space for recreation. The outdoor yard that is located to the rear of the property is too small for the number of pupils proposed to attend the school. During the inspection, leaders identified an alternative space but have not begun work to make it suitable.  Leaders intend to deliver the PE curriculum off site, using a nearby sports centre. Pupils using this provision will have access to shower facilities. That said, the proprietor company has not put into place appropriate risk assessments to ensure the

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Main inspection findings

safe travel to and from the site, nor the use of the sports centre. Consequently, it is not possible to evaluate if the proposed use of the centre would be safe.  These standards are unlikely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32(1)(k), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(c), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f)  The proprietor company does not have a specific website for the school. Leaders know what must be published on an independent school website. They intend to create such a website for the school if registration is granted by the regulator. The proprietor company has ensured that all the information for parents, carers and other agencies detailed within the standards, including the safeguarding policy, is available upon request.  Appropriate procedures are in place to ensure parents receive reports about their

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Main inspection findings

children’s progress and attainment.  Leaders do not anticipate having any pupils who are wholly or partially funded by public funds. However, leaders have a secure understanding of the requirements to provide financial information to local authorities who place pupils in the school.  Leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of their duty to provide appropriate information to support any annual review of a pupils’ education, health and care plan.  These standards are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(a), 33(b), 33(c), 33(d), 33(e), 33(f), 33(g), 33(h), 33(i), 33(i)(i), 33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii), 33(k)  The proprietor company’s written complaints procedures complies with all the requirements set out in the standards. They include details about the steps and timescales of leaders’ actions following a complaint. The procedures also include

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Main inspection findings

information about a complainant’s right of appeal to a panel. The procedures explain that the membership of the panel who would consider any appeal includes one person who is independent of the leadership and day-to-day management of the school. The procedures also explain that the school will record, retain and may share the outcomes of any complaint with others as appropriate.  If implemented, the school’s complaints procedures will ensure that any complaint is dealt with within acceptable timescales.  This standard is likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34, 34(a), 34(b), 34(c)  The proprietor company directors have not ensured that all of the standards are likely to be met.  The directors of the proprietor company and senior leaders, who are working to establish the school, demonstrate a secure understanding of the standards. They have clear aims and high ambitions for pupils who will attend the school. The proposed

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Main inspection findings

curriculum is suitably ambitious and takes account of pupils’ expected needs.  The proprietor company intends to appoint a governing body to oversee the leadership of the school. It plans to have appropriate systems in place to hold leaders to account for the impact of their actions.  The proprietor company has appointed suitably experienced leaders to oversee the day-to-day management of the school. Leaders have ensured that many of the school’s policies and procedures, including those relating to safeguarding, are in place and appropriate. That said, leaders and directors have not ensured all the works to prepare the building for use as a school are complete. They have not ensured that all the required safety checks and risk assessments have been completed to ensure the site is safe for pupils to attend. The proprietor company has not ensured there is suitable outdoor recreational space for pupils.

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Main inspection findings

 These standards are not likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has in place an appropriate accessibility plan. Consequently, the requirements under schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 are likely to be met.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is unlikely to meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements, as set out in the annex of this report.

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Proposed school details

This inspection was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards that are required for registration as an independent school.

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 19 11 to 19 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 100 80

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recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  The number of toilets currently installed on the site is sufficient to accommodate 80 pupils. Leaders have plans to expand the number of toilets, but this work is not complete.

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Boys Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 100

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 2 3

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 2

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed Westwood Boys School will be an independent Islamic faith school located in Oldham. The proprietor company also runs an independent Islamic girls high school in the locality.  Leaders intend to initially open for approximately 10 Year 7 pupils and grow the school population systematically over a number of years.  The school aims to provide high-quality education with an Islamic ethos.  The proposed school does not intend to use any alternative providers.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine if the school is likely to meet the independent school standards prior to opening as a registered school.  This was the first pre-registration inspection of Westwood Boys School.  During the inspection, meetings were held with the chair and vice chair of the proprietor company, who are also governors of the proposed school. The inspector also held meetings with the executive principal and principal of the school and the landlord of the building in which the school is proposed to be located.  The inspector checked documentary evidence relating to the curriculum, including schemes of work and the curriculum policy that were supplied by the school’s leadership.  The inspector reviewed the proprietor company’s policies in relation to welfare, health and safety. A scrutiny of the safeguarding procedures, including recruitment processes

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Information about this inspection

and checks, was also undertaken.  The inspector toured the school’s premises with the principal.

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Inspection team

John Nixon, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 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 health and safety policy.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

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

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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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-

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 24(1)(a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils;

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 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 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 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 27 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 27(b) external lighting is provided in order to ensure that people can safely enter and leave the school premises.  29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable-

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 29(1)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum; and

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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-

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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;

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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; and

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 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

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 .

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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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