Westwood Boys School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1)–2(2)(b), 2(2)(d)–2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(i), 2(A)(1)(b), 2A(1)(d)– 2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  The proprietorial body has a written curriculum policy in place that reflects the aims of the proposed school. The policy blends together the aim of providing high-quality academic education with the Islamic ethos of the school. Leaders have developed an ambitious curriculum that covers the subjects needed to meet the requirements of the independent school standards (the standards). Leaders have developed appropriate schemes of work (SoW) for English, mathematics, information and communication technology, science, geography, history, art and design, physical education (PE) and Arabic studies. The proposed curriculum will enable pupils to make progress through these subjects.  Leaders have designed the curriculum to take account of the academic needs and ages of pupils who will join the school. The curriculum is planned so that pupils will be

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Main inspection findings

able to achieve national qualifications, such as GCSEs and A levels, in a wide range of subjects.  The proprietorial body plans to work in partnership with a local charitable trust to provide pupils with 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. If the PHSCE curriculum and the impartial guidance about careers are implemented effectively, pupils will have sufficient information to be able to make choices about their future.  The proprietorial body has a relationships and sex education (RSE) policy in place. This sets out how pupils will learn about healthy relationships. Leaders will consult with parents and carers if the proposed school opens and will adapt the policy to reflect this consultation. The policy outlines how parents have the right to withdraw

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Main inspection findings

their children from some aspects of the RSE curriculum. Leaders have a template prepared for parents to complete in readiness for such a situation. Paragraphs 3 and 4  The curriculum planning in each subject sets out the units of knowledge that pupils will learn in a logical sequence. The SoW show how pupils will build on what they have learned before. The planning outlines where links are made with other subjects. These links will enable pupils to embed knowledge across different subjects. For example, the planning for RSE is usefully linked with biology and PHSCE.  The written assessment policy shows how staff will use a range of assessment strategies to check on pupils’ achievement. Assessment information will be used to inform teachers’ planned learning activities and to identify any pupils who are finding learning difficult, so that support can be provided. Leaders will use this information to

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Main inspection findings

monitor the impact of the curriculum on pupils’ learning. When implemented, it is likely that such assessment will be effective.  Leaders have high expectations of the staff they intend to employ in the school. Leaders have already organised for staff who work part time at the proprietorial body’s other local secondary school to work in the proposed school. These staff will deliver subject-specialist teaching to pupils. Leaders plan to appoint more staff, who will be suitably qualified, as the number of pupils in the school increases.  There is enough suitable furniture in each classroom. Additionally, each classroom has an ample supply of curriculum and teaching resources. The computer room is fully equipped with an appropriate number of computers for the proposed number of pupils who will join the school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5–5(d)(iii)  There is a strong emphasis on pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural education throughout the plans for the PSHCE and RSE curriculums and Islamic studies. Pupils will learn about a range of different religions and cultures, including Buddhism, Christianity and Sikhism. Additionally, pupils will learn about fundamental British values through the study of how laws are made in this country and the workings of the British government.  The proprietorial body’s equality policy sets out clear aims for how equality will be promoted. Leaders intend for pupils to develop a well-rounded understanding of the protected characteristics.  The proprietorial body has appropriate procedures in place to ensure that pupils are not subject to extremist or partisan views or materials. The staff induction procedure includes training on how to identify and act on any concerns relating to radicalisation.

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Main inspection findings

Leaders have appropriate procedures in place to check the suitability of any visitors to the school and to monitor the suitability of any material used in teaching.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 9–10  The proprietorial body has a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place. It takes account of the latest guidance from the Secretary of State.  The policy defines the roles and responsibilities of staff. The chair of the proprietorial body, the executive headteacher and the headteacher are committed to keeping pupils safe. They are appropriately trained and display thorough knowledge of how to promote the safeguarding of pupils.  The proprietorial body intends that all staff will receive suitable safeguarding training as part of their induction to the school. Plans are in place to provide regular training, so that staff’s knowledge remains fresh, and they remain vigilant towards any

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concerns about pupils.  The proprietorial body has suitable plans in place to ensure that the school’s internet connection is appropriately monitored and filtered to help keep pupils safe.  The policies for the management of behaviour and bullying are clear. They set out leaders’ expectations of the standards of behaviour from pupils, staff and parents. The policies focus on supportive strategies to ensure that any instances of misbehaviour will be dealt with fairly and consistently. Rewards and sanctions are apt.  Leaders have suitable procedures in place to record electronically any incidents of serious misconduct and subsequent actions taken. If implemented effectively, this system will allow the proprietorial body to evaluate any emerging trends in behaviour and take action to remedy any issues. Paragraphs 11–16(b)  The proprietorial body has a written health and safety policy in place. All required

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Main inspection findings

checks have been completed to ensure that pupils and staff are kept safe when in the school.  Leaders have ensured that the fire-safety risk assessment and audit have been completed. Fire-safety equipment has been installed on every floor, in classrooms and open areas. Signage is in place in case of a fire, and evacuation instructions are displayed in all areas.  The proposed school site is covered by a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system. Signage that CCTV is used in the school is in place and is visible from outside the building.  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 headteacher is suitably trained in first aid and paediatric first aid. The proprietorial body intends to train more staff in first aid to care for the numbers of pupils expected to attend the school.  There are well-stocked first-aid kits available in accessible areas throughout the school

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Main inspection findings

site. Leaders have appropriate procedures in place to record any illnesses or injury. The records will be held securely using an electronic system.  The proposed staff numbers will ensure that pupils are safely supervised.  Admissions and attendance procedures comply with current legislation.  The proprietorial body has a comprehensive, written risk-assessment policy in place. Leaders have an array of risk assessments that reflect the activities that pupils and staff will undertake. For example, leaders have given thought to the use of the playground, which is off site. The risk assessment covers all eventualities for the journey to and from the playground, and for when pupils are playing. Also, leaders have a risk assessment in place for when pupils use the local leisure centre for PE, including the use of the showers.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18–18(2)(e), 19(2)–19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(2)–20(6)(b)(iii)  The chair of the proprietorial body has ensured that the required prohibition checks on other members of the proprietorial body and leaders have been completed.  Leaders have already completed all the necessary checks on the staff who will be employed at the proposed school. Leaders have an appropriate system in place to ensure that all the necessary checks on staff who may be employed in the future will be completed before they begin their employment.  The chair of the proprietorial body, the executive headteacher and the headteacher are suitably trained to ensure that safer recruitment procedures are followed during the appointment of staff.  Leaders do not intend to use supply or supply agency staff to cover teacher absences. Leaders understand the required checks they would need to carry out if they chose to

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Main inspection findings

use such staff in the future. Paragraphs 21(1)–21(3)(b), 21(5)–21(7)(b)  The proposed school’s single central record includes all the information on the required checks on members of staff and governors. The information is collected together and stored electronically.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1)–23(1)(c), 24(1)–24(1)(b), 25, 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)  The proposed school is based in a large terraced house within the cultural quarter of the town. The proprietorial body has ensured a high-quality renovation to the property to provide suitable areas needed for the smooth running of a school. There are ample classrooms, an office, a basement hall, a staff room and small rooms for group learning. The school is decorated to a high standard. It is warm and welcoming. It meets health and safety requirements.  There is appropriate classroom furniture in place for the proposed age range and number of pupils who will attend the school. Water supplies meet requirements for the temperature control of hot water. Labelled drinking water is available for pupils.  There are toilet facilities that are suitable for use by pupils. All toilets have appropriate

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Main inspection findings

access to washing facilities that are supplied with hot and cold water.  The internal acoustics and lighting are suitable to ensure that pupils can learn effectively. The proprietorial body has a suitable room in the school building to cater for the medical and therapeutic needs of sick or injured pupils. The room has a bed, a first-aid kit and a basin with hot and cold running water. It is near to a shower and toilet.  Appropriate external lighting is fitted to all entrances to the school to ensure a safe entrance and exit at any time.  The outdoor space of the school is small. Consequently, the proprietorial body has secured a suitable outdoor space for recreation near to the school. The use of the basement hall, the outdoor space and the area a short distance from the school will provide suitable recreation space for pupils.  Leaders have arranged to deliver the PE curriculum at the local leisure centre.

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 The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1)–32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii)–32(3)(g)  The proprietorial body has a website for the school. Leaders have published a variety of information on the website. This includes the safeguarding policy and the RSE policy. Leaders have a report template in readiness, if the school is registered. The report will include information about the progress and attainment in each subject that pupils will study. Leaders plan for this report to be sent to parents annually.  Leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of their duty to provide appropriate information to support any annual review of a pupil’s education, health and care plan.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33–33(k)  The proprietorial body’s written complaints procedures meet all of the requirements of the standards. The procedures include details about the steps and timescales of leaders’ actions following a complaint.  The policy states that any parent who is not happy with the outcome of a complaint can trigger a panel hearing. This panel would include 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.  The standard in this part is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1)–34(1)(c)  The proprietorial body has ensured that all of the standards are likely to be met.  The chair of the proprietorial body and leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of the standards. They have a clear rationale for wanting to establish the school and have high ambitions for pupils who will attend the school. Policies and documents are detailed and provide sufficient guidance on how the proprietorial body and leaders intend to run the school so that it successfully achieves its aims. The proposed curriculum is ambitious and takes account of pupils’ expected needs.  The proprietorial body intends to appoint a governing body to oversee the governance of the school. Leaders already have in place robust monitoring and evaluation systems, which will enable them to identify the strengths of the school and to identify

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what needs to be improved.  The standard in this part is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has in place an appropriate accessibility plan that fulfils the requirements under schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is likely 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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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11–19 11–19 Number of pupils on the school roll 0 80 80

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Boys Boys Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 0 80 Number of part-time pupils 0 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 0 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 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 0 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 2 2

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 2

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school will be an independent Islamic faith school for boys to be established in Oldham. The proprietorial body also runs an independent Islamic girls high school and an early years setting in the locality.  Leaders intend to open the school initially for approximately 10 Year 7 pupils and to 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 whether the school is likely to meet the independent school standards prior to opening as a registered school.  This was the second pre-registration inspection of Westwood Boys School.  During the inspection, meetings were held with the chair of the proprietorial body, the executive headteacher and the headteacher of the proposed school. The inspector scrutinised curriculum planning and schemes of work.  The inspector reviewed the proprietorial body’s policies in relation to all parts of the independent school standards. A scrutiny of the safeguarding procedures, including recruitment processes and checks, was also undertaken.  The inspector toured the premises of the school.

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Inspection team

Eileen Mulgrew, lead inspector Her Majesty’s 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

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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