Al-Burhan Grammar School

School material change inspection report

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Al-Burhan Grammar School Spring Road Centre, 258 Spring Road, Tyseley, Birmingham, West Midlands B11 3DW

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b) and 32(1)(c) (Part 6. Provision of information)  Leaders have ensured that there is a suitable safeguarding policy in place. It is informed by the latest statutory guidance. As the school’s website is currently being rebuilt and updated, the safeguarding policy is not available online. A hard copy of the policy is readily available on request.  The school has two designated safeguarding leaders who are based at the school. In addition, other leaders have completed appropriate safeguarding training. All staff have completed suitable safeguarding training and have regular safeguarding updates.  Staff are clear about their safeguarding roles and responsibilities and know how to report any concerns they have about a pupil’s welfare or safety. Records show that leaders respond to these concerns quickly to ensure that vulnerable pupils receive the

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Main inspection findings

support they need. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c)  The proprietor promotes good behaviour among pupils through the provision of a well-informed behaviour policy that carefully balances rewards and sanctions. All are clearly explained to pupils, who see them as fair.  Incidents of inappropriate behaviour and the sanctions applied are recorded by teachers and monitored by leaders, who support pupils in improving their behaviour. Information is shared with parents and carers. During the inspection all pupils seen in classrooms were focused and applying themselves diligently. Paragraphs 11, 12, 14, 16(a) and 16(b)  The arrangements for health and safety are fit for purpose. The written policy is up to date and complies with all relevant laws. Leaders have ensured that staff know what they should do to keep themselves and others safe.  The proprietor has ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety)

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Main inspection findings

Order 2005. Identified staff have received fire safety training. Records indicate that fire evacuation drills are carried out regularly and fire safety equipment checked.  A fire safety audit has been carried out by an external consultant and leaders have successfully actioned all the recommendations made.  Pupils are supervised well during the school day. This is because leaders have ensured that there are enough staff to support all activities, including at breaktimes and lunchtimes. Pupils are encouraged to make well-informed choices and act with considerable responsibility and maturity.  A wide range of appropriate risk assessments are in place. Leaders have considered rigorously possible risks throughout the premises and accommodation. This incudes those risks associated with activities outside the school, for example a visit to Drayton Manor. Individual risk assessments detail control measures and appropriate

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Main inspection findings

contingency plans.  The school is likely to meet all these standards if the material change is implemented. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors Paragraphs 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(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 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), 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(6)  Leaders have a thorough and detailed approach to the recruitment of staff to ensure that all appropriate checks are undertaken. All interview panels have a member who has completed safer recruitment training. Detailed pre-employment checks and thorough checks of written references are undertaken before staff are able to begin working in the school.

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Main inspection findings

 The school does not engage supply staff but is aware of appropriate checks to be made, should it do so.  The single central record contains all the required information about appointed staff. This includes checks relevant to members of staff who may have worked in other countries and those who will hold a management position. These checks ensure the safety and well-being of pupils and the suitability of staff.  The proprietor ensures that all confidential information about staff is stored securely.  The school is likely to meet these standards if the material change is implemented. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)  There are separate individual toilets and suitable washing facilities for pupils. The number of toilets is likely to meet the needs of additional pupils. Existing shower and changing facilities are provided and are likely to be able to accommodate an increase

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Main inspection findings

in the school’s number on roll.  There is a well-equipped and spacious medical room with easy access to a toilet and washing facilities. The medical room contains a bed, seating and first-aid kits. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The proprietor has ensured that provision for current pupils is well decorated, furnished and maintained. All the classrooms benefit from natural light through windows. There is adequate classroom space, within the existing provision, to cater for additional pupils. It is evident that pupils’ welfare, health and safety are likely to be maintained if the material change is implemented.  In addition to the classrooms there is a well-resourced science laboratory and art and information technology rooms. The proprietor has ensured that lighting, heating and acoustics are suitable for all the activities that take place in these rooms and in all the spaces throughout the school.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  Leaders have ensured that pupils have access to drinking water. There are water dispensers around the school. During COVID-19 restrictions, the school installed outside sinks and drinking water so that pupils could access them safely. There is safe access to warm water for pupils, with no risk of scalding. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The outdoor areas, including a large playground, are well maintained. This area accommodates physical education and enables pupils to play together during break and lunchtimes. Additional outdoor space is provided in a smaller quadrangle area in the centre of the school. A small designated indoor meeting area enables pupils to meet indoors, particularly at the beginning of the school day.  All of the standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved.

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Main inspection findings

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)  Because of issues identified in a complaint, the Department for Education (DfE) asked that the inspector check the manner in which complaints are handled.  The complaints policy and procedures were not available on the school’s website at the time of the inspection. This is because the website is being updated. A hard copy of the complaints policy was, and is, readily available on request.  The policy is informed by the latest statutory guidance. It sets out clear timescales for the management of a complaint and allows for a complaint to be made and considered initially on an informal basis. The school seeks to seek a solution as quickly as possible.  Where parents are not satisfied with the response to a complaint, procedures set out

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Main inspection findings

clearly the next stages and the rights of complainants to proceed.  Written records of complaints and the actions taken are maintained by the school and are, appropriately, kept confidential.  The school is likely to meet the standard in this part if the material change is implemented. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor and leaders are knowledgeable and committed to providing the best possible education for the school’s pupils. Leaders demonstrate strong attention to detail in ensuring that the school consistently meets the independent school standards. The proprietor provides considerable expertise and support for school leaders and staff. For example, the proprietor provides supervision and challenge for the school’s leader of teaching and learning.  The proprietor and leaders work together to ensure that the independent school

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Main inspection findings

standards are met. They make the promotion of pupils’ well-being and safety their top priority with a strong commitment to helping pupils achieve as well as possible academically. They have a good record of growing the school and are looking forward to fulfilling plans to build a purpose-built school, on the site, to further improve learning opportunities for pupils.  These standards are likely to be met if the material change is implemented. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor and leaders ensure that the school meets the requirements of Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. There is an accessibility plan in place which provides details of how the school intends to improve educational provision, the physical environment and the provision of information.

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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 that are relevant to the material change.

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School details

This inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £4,200 to £4,800

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 6–13 March 2018

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 16 11 to 16 11 to 16

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 148 160 160

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 148 160

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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 3 3

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 17 17

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 0

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Information about this school

 Al-Burhan Grammar School is a selective, Islamic independent day school for girls aged 11 to 16.  Situated in Tyseley, Birmingham, the school opened in 2002, providing for a small number of pupils. In 2013, the school moved to its current premises that were once a National Health Service day care centre. The premises have been successfully modified to function as a school. There are approved plans to build a purpose-built school, on the current site.  The school is registered for 140 pupils. It is operating above its registered capacity as there are currently 148 pupils on roll. The school’s current request is for permission to admit up to 160 pupils.  All pupils are from minority ethnic backgrounds. No pupils have special educational needs and/or disabilities. No pupils have an education, health and care plan.  The school does not use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the DfE to establish if the school would be likely to meet all the relevant independent school standards if the proposed material change, to increase the number of pupils in the school to 160, is implemented.  This was the first routine inspection the school received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Inspectors discussed the impact of the pandemic with the school leaders and have taken that into account in their evaluation.  As the result of a complaint, the DfE also requested consideration be given to Part 7, the manner in which complaints are handled.  The inspection focused on some of the welfare, health and safety standards in Part 3, including the promotion of good behaviour among pupils; all the standards in Part 4 about the suitability of staff; all of the standards in Part 5, premises and accommodation and the standards in Part 8, quality of leadership in and management

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Information about this inspection

of schools.  This was the school’s second material change inspection.  The inspector met with the chair of the proprietor body, who is also the headteacher and the designated safeguarding lead.  A tour of the school premises and accommodation was conducted, accompanied by the headteacher.  The inspector examined a range of documents, including the school’s safeguarding policy, and documents and policies relating to behaviour management, fire safety, supervision, health and safety, risk assessments and the handling of complaints.  The inspector examined the school’s record of safeguarding checks made on staff and pupil safeguarding records.

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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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Inspection team

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