The School of the Islamic Republic of Iran

School progress monitoring inspection report

p.1

The School of the Islamic Republic of Iran 100 Carlton Vale, London NW6 5HE

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i)  At the time of the last inspection leaders had bought new schemes of work. However, these had been taken from published sources and not adapted or implemented effectively. Teachers also did not deliver the work that was planned.  There are now schemes of work for several subjects. Some of these are from published sources and they are detailed. However, schemes of work are not in place for all subjects and for all year groups. In some subjects, for example computing and physical education (PE), there are no plans at all. It is not clear what will be taught in these lessons and what leaders want pupils to know and remember.  Where schemes of work exist, they consider the ages and needs of all pupils. However, this is not the case in subjects where there are no schemes of work. For these subjects, leaders have only drawn up a statement of the national curriculum aims. Leaders have

p.1

Main inspection findings

not thought about what knowledge they want pupils to know and how this will be taught. It is, therefore, also unclear whether the curriculum will take into account the needs of all pupils.  The standards in this part continue to not be met. The school is repeatedly failing to meet the same standards over time. Paragraphs 2(2), 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) and 2(2)(i)  At the time of the previous inspection, too little time and guidance were given to personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. Specific characteristics, such as sexual orientation, were not included in the school’s equalities policy or considered within PSHE. Leaders were also unable to provide details about the school’s careers programme.  Leaders now have a PSHE programme that reflects the school’s aim and ethos and encourages respect for others. Leaders encourage respect for other people, paying

p.1

Main inspection findings

particular regard to the protected characteristics. They also actively promote mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. Pupils are encouraged to respect other people equally.  Leaders have now created a careers plan that provides pupils with independent careers education, advice and guidance. This programme provides information about a wide range of potential careers. Pupils receive sufficient information to prepare them for the opportunities and responsibilities of life in modern Britain.  The standards in this part are now met. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(f) and 3(g)  During the previous inspection, inspectors noted that teachers were not given enough guidance or professional development. They were not taught how to adapt activities to ensure that pupils learn well, and new teachers did not receive adequate training about how to teach effectively.  Inspectors visited lessons in a range of subjects and spoke to pupils and teachers.

p.1

Main inspection findings

Teachers have the resources they need to plan and deliver lessons that enable pupils to progress through the curriculum that is in place. Pupils are keen to learn and they are motivated in class. Teachers assess what pupils know and remember and they address any gaps in pupils’ understanding.  The standards in this part are now met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(b) and 5(b)(vi)  At the time of the previous inspection leaders were not giving sufficient time to the teaching of PSHE. Specific characteristics, such as sexual orientation, were not included in the school’s policy or considered within PSHE.  The PSHE programme has been rewritten. Pupils have been taught about different types of family and relationships. They are encouraged to respect other people and other people’s choices, including when they are different to their own.  The standards in this part are now met.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  Arrangements for safeguarding were judged ineffective at the last inspection. Although most staff were aware of different forms of abuse and knew how to refer concerns, new staff had not received training.  Safeguarding remains ineffective at the time of this inspection. There are two safeguarding leaders and they have not updated their training since 2019 and it has now expired. Staff now receive termly safeguarding training. They know how to identify signs of abuse and they understand their responsibility to keep pupils safe. However, the training they have received from leaders has not included peer-on-peer abuse. This is a statutory requirement that is not currently being met.  The standards in this part continue to not be met. The school is repeatedly failing to meet the same standards over time. Paragraph 15  At the time of the previous inspection, leaders showed different versions of the school

p.2

Main inspection findings

admissions register to inspectors. Leaders could not confirm whether information about pupils taken off roll had been properly recorded and that the relevant authorities had been informed.  Leaders have addressed these issues and the admission and attendance register is now maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006.  The standard in this part is now met. Paragraph 16, 16(b)  Leaders have a risk assessment policy and they complete risk assessments for several different activities, for example, when pupils go on school trips. These risk assessments identify the different types of risk that pupils might encounter. However, staff completing these forms do not identify any strategies to mitigate these risks. The risk assessment form does not provide staff with an opportunity to include the mitigating actions they intend to take.  The standard in this part is now not met.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18(2), 18(2)(b), 20(6), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(b)  At the previous inspection, leaders had not ensured that all necessary checks were carried out on staff when they were appointed to the school. This was also the case for members of the governing body, except the chair.  Leaders now maintain records of all checks that they complete on staff, governors and the proprietor. Leaders do not employ supply staff. However, leaders have still not completed all the checks required on the staff they employ. They have not completed prohibition order or section 128 checks for staff or the proprietor.  The standards in these parts are still unmet. The school is repeatedly failing to meet the same standards over time. Paragraph 18(2)(a), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(i), 18(2)(c)(iii), 18(2)(c)(iv), 18(2)(d), 18(2)(e), 21(3)(a)(i), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iv), 21(3)(a)(v), 21(3)(a)(vi), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii),

p.3

Main inspection findings

21(4), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a) and 21(7)(b).  At the time of the previous inspection, leaders were not completing many of the required checks on staff. For example, they were not checking the identity of staff, the medical fitness of staff or their right to work in the United Kingdom. Leaders now complete more staff checks than at the time of the previous inspection. Therefore, more of the standards in this part are met compared to previously.  The standards in these parts are now met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(c),  At the time of the previous inspection changing facilities for PE were not suitable. Only one shower cubicle was available for pupils’ use after PE. This was in a staff toilet.  The location of the changing facility and shower is no longer a staff toilet. However, this changing facility cannot be locked for privacy from the inside and can only be locked by

p.3

Main inspection findings

key from the outside. This is not suitable.  The standards in this part are still not met. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(b), 25  There is a medical room on the school’s premises. However, this medical room does not contain a sink. The nearest washing facility is next door in the changing room. However, this room is routinely kept locked or could be in use by pupils changing. Therefore, the medical room does not meet requirements.  Leaders do not ensure that the school’s premises and accommodation facilities are maintained to a standard that ensures the health, safety and welfare of pupils. For example, recent fire-safety checks had not identified that one of the fire extinguishers could not be accessed. The school has closed-circuit television cameras, but governors have not officially approved the policy for this. Leaders did not give inspectors any documentation for the control of hazardous substances used in the school’s science

p.4

Main inspection findings

laboratory.  The standard in this part is now not met. Paragraph 27, 27(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a)  At the time of the previous inspection, there was not adequate external lighting to enable people to enter and leave the premises safely. Furthermore, there was no suitable outside space to enable pupils to do PE in accordance with the curriculum.  Leaders have installed external lighting that allows for the safe entry and exit to and from the premises and there is also suitable outside space for pupils to do PE.  The standards in these parts are now met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(d), 32(2), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(c), 32(3)(g)  The standards in this part were met at the previous inspection. However, there is some information that is not available now.  Leaders maintain a school website that contains important information for parents and carers. However, previous inspection reports are not available on the website. The

p.4

Main inspection findings

names of all members of the governing body are on the website. However, it is not clear who is the chair of the governing body, and there are no contact details for him. In addition, there are no contact details for the headteacher outside of term time.  The standards in this part are now not met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled All paragraphs  There is a complaints policy on the school website. This policy allows for complaints to be handled informally. Where a parent is not happy with the outcome of an informal process, there is a formal procedure for parents to follow. There are clear timescales for all types of complaints and there are systems to keep records of all complaints received.  The standards in this part are met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a) and 34(1)(b)  At the time of the previous inspection, the proprietor, leaders and governors had not

p.4

Main inspection findings

ensured that all the independent school standards were met.  Leaders have made some progress in ensuring that some of the standards previously not met are now met. However, there is still a significant number of standards that remain not met. Leaders did not demonstrate that they had the good knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the independent school standards are met consistently.  The standards in this part are still not met. The school is repeatedly failing to meet the same standards over time. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders were unable to provide inspectors with an accessibility plan. Therefore, leaders have not made the arrangements necessary to meet the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.  The standard in this part is not met.

p.5

Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school does not meet the requirements of the schedule to The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements that were checked during this inspection, as set out in the annex of this report. This included the standards and requirements that the school was judged to not comply with at the previous inspection. Not all of the standards and associated requirements were checked during this inspection.

p.6

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.

p.7

School details

Gender of pupils in the sixth form Mixed

p.7

School details

Date of previous standard inspection 10 to 12 December 2019

p.7

Information about this school

 This is an Islamic independent school. The school is registered for 81 pupils aged six to 16. At present, 120 pupils aged five to 16 are on roll. The school is operating beyond its registration agreement with the Department for Education (DfE) as it is recorded on the Get Information about Schools website, and it has not notified the DfE. It has admitted pupils below the registered age range and has exceeded the maximum number of pupils on roll that it is registered to admit.  The school was last inspected in December 2019, when it was judged to be inadequate. The inspection judged that the school did not meet the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 and associated requirements.  The school operates from 100 Carlton Vale, London, NW6 5HE  Leaders produced action plans to address non-compliance with the independent school standards in March 2019 and following the standard inspection in December 2019. Both

p.7

Information about this school

these action plans were deemed as unacceptable.  The school does not have any pupils with an education, health and care plan. The school does not identify any pupils as having special educational needs and/or disabilities.  The school does not use alternative providers.  The proprietor is also the headteacher. He is supported by a board of governors.

p.8

Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The purpose of the inspection was to monitor the progress the school has made in meeting the independent school standards and other requirements that it was judged to not comply with at its previous inspection.  The inspection was conducted without notice.  The DfE requested that this progress monitoring inspection consider all the independent school standards.  Inspectors met the headteacher, who is also the proprietor, the primary headteacher, teachers and pupils. Inspectors also met with the leader responsible for safeguarding.  Inspectors toured the premises and reviewed key documents and policies in relation to the independent school standards.  Inspectors visited lessons and observed pupils during break and lunch.

p.9

Inspection team

Mark Smith, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

p.9

Inspection team

Sophie Healey-Welch Her Majesty’s Inspector

p.9

The school does not meet the following independent school standards

Standards that were not met at the previous inspection and remain un-met at this inspection

p.10

Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if– – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub- paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and – 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work– – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan.

p.10

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.

p.10

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if– – 18(2)(b) no such person carries out work, or intends to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act, or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction.  20(6) The standard in this paragraph is met in relation to an individual ("MB"), not being the Chair of the school, who is a member of a body of persons corporate or unincorporate named as the proprietor of the school in the register or in an application to enter the school in the register.  21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is– – 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff (“S”) appointed on or after 1 st May 2007, whether– – 21(3)(a)(iii) a check was made to establish whether S is subject to any direction made

p.10

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in such a direction – including the date on which each such check was completed or the certificate obtained; and – 21(3)(b) in relation to each member of staff ("S"), whether a check was made to establish whether S is subject to a prohibition order or an interim prohibition order, including the date on which such check was completed.

p.10

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 23(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 23(1)(c) suitable changing accommodation and showers are provided for pupils aged 11 years or over at the start of the school year who receive physical education.

p.11

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.

p.11

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Standards that were met at the previous inspection, but are now judged to not be met at this inspection

p.11

Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are– – 2(2)(a) full-time supervised education for pupils of compulsory school age (construed in accordance with section 8 of the Education Act 1996), which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education.

p.11

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

p.11

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 20(6) The standard in this paragraph is met in relation to an individual ("MB"), not being the Chair of the school, who is a member of a body of persons corporate or unincorporate named as the proprietor of the school in the register or in an application to enter the school in the register, if– – 20(6)(a) MB– – 20(6)(a)(ii) does not carry out work, or intend to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction.

p.11

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– – 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.  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.

p.12

Part 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 32(1)(d) following an inspection under section 108 or 109 of the 2008 Act, a copy of the report of the inspection (if it has been sent to the proprietor) is published and maintained on the school’s internet website, and provided to the parents of each registered pupil, by any date specified by the body who conducted the inspection  32(2) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is– – 32(2)(b) either– – 32(2)(b)(i) where the proprietor is an individual, the proprietor’s full name, address for correspondence during both term-time and holidays and a telephone number or numbers on which the proprietor may be contacted, or – 32(2)(c) where there is a governing body, the name and address for correspondence of its Chair  32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is– – 32(3)(g) a copy of the report of any inspection carried out under sections 108 or 109 of

p.12

Part 6. Provision of information

the 2008 Act or section 87(1) of the 1989 Act.

p.12

standards

Standards that were not met at the previous inspection, but are now judged to be met at this inspection

p.12

Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are– – 2(2)(d) personal, social, health and economic education which– – 2(2)(d)(i) reflects the school’s aim and ethos; and – 2(2)(d)(ii) encourages respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act – 2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that– – 2(2)(e)(i) is presented in an impartial manner – 2(2)(e)(ii) enables them to make informed choices about a broad range of career options; and – 2(2)(e)(iii) helps to encourage them to fulfil their potential – 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress; and – 2(2)(i) effective preparation of pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in British society.  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the

p.12

Part 1. Quality of education provided

school– – 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught – 3(b) fosters in pupils self-motivation, the application of intellectual, physical and creative effort, interest in their work and the ability to think and learn for themselves – 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time – 3(d) shows a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons – 3(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range – 3(g) demonstrates that a framework is in place to assess pupils’ work regularly and thoroughly and use information from that assessment to plan teaching so that pupils can progress.

p.13

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

 5 The standard about the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at the school is met if the proprietor– – 5(b) ensures that principles are actively promoted which– – 5(b)(vi) encourage respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the [Equality] Act 2010.

p.13

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 15 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that an admission and attendance register is maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006.

p.13

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors

– 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if– – 18(2)(a) no such person is barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act where that person is or will be engaging in activity which is regulated activity within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 4 to that Act – 18(2)(c) the proprietor carries out appropriate checks to confirm in respect of each such person– – 18(2)(c)(i) the person’s identity – 18(2)(c)(iii) the person’s right to work in the United Kingdom; and – 18(2)(c)(iv) where appropriate, the person’s qualifications – 18(2)(d) the proprietor ensures that, where relevant to any such person, an enhanced criminal record check is made in respect of that person and an enhanced criminal record certificate is obtained before or as soon as practicable after that person’s appointment – 18(2)(e) in the case of any person for whom, by reason of that person living or having

p.13

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors

lived outside the United Kingdom, obtaining such a certificate is not sufficient to establish the person’s suitability to work in a school, such further checks are made as the proprietor considers appropriate, having regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State – 21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is– – 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff (“S”) appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether– – 21(3)(a)(i) S’s identity was checked – 21(3)(a)(ii) a check was made to establish whether S is barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act – 21(3)(a)(iv) checks were made to ensure, where appropriate, that S had the relevant qualifications – 21(3)(a)(v) an enhanced criminal record certificate was obtained in respect of S – 21(3)(a)(vi) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(d) – 21(3)(a)(vii) a check of S’s right to work in the United Kingdom was made; and

p.14

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors

– 21(3)(a)(viii) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(e).  21(4) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation to each member of staff in post on 1st August 2007 who was appointed at any time before 1st May 2007, whether each check referred to in sub-paragraph (3) was made and whether an enhanced criminal record certificate was obtained, together with the date on which any check was completed or certificate obtained.  21(6) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation each member (“MB”) of a body of persons named as the proprietor appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether the checks referred to in paragraph 20(6)(b) were made, the date they were made and the date on which the resulting certificate was obtained.  21(7) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation to each member of a body of persons named as the proprietor in post on 1st August 2007 who was

p.14

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors

appointed at any time before 1st May 2007– – 21(7)(a) whether each check referred to in sub-paragraph (6) was made; and – 21(7)b) whether an enhanced criminal record certificate was obtained, together with the date on which any check was completed or certificate obtained.

p.14

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 27 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 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– – 29(1)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum. guidance ‘Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.14

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child’s school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

p.15

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at 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 .

p.15

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

p.15

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.15

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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

p.15

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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

p.15