Quwwat Ul Islam Girls' School

School progress monitoring inspection report

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Quwwat Ul Islam Girls’ School 16 Chaucer Road, Forest Gate, London E7 9NB

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 3, 3(a), 3(c), 3(d) 3(e) 3(f) 3(g)  At the last standard inspection, inspectors found that leaders had not ensured that new staff had expertise to fulfil their roles. Some staff lacked strong subject knowledge to follow curriculum plans and use resources effectively. Teaching did not routinely take account of pupils’ needs and aptitudes, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils did not study subject content in a logical order and have the opportunity to use their knowledge.  The post-inspection action plan included a complete revision of the school’s curriculum. Leaders set out their plans for staff development to improve the subject knowledge of teachers and teaching assistants. They also revised their approach and expectations for the assessment of pupils’ learning.  Leaders have effectively implemented their plans for development of the school’s

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Main inspection findings

curriculum. They have revised their curriculum thinking, integrating the requirements of the national curriculum with their chosen scheme, adapted to match pupils’ key interests and the ethos of the school. Leaders have paid close attention to the subject-specific content across all subjects, so that there is clear progression in knowledge and understanding across the year groups.  Leaders have invested in high-quality resources, including a complete restocking and cataloguing of the school’s library, to enhance the delivery of the curriculum, and encourage pupils’ love of reading.  Leaders have introduced a new routine of regular meetings with staff to review medium- term planning. Leaders use these meetings to ensure staff are familiar with their expectations for the delivery of the curriculum. They identify staff training needs and organise one-to-one support and whole-school development opportunities. Staff work

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Main inspection findings

closely together, from both primary and secondary phases, to share strong practice. They communicate closely to boost their knowledge of pupils’ prior and future learning. Leaders provide more opportunities for staff to attend external training than in the past.  New assessment strategies have been established, as set out in the action plan. Leaders check how effectively teachers use assessment to support pupils to overcome any barriers to their learning. Leaders are knowledgeable about pupils with SEND. They have raised expectations and supported staff with training to ensure pupils with SEND access the same curriculum as others.  The school now meets the previously unmet requirements in this part. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b), 15  At the last standard inspection, it was found that leaders did not follow statutory guidance before taking pupils off the school’s roll.

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Main inspection findings

 The post-inspection action plan stated leaders’ intention to acquire a new electronic system to enable a more accurate and accessible recording of the admissions register. Leaders planned to improve communications with parents and carers and outside agencies to ensure the statutory guidance was followed before taking any pupil off roll.  Leaders have implemented their action plan to improve systems for the recording of admissions. Staff have been trained to use the new system effectively. Staff ensure that required checks are made when any pupil leaves the school before removing them from the school’s roll. They communicate with destination schools and the local authority as needed. They also ensure that required information is exchanged securely between schools when any pupil joins or leaves. Staff are especially vigilant to any safeguarding concerns including any risk of a child going missing from education. They work

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Main inspection findings

appropriately with relevant local authorities.  The school now meets the previously unmet requirements in this part. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18(2), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(d), 21(1), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(a)(v), 21(3)(a)(vi)  At the time of the last standard inspection, leaders had not ensured that all the required pre-employment checks were made on the suitability of staff, including in the early years foundation stage.  The post-inspection action plan indicated leaders’ intention to invest in a new electronic system for recording pre-employment checks on staff suitability. Leaders also planned to organise training so that all staff, including in the early years foundation stage, understood the processes required for safer recruitment and to ensure that a rigorous and well-organised approach to staff recruitment was established.  A new recording system is in place and used competently by staff, including in the early

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Main inspection findings

years foundation stage, for the recording of pre-employment checks. Staff have received training in the new system, and know the checks that need to be made and how to carry them out. There is a systematic approach to recording the required pre-employment checks. Leaders, including the chair of the management committee and the committee member with responsibility for safeguarding, regularly review the record of pre- employment checks to ensure that it is completed correctly and is up to date.  The school now meets the previously unmet requirements in this part. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  Leaders have taken effective action to ensure that previously unmet standards are now met, to develop the quality of education and ensure that safeguarding is effective. They acted swiftly to plan and implement the required improvements to the curriculum and to

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Main inspection findings

safeguarding practice in the school. Leaders have developed their understanding of the independent school standards and that of the staff, and demonstrate ongoing commitment to ensuring that these continue to be met. Statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage

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Main inspection findings

 The last standard inspection identified weaknesses in arrangements to carry out pre- employment checks on the suitability of staff in the early years foundation stage.  Leaders have ensured that procedures are now in place to check the suitability of staff in the early years provision before they are employed at the school, including obtaining enhanced criminal records check. The school’s new recording systems show that leaders carry out the required pre-employment checks.  The school now meets the previously unmet requirements in this part.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school meets 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. This included the standards and requirements that the school was judged to not comply with at the previous inspection. Not all of the standards and associated requirements were checked during this inspection.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if–

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work–

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan.

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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(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

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(e) demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught

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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 1. Quality of education provided

– 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.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that–

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 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.

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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[13].

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

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if–

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

– 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

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

 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.

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

 21(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor keeps a register which shows such of the information referred to in paragraphs (3) to (7) as is applicable to the school in question.

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

 21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is–

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

– 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff (“S”) appointed on or after 1 st May 2007, whether–

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

– 21(3)(a)(iii) a check was made to establish whether S is subject to 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 such a direction

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

– 21(3)(a)(v) an enhanced criminal record certificate was obtained in respect of S

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

– 21(3)(a)(vi) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(d).

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

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Foundation Stage

 3.9 Providers must ensure that people looking after children are suitable to fulfil the requirements of their roles.  3.10 Registered providers must obtain an enhanced criminal records check in respect of every person aged 16 or over who works directly with children.

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School details

This inspection was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s suitability for continued registration as an independent school.

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £3,025 to £3,225

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 25 to 27 February 2020

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Information about this school

 The school has an Islamic ethos. It provides education for girls aged four to 16 years.  Since the previous inspection, a new leader with responsibility for safeguarding has been appointed.  The school does not make use of alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the first routine inspection the school received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the school leaders and has taken that into account in her evaluation.  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 delivering its action plan, meeting the independent school standards and other requirements that it was judged to not comply with at its previous inspection.  Since the school’s first standard inspection in February 2020, leaders were asked to submit an action plan. Ofsted judged the school’s action plan to be acceptable on 26 November 2020. The Department for Education (DfE) requested that this first progress monitoring inspection consider whether particular independent school standards contained within parts 1, 3, 4 and 8 are now met.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector met with school leaders, including the chair of the management committee representing the proprietor, and another member of the committee. The inspector also held meetings with pupils and staff, visited a curriculum enrichment event and visited the school library.  The inspector looked at a wide range of school documents including curriculum plans, staff training records, and documentation relating to provision for pupils with SEND. The inspector also looked at documents relating to safeguarding procedures, the single central record, and the admissions register, to check compliance with the independent school standards.  The inspection was conducted without notice.

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Inspection team

Amanda Carter-Fraser, 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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