Beacon Lights Schools

School material change inspection report

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Beacon Lights Schools Rifaiyy Building (Hopwood Lane Entrance), Francis Street, Halifax HX1 5JY

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 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)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(f), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(c), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g), 2A(2), 2A(3), 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  Senior leaders and proprietors have carefully considered the curriculum for pupils aged 15 and 16 years. They have already put in place plans so that pupils will be able to study at least nine subjects at GCSE level.  The leadership have invested heavily in programmes of study and recruiting qualified and experienced teaching staff. They have also invested in professional development courses for current teaching assistants and teachers.  Audits have been completed on subjects since the last inspection and actions taken.  The assistant headteacher leads on quality assuring the curriculum. She conducts

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Main inspection findings

regular quality assurance through book scrutiny, lesson visits and meetings with class teachers on a half-termly basis. An assessment system already in place also enables leaders to keep track of pupils’ progress. This system will continue and encompass the new pupils and their curriculum. Paragraph 2(2), 2(2)(i), 2(2)(ii), 2(2)(iii),  The school leaders have implemented a comprehensive careers programme. All pupils from Year 7 have a careers portfolio. As pupils move through the school, they are given the opportunity to take part in activities such as careers fayres and to meet with an independent careers adviser.  If the material change is implemented, these standards are likely to continue to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 32(1)(a)  The proprietors have ensured that a safeguarding policy that follows government guidelines is available on the school website for parents to access. Safeguarding has a

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Main inspection findings

high priority in this school. Every meeting has safeguarding on the agenda so that all staff are kept appropriately up to date. All staff have the required training. Paragraphs 11, 12, 14  The proprietors have carefully considered the content of their policies so that pupils’ safety and well-being are paramount. The site manager takes a proactive role in making sure that policies are implemented effectively. For example, fire risk assessments are thorough and other fire checks are made regularly as required. Staff have up-to-date training such as fire marshal and first-aid training. Posters around the school ensure that the first aiders on each floor are known by all.  The school environment is safe, with an appropriate medical room and clear procedures implemented, such as locked gates, fire evacuation practices and checking visitors who enter the building. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  A risk assessment policy clearly outlines the responsibility of everyone to risk assess

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Main inspection findings

everything that happens in school. A whole school risk assessment is completed regularly and is comprehensive. Risk assessments are completed for activities and events appropriately.  If the material change is implemented, these standards are likely to continue to be met. 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(2)(f), 18(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)(3), 20(6)(c) , 21(6)  The proprietors keep an electronic record of all the recruitment checks they make on new staff. All the required checks are made. The headteacher has completed safer recruitment training, along with other staff.  The school does not use supply staff. However, they have a great number of volunteers who work regularly in the school. These volunteers are occasionally called

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Main inspection findings

on to cover the absences of staff. Volunteers have the same recruitment checks made as permanent staff.  If the material change is implemented, these standards are likely to continue to be met. 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), 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The proprietors have ensured that the school has adequate toilet facilities, including that needed for an additional 24 pupils. There are currently three unused classrooms which will be used by the proposed additional pupils.  The proprietors have ensured that pupils have access to drinking water via water fountains positioned around the school.  A well-equipped medical room is available, with a sink and close proximity to a toilet facility for pupils.  The school is a former church with traditional architectural features, such as stained-

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Main inspection findings

glass windows and large wooden alters. The proprietors have incorporated these features into the heart of the school and kept them well maintained.  The outside space is as original in its make-up as the interior of the building. The pupils have plenty of space outside with grass areas, low stone walls to sit on and a large concrete area.  Teachers hire a sports hall for pupils to take part in physical education lessons where necessary. The college they use is situated directly opposite the school.  If the material change is implemented, these standards are likely to continue to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The three proprietors invest a great deal of time and money into this school. They carefully consider each action taken so that ultimately, it brings about improvement for the children they care for and educate.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietors have carefully considered the needs of pupils aged 15 and 16 years. They have recruited staff and invested in appropriate resources and training for current staff. A quality assurance programme is planned to ensure that the new curriculum will be continually monitored.  The proprietors have taken steps to ensure that those with responsibilities will have the skills and knowledge required to deliver the new curriculum. They continue to promote the well-being of pupils.  If the material change is implemented, these standards are likely to continue to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The special educational needs coordinator ensures appropriate adaptations are made to the curriculum so that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities can access it. The school has access slopes and a lift if required for access to the building. Documentation notes that individual risk assessments are made when needed when

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Main inspection findings

physical or curriculum adaptations are required for individual needs.  Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 continues to be met.

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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.

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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

Type of school Islamic independent school

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School details

Proprietor Beacon Lights Educational Trust

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £1,800 to £2,000

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 15 to 17 March 2022

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 5 to 14 5 to 16 5 to 16

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 98 132 132

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 98 132

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 6 6

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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 7 7

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 14 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 1 2

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Information about this school

 The school is currently able to accept up to 108 pupils between the ages of five and 14 years.  The school was previously inspected in March 2022 when its overall effectiveness was judged to be good. At that time, leadership and management, behaviour and attitudes and personal development were judged to be outstanding.  The school’s website notes that its vision and values are encapsulated within the acronym CARAT. Consideration for the rights of others, Appreciation of difference, Responsibility, Ambition, Tolerance.  The school does not use alternative provision.  Beacon Lights Educational Trust is made up of three proprietors. All take an active part in the life of the school; one is the headteacher.  The proprietors are awaiting the completion of new premises nearby. The new building will be significantly larger. The proprietors intend to apply for a material change for the new premises and an increase in pupil numbers when the premises are

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to consider an application for two material changes. The proprietors are applying to increase the age range from 14 to 16 years and increase the capacity of the school by 24. This is the school’s first material change application.  The inspector held meetings with one of the proprietors, who is also the headteacher.  A tour of the school was made with the headteacher and the site manager. The tour considered the proposed space for the additional pupils, as well as facilities such as outside space, toilet and medical facilities.  Several documents were studied to consider procedures to ensure the building, staff and pupils are safe, for example fire risk assessments, fire evacuation records and risk assessments.  The school’s record of recruitment checks was studied. A meeting took place to consider safeguarding within the school and training certificates were seen.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector gathered evidence to consider the teaching and quality assurance of the proposed curriculum.

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Inspection team

Jo Sharpe, 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

achieve 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.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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