Toras Moshe

School pre-registration inspection report

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Toras Moshe 12 Wellington Street East, Salford M7 2AU

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)–2(2)(i)  The proprietor has ensured that a suitable written curriculum policy is in place. This meets the ages of the intended children in the early years and pupils in Years 1 to 6. Leaders propose that children and pupils will follow a curriculum for Jewish studies (Kodesh) every morning and a broad curriculum of secular subjects (Chol) each afternoon. Leaders have worked closely with educational consultants to produce suitable schemes of work in Chol subjects. These schemes of work provide staff with a framework to deliver the proposed curriculum in a structured way.  Leaders intend to provide the Kodesh curriculum in Yiddish. Staff will deliver all Chol subjects in English. This is to ensure that children and pupils will develop effective written and spoken English.  The proposed curriculum aims to ensure that children and pupils will make progress.

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Main inspection findings

There is a focus on pupils acquiring speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills. In the early years, leaders’ plans show a clear focus on the prime areas of learning. This is to support children to develop appropriate communication, social and physical skills.  Leaders have suitable knowledge to deliver the curriculum. They plan to provide staff with appropriate training to ensure that they are equipped to deliver the curriculum to the proposed age range. For example, staff will be trained in phonics teaching.  Leaders’ curriculum offer provides pupils with opportunities to learn about the fundamental British values. For example, the Kodesh curriculum aims to teach children and pupils to have respect for people, regardless of their differences. This includes developing respect for people of different cultures and religions. Leaders plan to provide children and pupils with additional opportunities to improve their

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Main inspection findings

understanding of the wider world.  Leaders have designed a suitable scheme of work to promote pupils’ and children’s personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education.  Leaders intend that the proposed school’s curriculum will actively promote tolerance for all of the protected characteristics. However, plans do not specifically mention the protected characteristics of sexual orientation or gender reassignment. Leaders have planned an appropriate consultation with parents and carers about the school’s proposed approach to relationships and sex education (RSE). This consultation, together with the curriculum, policies and plans for PSHE, is intended to reflect the current government guidance for primary schools.  Leaders plan to open the school with a small number of children in the early years and then increase the number of children year on year. Leaders will be recruiting additional staff for the proposed school. Leaders understand the qualifications,

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Main inspection findings

experience and skills required of staff who teach in the early years. This includes the expertise to teach the curriculum and meet the early years regulatory requirements. Leaders intend to provide staff with a robust induction process and supportive mentoring.  Leaders are committed to supporting children and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Leaders, including the proprietor, demonstrate an effective understanding of local agencies, such as speech and language therapists and special schools, that could help identify and meet the needs of children and pupils with SEND. Leaders have plans to employ a dedicated special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) to oversee the education and welfare of pupils with SEND. Paragraph 2A–2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  The proprietor has ensured that a suitable relationships curriculum will be provided to children and pupils. The RSE policy takes account of the statutory guidance. Leaders’

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Main inspection findings

plans do not propose to provide pupils with sex education.  Leaders intend to consult on the proposed content of the curriculum with parents when the proposed school opens. The proposed consultation is suitable and provides parents with the latest statutory guidance about RSE in full so that they can make an informed decision. Leaders, including the proprietor, have plans to meet with parents if they have any questions or concerns about the intended curriculum. Paragraph 3–3(g)  Leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of how to assess children’s and pupils’ learning. They have appropriate intentions to support staff to use the findings of assessment. Leaders intend staff to use this knowledge to plan activities for children and pupils and to help identify the additional needs of children or pupils with emerging SEND. Paragraph 3(h), 3(i), 3(j)  Leaders have produced a suitable behaviour management policy. The policy outlines

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Main inspection findings

possible rewards and sanctions. Leaders have invested in an electronic system that will be used to record any incidents of poor behaviour. Leaders intend to inform parents quickly if incidents of poor behaviour occur, and involve specialists if required. Paragraph 4  Leaders have ensured that there is a suitable system to keep parents appropriately informed of their child’s progress in school.  The independent school standards (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 Paragraph 5, 5(a), 5(b)(i)–5(b)(vii)  Leaders are committed to effectively promoting children’s and pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The intended curriculum promotes pupils’ respect for and tolerance of families and cultures that are different to their own.  Leaders plan for children and pupils to take part in educational visits and charitable events, for example visits to the local police and fire stations. This will help to improve pupils’ understanding of British society and institutions and support their understanding of right and wrong.  Leaders intend to teach children and pupils about fundamental British values through the curriculum. Leaders demonstrate a commitment to promoting pupils’ respect for the protected characteristics.  Leaders intend to provide pupils with opportunities to learn about different traditions

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Main inspection findings

and cultures. A proposed music club will support children’s and pupils’ cultural development. Leaders are exploring additional opportunities to further promote pupils’ physical and social development. Paragraph 5(c), 5(d)–5(d)(iii)  Leaders understand the need to ensure that pupils benefit from a balance of opposing views when they learn about politics.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7  The proposed headteacher will be the designated safeguarding leader (DSL). The proprietor has ensured that the DSL has received suitable and up-to-date training.  Leaders demonstrate a strong commitment to keeping children and pupils safe. They understand whom to contact at the local authority if they need additional support or guidance. These contact details are displayed throughout the school building.  Leaders have been trained in safer recruitment. This is supporting leaders to ensure that the requirements for the checks on the suitability of staff are likely to be met.  The safeguarding policy takes account of the latest government guidance. Leaders intend for all staff to receive regular safeguarding training. This includes how to raise concerns with the DSL, or appropriate agencies, when required.  The proprietor has invested in an electronic system which will be used by all staff to

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Main inspection findings

record concerns about children’s or pupils’ welfare. Safeguarding records will be stored securely using this electronic system. Paragraph 9, 10  Leaders have established appropriate behaviour and anti-bullying policies. The policies provide staff with information about the different types of bullying. It makes clear that all types of bullying, such as peer-on-peer abuse and homophobic bullying, are unacceptable. The proprietor has invested in an electronic system to record any incidents of bullying or poor behaviour. This system will allow leaders to analyse children’s and pupils’ behaviours and provide additional support if required. Paragraph 11, 12  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable health and safety policy in place. Leaders intend to provide all staff employed at the proposed school with a detailed induction that will include health and safety training. Leaders have appropriate plans

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Main inspection findings

to undertake regular health and safety checks to ensure that any faults can be identified quickly and resolved in a timely way. Checks on electrical systems, or fire equipment, are completed by a suitably qualified person.  The proposed school building is compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 regulations. Smoke alarms, firefighting equipment and emergency lighting have been installed. These will be checked frequently by a competent person. All fire exits are signposted and free from clutter. There is a clearly labelled fire muster point in a suitable location. Leaders intend to practise fire alarm drills with children, pupils and staff twice a term. This will help to ensure that everyone understands what to do in the event of a fire. Paragraph 13, 14, 15  Leaders have created a suitable first-aid policy. An accident logbook is ready for use. Staff have completed appropriate first-aid training, including paediatric first-aid

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Main inspection findings

training for children under the age of five. Leaders intend to provide suitable first-aid training to new staff, as required.  The proposed number of staff will ensure that children and pupils will be supervised effectively throughout the school day. Leaders understand the early years welfare ratio requirements. They intend to recruit suitable additional staff as the number of children in the early years increases.  The admissions policy for the proposed school complies with the Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 2006. Leaders have established an appropriate attendance register. They have plans to use an electronic system to record and analyse attendance data. Paragraph 16  The proprietor has ensured that an acceptable risk assessment policy is in place. The policy explains to staff the process that is to be followed in order to create risk assessments.  Leaders have established suitable risk assessments for an appropriate range of

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Main inspection findings

activities, such as when children in the early years will be playing in the water tray. Leaders demonstrate a secure knowledge of how to act to mitigate the risks that children and pupils may face.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 17–18(2)(e), 18(3)  Leaders understand the checks that need to take place prior to staff working in the school. These include an enhanced criminal record check, checks on staff’s identification and their right to work in the United Kingdom. Paragraph 19  Leaders do not intend to use supply staff in the proposed school. However, leaders understand the required checks that would need to be completed if supply staff were to be used. Paragraph 20(6)–20(6)(c), 21(1)–21(7)(b)  All the required checks for the proprietor and leaders for the proposed school have been completed.  The proprietor intends to establish a governing body for the proposed school. Leaders

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Main inspection findings

understand the checks that should be completed for members of the proposed governing body, including checks under section 128 of the Education and Skills Act 2008.  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  The proposed school accommodation consists of a large modular building set on a substantial site. This comprises two average-sized classrooms, one large classroom, a toilet block, a medical room, a staff room and an office. All rooms are accessed from the central lobby. Externally, there is a large playground. The premises provide a suitable and welcoming environment in which children and pupils can learn. Paragraph 23  Leaders have ensured that there are adequate toilets available for children and pupils to use. Toilets can be locked from the inside to provide privacy. Suitable handwashing facilities are available. Water does not pose a scalding risk. A separate disabled toilet is available. This has an alarm that can be activated by the user if they require assistance. Paragraph 24  The medical room has a bed, blankets and pillow. There is a suitable first-aid kit. The

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Main inspection findings

room has its own sink and is suitably close to the toilets. Paragraph 25, 26, 27–27(b), 28(1)–28(1)(d), 28(2)–28(2)(b)  Leaders ensure that the site is clean and well maintained. Perimeter fencing is suitable. Leaders have a clear, proposed start and end of day procedure. This limits the risk of any child or pupil absconding.  There is suitable external lighting. This ensures that visitors can access or exit the building safely.  The three classrooms are suitably furnished for the proposed age of the children and pupils. The acoustic conditions, and lighting, of each room are conducive to learning. Each room has adequate heating.  Leaders have ensured that children and pupils will have access to drinking water throughout the day. Sources of drinking water are clearly labelled. Paragraph 29  The large playground allows for children and pupils to take part in physical education lessons. The playground also allows for children and pupils to play and socialise.

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Main inspection findings

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

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32  The proprietor understands the requirements for the provision of information. Written copies of any policies or information will be provided on request.  Leaders have created an appropriate format for reporting children’s and pupils’ progress to parents. This will be reported annually. The report will include comments on children’s and pupils’ academic achievement and attitudes to learning.  Leaders intend to use the local authority’s proforma for reporting income and expenditure for children and pupils with education, health and care (EHC) plans.  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 Paragraph 33  The proprietor has a suitable written complaints policy in place. It explains that the complainant may be accompanied at any panel hearing by a friend or relative.  The policy is available on request.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34  The proprietor intends to establish a governing board should the proposed school be approved. This is to oversee leaders’ work and help to ensure that the standards are consistently met. The proposed governing board will include members of the local community who are suitably experienced.  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable curriculum in place. Leaders intend to monitor the delivery of the curriculum to ensure that children and pupils are receiving the best possible education.  The proprietor has ensured that all the standards relating to the safety and welfare of pupils, children and staff at the school are likely to be met.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable accessibility plan that meets the requirements of paragraph 3 of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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Main inspection findings

Statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage  The proprietor has ensured that the safeguarding and welfare requirements for the early years foundation stage (EYFS) are in place.  Leaders have ensured that the proposed curriculum for children in the EYFS is likely to provide a suitably broad and balanced set of experiences to support their learning and development.  The statutory requirements for the EYFS are likely 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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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 3 to 11 3 to 11 Number of pupils on the school roll 0 200 100

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recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  During the inspection, it became clear that the proposed number of pupils on the school roll is leaders’ long-term vision. The current school accommodation is suitable for the education of up to 100 pupils.

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Boys Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 200

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable As required

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable As required

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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 Not applicable As required

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 2

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Information about this proposed school

 Toras Moshe is proposed to be a Chassidic Jewish school serving several orthodox communities. The proposed school is located in a residential area of Salford.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to 200 boys aged between three and 11 years. Leaders aim to provide children and pupils with a Kodesh and Chol curriculum. It is expected that some pupils may have SEND such as speech, language and communication needs. Some pupils may have an EHC plan.  Leaders have a considered approach to the growth of the school. If registered, leaders intend to admit a small number of children to the early years and increase the school roll year on year.  At the time of this inspection, leaders have not appointed a SENCo.  The school does not intend to make use of alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine if the school is likely to meet the independent school standards prior to opening as a registered school.  This is the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector held discussions with the proprietor. He met with the proposed headteacher, other leaders and the site manager.  The inspector made a tour of the school to check the suitability of the proposed premises against the relevant independent school standards. He also reviewed a wide range of documents and policies, including those relating to the curriculum, behaviour and welfare, and health and safety. A scrutiny of the safeguarding procedures, including recruitment processes and checks, was also completed.

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Inspection team

Adam Sproston, 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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