Abu Bakr Boys School

School progress monitoring inspection report

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Abu Bakr Boys School 72 Queen Mary Street, Walsall, West Midlands WS1 4AB

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(2), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(h), 3, 3(a), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g) and 4  At the time of the last inspection in June 2022, inspectors found that leaders were not providing an acceptable quality of education. The school’s curriculum was poorly planned. Leaders had not given enough thought to the content of the curriculum. The knowledge and skills that pupils were expected to learn were not well sequenced. Additionally, teachers did not have the subject knowledge required to implement the curriculum effectively. Teachers did not check on pupils’ learning to ensure that they were remembering what they had been taught. Leaders failed to make sure that teachers had the resources they needed to deliver the curriculum. Pupils who struggle with reading, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), were not receiving the support they needed to help them read fluently.

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Main inspection findings

 During this inspection, pupils were working remotely due to ongoing work on the new school premises.  There is evidence that leaders have revised some schemes of work to make them more fit for purpose. Leaders have identified the broad topics that will be taught and the concepts they want pupils to remember. However, leaders’ review of planning is not complete and smaller blocks of learning have not been identified for all subjects.  In other subjects, including history, leaders have included a significant amount of content without giving enough thought about how much lesson time will be needed to cover this in sufficient depth. This is likely to lead to pupils being taught new knowledge and skills too quickly, and therefore not retaining their learning.  Leaders have made some changes to their assessment processes to identify pupils failing behind, including those pupils with SEND. However, they have not used this information

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Main inspection findings

effectively to bring about improvements to pupils’ provision.  The school’s organisation of remote learning is generally effective with most pupils logging on and engaging well. However, during this inspection, it was not possible to view any pupils’ work.  Leaders say that they have brought about improvements to their reading provision, but inspectors were unable to confirm this due to pupils not being on the school site.  While inspectors were able to check some aspects of part 1, they were not able to fully establish whether these independent school standards (the standards) were met. This is because no pupils were on site at the time of the inspection and we were unable to talk to them. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a), 5(b), 5(b)(i), 5(b)(ii), 5(b)(iii), 5(b)(iv), 5(b)(v), 5(b)(vi), 5(b)(vii), 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii) and 5(d)(iii)  Due to concerns received by the Department for Education (DfE), inspectors also

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Main inspection findings

considered part 2 of the standards during this inspection.  Leaders have appropriate plans in place to cater for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Leaders’ plans show that pupils have personal development lessons every week, as well as additional citizenship lessons from Year 9 onwards.  Leaders have put together a weekly assembly programme linked to a particular theme around fundamental British values and protected characteristics. Leaders say that pupils are taught to be tolerant and respectful of others, including when someone’s sexuality is different from their own.  Leaders say that pupils have visited different places of worship during this academic year to develop an understanding of other religions. They also state that pupils have been involved in a local community project around knife crime.  Leaders assert that pupils have opportunities to undertake different visits to broaden

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Main inspection findings

their cultural understanding. They state that pupils in Years 7 and 8 have visited a famous castle as part of their work in history.  While inspectors were able to check some aspects of part 2, we were not able to fully establish whether these standards were met. This is because no pupils were on site at the time of the inspection and we were unable to talk to them. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7b, 12, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  At the time of the previous inspection, arrangements to safeguard pupils were not effective. Staff were not vigilant to safeguarding concerns and did not always report or record concerns that they had about pupils’ welfare.  Leaders have ensured that they have an appropriate safeguarding policy in place which pays due regard to guidance issued by the government. This policy is available on the school’s website.  Leaders have recently moved to a new school site. They have ensured that an

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Main inspection findings

appropriate fire and emergency policy is in place. In addition to this, leaders have ensured that the necessary checks of the school’s firefighting equipment and fire alarm system have been undertaken by an external company.  There are suitable risk assessments in place for the new school site. These cover the main school building, as well as classroom portacabins. There are appropriate actions identified to reduce risks.  These standards are now met. Paragraph 7 and 7(a)  Leaders state that staff receive annual training on safeguarding, including on topics such as radicalisation and child sexual exploitation. Leaders also say that safeguarding is also discussed as part of weekly meetings with staff.  Leaders appear to have appropriate systems in place for staff to raise a concern about a child.  Records of concerns are well kept and there is evidence of leaders acting in a timely way to offer support and help to pupils who need it.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders could provide evidence of the checks they do on attendance for remote learning and the systems in place to make follow-up phone calls for pupils who do not attend these sessions.  We were not able to fully establish whether these standards were met. This is because no pupils were on site at the time of the inspection and we were unable to talk to them. Paragraph 11  Leaders have not updated their health and safety policy to ensure it adequately reflects the new school site.  This standard is not met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(d), 18(3), 21(1), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(v) and 21(3)(a)(vi)  At the time of the last inspection, there were gaps in the single central record. Leaders had failed to ensure that all the required safer recruitment checks on staff had been carried out.  Leaders have ensured that the single central record has been updated to include all

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Main inspection findings

necessary checks on staff working at the school. All pre-employment checks have been carried out on staff, including enhanced criminal background checks.  Leaders have ensured that appropriate checks have been made on staff to establish whether they are barred from regulated activity relating to children.  Leaders have developed a suitable pre-employment checklist to help ensure all necessary paperwork is in place for each employee. Staff personnel files are well kept and include all relevant documentation.  These standards are now met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25, 28(1), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2) and 28(2)(a)  The school has recently moved into new premises. Various renovation work has taken place, but the building is still not ready for pupils.  The portacabin classrooms have had new heating and lighting installed. However, there

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Main inspection findings

are still unrepaired leaks causing damp carpets and wet walls. Additionally, there are some exposed wires and a fuse box in one classroom.  Classrooms are small but would accommodate the maximum number of pupils in terms of registration status.  The separate building where the school office, reception and medical room are located is in a poor state of repair. There is a door with shattered glass and a large step which poses a potential trip hazard as you step outside onto the rear of the building.  There is a hard surface area that will be the school’s playground, although this currently serves as a car park.  There is a broken fence to the side of the site with access to a fast-flowing stream.  These standards are not met. Paragraphs 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1)(a), 28(2)(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a) and 29(1)(b)  Leaders have ensured that classrooms have appropriate acoustic conditions and sound insulation.

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Main inspection findings

 There is suitable lighting in each classroom. External lighting has been installed to ensure pupils can safely enter and leave the site.  Classrooms are equipped with fire extinguishers and fire call points. There is suitable emergency lighting.  There is drinking water available to pupils through an installed water dispenser.  The school has suitable outdoor space available for pupils to undertake physical education and play at social times. However, this space is currently being used as a car park and will need to be cleared before pupils arrive on site.  These standards are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(b), 32(3) and 32(3)(e)  At the time of the last inspection, leaders had not ensured that information about the school’s academic performance was made readily available.  Leaders have ensured that the results for the end of the last academic year are now

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Main inspection findings

available on the school’s website.  These standards are now met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)  At the time of the last inspection, leaders were not carrying out their roles effectively. They had not ensured that the standards were met consistently and securely. Leaders were not actively promoting the well-being of pupils.  There has been significant turbulence in the school since the previous inspection. Leaders have sold the registered school site. They are now operating the school from a new location close to the other schools in the trust. Leaders say this is because of financial challenges the school has faced. Leaders are operating outside of their registration agreement.  There have been several changes in staffing. At the time of this inspection, a new headteacher had been in place for a week. The new headteacher has previously worked

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Main inspection findings

at the school in the same position. Therefore, he has a secure understanding of where the school is currently at. The previous headteacher is still providing support to the school in the role of a consultant.  At the time of this inspection, pupils were learning remotely. This is because leaders have not ensured the school is in a suitable condition to educate pupils. Leaders have put appropriate plans in place to ensure that pupils can continue with their learning while they are away from school.  While some progress has been to meet some of the standards not met previously, there remains a significant amount of work to do. Improvements have been made to the quality of education. However, there is further work required to provide clarity around how pupils build their knowledge, skills and understanding over time. Additionally, more support is required for pupils, including those with SEND, to ensure they are supported

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Main inspection findings

with developing their reading.  These standards are not met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have not ensured that their accessibility plan reflects the new school premises. Therefore, they are unlikely to fulfil their duties under schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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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. 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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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) £2,600 to £3,000

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School details

Email address abbs.info@abubakrschool.org.uk

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School details

Dates of previous standard inspection 28 to 30 June 2022

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Information about this school

 The school was previously inspected in June 2022 and judged inadequate for the quality of education and leadership and management.  The school is currently operating from 154 to 156 Wednesbury Road, Walsall, WS1 4JJ. The school has notified the DfE that it is operating beyond its registration agreement.  Abu Bakr Boys School is an independent Islamic day school that caters for boys aged 11 to 16.  The school is part of the Abu Bakr Trust.  At the time of this inspection, a new headteacher had been in post for a week. He has previously worked as headteacher at the school. There have been significant staff changes since the previous inspection.  The school does not use any alternative provision.

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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 request for a material change could not be considered due to failings found at this progress monitoring inspection.  As part of this inspection, inspectors also considered a concern that had been raised with the DfE regarding pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.  Inspectors visited the school’s new site where they are currently operating from.  This progress monitoring inspection was carried out without notice and lasted one day.  This was the school’s first monitoring inspection since its last standard inspection in June 2022, at which it was judged inadequate.

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Information about this inspection

 The school was required to prepare an action plan as a result of non-compliance with the standards following the June 2022 standard inspection. The proposed action plan was judged unsatisfactory in December 2022 and was rejected by the DfE.  Inspectors met with the headteacher, the school consultant and the designated safeguarding lead. Inspectors also spoke with a limited number of other staff who were on site on the day.  Inspectors checked the school’s curriculum policy and subject plans. They visited a sample of online lessons. They also looked at the school’s personal development curriculum and other documentation relating to pupils’ wider development.  The lead inspector held a meeting about the school’s safeguarding procedures. He checked the school’s single central record, looked at staff personnel files and examined how safeguarding concerns were recorded and followed up. The safeguarding policy on

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Information about this inspection

the school’s website was also checked.  Inspectors toured the school’s premises. They reviewed a range of health and safety documents, including risk assessments and fire safety certificates.

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Inspection team

Mark Howes, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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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

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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.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.

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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-

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 23(1)(a) suitable toilet and washing facilities are provided for the sole use of pupils;

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 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.

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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-

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 24(1)(a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils;

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 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.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 24(2) The accommodation provided under sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) may be used for other purposes (apart from teaching) provided it is always readily available to be used for the purposes set out in sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b).

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 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.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 28(1)(b) toilets and urinals have an adequate supply of cold water and washing facilities have an adequate supply of hot and cold water;

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 28(1)(c) cold water supplies that are suitable for drinking are clearly marked as such; and

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 28(1)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 28(2) The facilities provided under sub-paragraph (1)(a) will be suitable only if-

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 28(2)(a) they are readily accessible at all times when the premises are in use.

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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

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

 Arrangements made to fulfil duties under schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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standards

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

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standards

– 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

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standards

 12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

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standards

 16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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standards

– 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and

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standards

– 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.  18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if-

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standards

– 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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standards

 18(3) The checks referred to in sub-paragraphs (2)(c) and (except where sub-paragraph (4) applies) (2)(e) must be completed before a person’s appointment.

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standards

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

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standards

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

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standards

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

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standards

- 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;

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standards

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

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standards

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

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standards

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standards

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standards

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standards

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standards

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