Al Khair Primary School

School progress monitoring inspection report

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Al Khair Primary School 61/63 Oak Way Green, Off Causeway Green Road, Oldbury, West Midlands B68 8LR

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(h)  The previous inspection, in October 2022, identified weaknesses in the curriculum. A new curriculum had been recently introduced. This was not being implemented suitably well across all subjects. As a result, pupils’ learning did not always build sensibly on the things they had already been taught.  The new curriculum is now being implemented more successfully. Leaders have provided teachers with the resources and training they need to deliver the curriculum well. Leaders have begun to monitor the quality of curriculum implementation and offer further support where needed. As a result, pupils experience lessons that now build on their previous knowledge.  Leaders have continued their work to support teachers’ understanding of how to meet the range of needs of pupils in their class. Pupils who need additional support are

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Main inspection findings

identified quickly, and suitable interventions are put in place to support these pupils to make the progress they should.  Leaders check on pupils’ starting points in literacy and numeracy when they join the school. They have appropriate frameworks in place with which to measure pupils’ starting points. This is helping leaders to develop an accurate view of pupils’ academic ability upon entry.  Leaders have recently introduced a new phonics programme. They have ensured that staff have received the training and support they need to deliver this programme well. Because of this, pupils who are at an early stage of reading learn to read with confidence and fluency. Pupils who fall behind with their reading are well supported to catch up with their peers.  Leaders have also placed a great deal of emphasis on developing pupils’ literacy skills and their love of reading. They now provide pupils with a range of opportunities to

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Main inspection findings

engage with stimulating and relevant texts, including daily reading, led by a teacher. The books children read have been carefully chosen by the phonics leader.  These independent school standards (the standards) are now met. Paragraph 2(2)(f)  At the time of the previous inspection, the curriculum in the early years did not cover all areas of learning in sufficient detail. Leaders have addressed this shortcoming. For example, the curriculum in the early years now ensures there are ample opportunities for pupils to practise and develop their fine and gross motor skills.  This standard is now met. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(g)  At the previous inspection in October 2022, staff were not making effective use of assessment. Too often, pupils were taught content that did not challenge their thinking. Consequently, pupils were not making strong progress through the curriculum.  Leaders and staff are now making good use of assessment at key points within the

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Main inspection findings

curriculum. This is helping staff to consider the prior attainment and prior knowledge of pupils when planning lessons. Teachers are using this information sensibly to shape their curriculum delivery and to provide pupils with appropriate interventions where necessary.  At the time of the previous inspection, staff did not always have the subject knowledge they needed to deliver the curriculum well. Leaders are now making sure that staff have the knowledge they need to teach the curriculum. Since the previous inspection, leaders have prioritised the professional development of staff. There is now an extensive programme of subject knowledge enhancement on offer. Consequently, teachers have the knowledge needed to deliver the curriculum suitably well.  These standards are now met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The designated safeguarding lead is a member of the school’s senior leadership team.

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Main inspection findings

Leaders are knowledgeable about how to keep pupils as safe as possible. They have a sound understanding of the risk posed to pupils in the local area.  Leaders have made sure that all staff take part in ongoing safeguarding training.  These standards are met. Paragraph 32(1)(c)  As a routine part of the inspection, the inspector checked the availability of the school’s safeguarding policy. The policy reflects current statutory requirements and can be found on the school’s website.  This standard is now met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(b), 32(3), 32(3)(b)  At the time of the previous inspection, information such as the provision for pupils with an education, health and care plan was not available.  This information has now been added to the 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)

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Main inspection findings

 At the time of the previous inspection, it was found that the proprietor did not ensure that all the standards were met. Leaders had begun to take action to address the areas of weakness identified. However, the impact of leaders’ actions at this time was unclear.  Since the last inspection, leaders have successfully addressed the areas of weakness previously identified. They have created, and are following, an appropriate action plan to address the areas of weakness.  The headteacher has restructured the school’s leadership team. Several new teaching staff have joined the school, including leaders for early years and phonics. This has created additional capacity for leaders. This additional capacity has helped them to monitor the quality of the school’s provision and take appropriate action where shortcomings are identified.  These standards are now met. Statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage

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Main inspection findings

 At the previous inspection in March 2022, some of the statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage were not met. The learning requirement 1.11 was not met. The curriculum did not provide a strong foundation for children’s development in the three prime areas.  Leaders have ensured that the curriculum in early years has been strengthened further. There remains a clear focus on communication and language throughout the curriculum. This is supporting pupils to develop their vocabulary well. Leaders have now ensured pupils have further opportunities to develop their physical development throughout the early years curriculum. All areas of learning are fully covered.  This requirement is now met.

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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– – 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; and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are– – 2(2)(b) that pupils acquire speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills; – 2(2)(f) where the school has pupils below compulsory school age, a programme of activities which is appropriate to their educational needs in relation to personal, social, emotional and physical development and communication and language skills; – 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress.

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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– – 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(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(e) demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught; – 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 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)(b) the information specified in sub-paragraph (3) is made available to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate. – 32(1)(c) particulars of the arrangements for meeting the standard contained in paragraph 7 are published on the school’s internet website or, where no such website exists, are provided to parents on request.

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is– – 32(3)(b) particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans and pupils for whom English is an additional language.

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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– – 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.

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Early years foundation stage

 1.11 Practitioners must consider the individual needs, interests, and development of each child in their care, and must use this information to plan a challenging and enjoyable experience for each child in all areas of learning and development. Practitioners working with the youngest children are expected to ensure a strong foundation for children’s development in the three prime areas. The specific areas of learning provide children with a broad curriculum and with opportunities to strengthen and apply the prime areas of learning. This is particularly important in developing language and extending vocabulary.

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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

Email address admin.oldbury@alkhairschool.org.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 29 to 31 March 2022

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Information about this school

 Al Khair Primary School is a Muslim day school for boys and girls. It is registered for 70 pupils aged two to 11.  Two pupils are educated at home but attend Al Khair for a small number of sessions each week.  There are no pupils with an education, health and care plan.  The school’s last standard inspection was in March 2022.  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 inspector met with the headteacher and the administration manager. He also spoke to the teaching staff and staff responsible for leading on the early years, special educational needs and/or disabilities, quality of education, science and phonics.  The inspector examined several policies, schemes of work and plans, as well as visiting lessons and looking at work in pupils’ books for science and history.  The inspector held meetings with the headteacher and the deputy designated safeguarding lead to discuss safeguarding procedures. The inspector spoke to staff and pupils about safeguarding.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector discussed the progress made against the previously unmet standards with the headteacher.

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Inspection team

Alexander Laney, lead inspector His 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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