Rida Boys High School

School material change inspection report

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Rida Boys High School Perseverance Inn, Forge Lane, Dewsbury WF12 9EJ

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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)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(f), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 2(A)1, 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(c), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f)3, 2A(1)(g)  Leaders have written suitable curriculum and assessment policies that are likely to meet the needs of pupils aged 15 and 16, which is requested as part of leader’s material change request.  Leaders have ensured that a curriculum policy and appropriate schemes of work are in place. The school currently teaches, and intends to continue to teach, a suitably broad range of subjects at key stage 4, including mathematics, English language, English literature, separate sciences, business studies, languages including Arabic and Urdu, computing, physical education, technology and the arts.  Curriculum documents show that pupils learn about fundamental British values and

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Main inspection findings

protected characteristics through comprehensive citizenship and personal, social and health education programmes. These programmes cover a suitable range of subjects, including statutory relationships and sex education.  Leaders aim to provide pupils with impartial careers advice and guidance. This enables pupils to learn about employability skills and about how to apply for future employment, education or training.

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Main inspection findings

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), 5(d)(iii)  Leaders ensure that pupils are, and will continue to be, taught about a range of religions, faiths and cultures. Pupils are encouraged to develop tolerance, mutual respect and appreciation of the diversity of modern society. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a)  At the time of the previous inspection, inspectors noted that leaders, by relocating to a new premises, had not ensured certain requirements of the independent school standards were met. Of these, some had a direct impact on the arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school.  The proprietors have worked diligently and, with the support and agreement of relevant authorities, including the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS), have put in

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Main inspection findings

place satisfactory, interim arrangements to ensure the welfare, health and safety of pupils and staff at the school’s new site. These interim arrangements were agreed with WYFRS as the proprietors are to commence refurbishment of the building. The weaknesses from the previous inspection have been prioritised.  The proprietor has ensured that there is a safeguarding policy in place. This policy is in line with current statutory guidance and is available on the school’s website.  The policy is comprehensive and easy to read. It is clear what is expected of all staff, in terms of keeping children safe.  The proprietor provides all staff with child protection training. The headteacher has received enhanced training as the designated lead for safeguarding in the school.  The policy explains how pupils will be taught to keep themselves safe.  This independent school standard is now met. Paragraph 11  The proprietorial body has written a comprehensive health and safety policy. This policy

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Main inspection findings

explains what all staff must do to ensure effective health and safety in the school.  The proprietorial body provides training to ensure that staff know how to keep themselves and their pupils safe. This includes emergency first-aid and fire-warden training.  The proprietorial body meets regularly. Health and safety in the school is a standing item at these meetings. Paragraph 12  At the time of the previous inspection, inspectors noted that leaders, by relocating to a new premises, had not ensured certain requirements of the independent school standards were met. Of these, some had a direct impact on the welfare, health and safety of pupils.  Specifically relating to Part 3, paragraph 12, the proprietorial body moved pupils into new premises without ensuring that all of the necessary fire safety regulations were met in this new building. The proprietorial body was tasked to take immediate action to

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Main inspection findings

ensure that they meet all regulations relating to the necessary fire risks and the building was deemed safe.  The proprietors have since worked diligently and, with the support and agreement of relevant authorities, including the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS), have put in place satisfactory, interim arrangements to ensure the welfare, health and safety of pupils and staff at the school’s new site. These interim arrangements were agreed with WYFRS as the proprietors are to commence refurbishment of the building. The weaknesses from the previous inspection have been prioritised.  The proprietorial body has ensured that fire-safety equipment is checked regularly by a certified company. All evacuation routes are clearly signed and have emergency lighting.  The headteacher keeps detailed logs that show the routine testing of alarm systems and emergency evacuations.  This independent school standard is now met.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 14  School leaders have given careful thought to the proposed increase in pupil numbers. There is an established staff team and plans in place to add to this staff team as more pupils join the school, so that pupils remain well supervised.  The headteacher has systems in place for managing pupil behaviour in the school. Paragraph 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  At the time of the previous inspection, inspectors noted that leaders, by relocating to a new premises, had not ensured certain requirements of the independent school standards were met. Of these, it was found that the welfare of pupils at the school was not sufficiently safeguarded or promoted. This was due to specific written risk assessments nor appropriate action to reduce risks being in place.  Risk assessments for the school’s new premises are now in place. The risk assessments sampled as part of this inspection were appropriate. The risk assessments in place

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Main inspection findings

accurately identify potential risks. A designated leader has responsibility for the management of these.  The proprietors have worked diligently and, with the support and agreement of relevant authorities, including the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS), have put in place satisfactory, interim arrangements to ensure the welfare, health and safety of pupils and staff at the school’s new site. These interim arrangements were agreed with WYFRS as the proprietors are to commence refurbishment of the building. The weaknesses from the previous inspection have been prioritised.  This independent school standard is now met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 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(3)  The proprietor has a safer recruitment policy. All school leaders, including the headteacher and members of the governing body, have received training in safer recruitment.  The headteacher knows how to carry out the pre-employment checks required by government guidance. The headteacher oversees all pre-employment checks to ensure that they are complete before anyone joins the school staff. Paragraph 19(2), 19(2)(a), 19(2)(a)(i), 19(2)(a)(i)(aa), 19(2)(a)(i)(bb), 19(2)(a)(i)(cc), 19(2)(a)(i)(dd), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d), 19(2)(d)(i), 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3)  The headteacher has a system in place to carry out checks on the suitability of supply staff to work in the school. Paragraphs 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii),

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Main inspection findings

20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(i), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(a)(iv), 21(3)(a)(v), 21(3)(a)(vi), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(4), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a), 21(7)(b)  The proprietor ensures that checks on the suitability of staff are completed in line with current government guidance. These checks apply to all adults who work in the school and all members of the governing body.  The headteacher maintains a single central register of this information, which is checked and monitored by the proprietor.  The proprietor has ensured that Part 4 of the independent school standards is likely to continue to be met if the DfE decides to approve the implementation of the material change requested. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c)  The proprietor intends to refurbish the building. The current condition of the building

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Main inspection findings

does not pose concerns.  The proprietor has ensured that there are enough suitable toilets for the proposed increase in pupil numbers from 42 to 90. Each toilet has a full-length, lockable door for privacy.  There are shower facilities which are close to a toilet area. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)  The proprietor has ensured that there is a medical room for pupils if they become unwell or injured while at school. The medical room is spacious having a bed and washbasin. The medical room is located close to pupil toilets.  The medical room has a well-stocked first-aid box with a log sheet to record the checks on first-aid supplies. There is a lockable storage cupboard for any medication prescribed to pupils. Paragraph 25  At the time of the previous inspection, inspectors noted that leaders, by relocating to a new premises, had not ensured certain requirements of the independent school

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Main inspection findings

standards were met. Of these, some had a direct impact on the welfare, health and safety of pupils.  The proprietors have worked diligently and, with the support and agreement of relevant authorities, including the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS), have put in place satisfactory, interim arrangements to ensure the welfare, health and safety of pupils and staff at the school’s new site. These interim arrangements were agreed with WYFRS as the proprietors are to commence refurbishment of the building. The weaknesses from the previous inspection have been prioritised. The unmet standards in parts 3 and 5 have been appropriately addressed. Paragraphs 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The school building and outside areas are well maintained. The school is in a double storey building with large windows. It is light and airy with appropriate acoustics.  The school has a range of good-sized classrooms and social spaces that can

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Main inspection findings

accommodate the proposed number of pupils. The school is well decorated and has suitable furniture and equipment.  The site is fenced and secure, with adequate external lighting. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  There are several places for pupils to access drinking water in classrooms and the kitchen area. All taps are clearly labelled to show where water is suitable for drinking.  There are washbasins in the toilet area. The water for handwashing did not run too hot when checked during the inspection. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The outdoor play area is large enough for organised games and physical education lessons. However, the headteacher explained that staff deliver physical education lessons in the school’s hall or at a local recreation field.  There is a risk assessment in place for this activity.  The proprietor has ensured that Part 5 of the independent school standards is likely to

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Main inspection findings

continue to be met if the DfE decides to approve the implementation of the material change requested. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)(c)  The proprietor has ensured that the safeguarding policy is published on the school’s website. This policy is easy to find and is compliant with government guidance.  The proprietor has ensured that this standard is likely to continue to be met if the DfE decides to approve the implementation of the material change requested. 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 previous inspection, inspectors noted that leaders, by relocating to a new premises, had not ensured certain requirements of the independent school standards were met. Of these, some had a direct impact on the welfare, health and safety of pupils.  The proprietors have worked diligently and, with the support and agreement of relevant

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Main inspection findings

authorities, including the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS), have put in place satisfactory, interim arrangements to ensure the welfare, health and safety of pupils and staff at the school’s new site. These interim arrangements were agreed with WYFRS as the proprietors are to commence refurbishment of the building. The weaknesses from the previous inspection have been prioritised. The unmet standards in parts 3 and 5 have been appropriately addressed.  As such, these independent school standards are 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 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

◼ 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school. ◼ 12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005[12]. ◼ 16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 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 – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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

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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

Date of previous standard inspection 28 to 30 September 2022

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Information about this school

 The school is currently operating beyond its registration agreement as recorded on the government’s Get Information About Schools (GIAS) website. The school is currently registered for pupils aged 11 to 14 years but has admitted pupil aged 15.  The school is also operating beyond its registration agreement because it has exceeded the maximum capacity of pupils. The registration agreement has a capacity of 42 pupils. There are 54 pupils on roll.  The school is also operating beyond its registration agreement because it moved premises without requesting, and being granted, a material change by the DfE.  The executive headteacher also leads Rida Girls High School and Paradise Primary School.  There are no pupils on roll with an education, health and care plan.  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 inspection was conducted without notice.  The inspector met with the headteacher and members of the proprietorial body. He met with staff and pupils.  The inspector reviewed a range of documents, policies and records relating to safeguarding, admissions, risk assessment, fire safety and incidents of behaviour. Checks made on new staff were reviewed.  The inspector toured all areas of the building on the main school site.

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The school’s proposed change to the age range of pupils, the maximum number

of pupils and the change of premises. The school has applied to the Department for Education (DfE) to make ‘material changes’ to its registration. At the DfE’s request, we checked whether the school is likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the DfE decides to approve the change. This part of the inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002.  The outcome of this part of the inspection is: the school has implemented changes and is likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the material changes relating to the school provision are implemented.  The first application is to increase the maximum number of pupils from 42 to 90. Leaders have implemented this change. The school currently has 54 pupils on roll, which is 12 above its registration agreement.  The second application is to change the age range of pupils admitted to the school from

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The school’s proposed change to the age range of pupils, the maximum number

11 to 14 to 11 to 16. Leaders have implemented this change. The school has admitted pupils aged 15.  The DfE agreed that Ofsted consider a third request from leaders. This is to change the premises from Perseverance Inn, Forge Lane, Dewsbury WF12 9EJ to 2 Chapel Street, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 9NQ. Leaders have implemented this change. The boys’ school is now located next to the proprietors’ purpose-built girl’s school, Rida Girls High School.  It should be noted that although the school has requested to admit pupils aged 11 to 16 (from key stages 3, and 4), the school has not, to date, had any Year 11 pupils on roll. As such, the curriculum in key stage 4 is less refined than the curriculum in key stage 3. Although this limitation should not impact the material change request, it should be noted that the school is recommended to carefully consider the rate at which key stage 4 pupils are admitted.

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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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Inspection team

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