Darul Madinah

School material change inspection report

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Darul Madinah 50 Darvills Lane, Slough SL1 2PH

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1)–2(2)(b), 2(2)(d)–2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e)(i)–2(2)(f), 2(2)(h)–2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(d)–2A(1)(g), 3 and 4  The proprietor has ensured that there is a written policy on the curriculum. The school offers a broad range of subjects. When planning the curriculum, leaders have considered the ages and abilities of pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. This planning has been extended to cover the age range of pupils should the proposed change be accepted.  There are systems in place for assessing pupils’ progress through the planned curriculum. The information gleaned is used to adapt the curriculum as needed. This includes around using regular assessments to identify struggling readers and provide them with additional support.  As part of the curriculum, leaders have considered pupils’ personal, social, health and economic education. Pupils have the opportunity to learn about a range of age-

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Main inspection findings

appropriate topics and develop an understanding of other cultures and backgrounds. Leaders have extended their plans for the teaching of this subject for the additional year groups proposed by the material change.  Pupils receive appropriate education about safe and healthy relationships. This is covered by the school’s current policies, which were in the process of being refined when the inspection took place. Leaders understand that they need to consult parents on the updated policy.  This part of the independent school standards (the standards) is likely to be met should the proposed material change be approved. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5–5(d)(iii)  In their planning of the curriculum, leaders have made clear links to fundamental British values, including as part of assemblies and events in school. Pupils learn to appreciate other cultures and celebrate diversity.

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Main inspection findings

 Extra-curricular activities are built into the curriculum so that all pupils participate. Pupils have the opportunity to experience a range of activities, including arts and crafts.  Pupils are taught to understand the difference between right and wrong, including through the school’s ‘golden rules’ which are displayed in every classroom.  This part of the standards is likely to be met should the proposed material change be approved. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7–7(b) and 32(1)(c)  Leaders have ensured that the arrangements for safeguarding at the school remain effective. There is a detailed and appropriate safeguarding policy, which is published on the school’s website. Staff receive the required safeguarding training to put this policy into practice. Paragraphs 11, 12, 14 and 16  Health and safety procedures in school are underpinned by an appropriate written policy that complies with the necessary laws and guidance. The proprietor ensures

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Main inspection findings

that the school premises and procedures continue to comply with fire safety regulations.  The proprietor has ensured that the school is well staffed and there is adequate supervision of pupils. New staff have been appointed for September to accommodate the proposed increase in numbers.  Leaders are thorough in completing necessary risk assessments. They follow common policies and procedures to ensure that these are consistent.  This part of the standards is likely to be met should the proposed material change be approved. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2)–18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2)–19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6)–20(6)(c), 21(1)– 21(3)(b) and 21(5)–21(6)  The proprietor and the headteacher have a good understanding of how to recruit staff safely. They have put in place robust recruitment procedures which include carrying out the necessary checks and checking references for new members of staff.

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Main inspection findings

Information about these checks is recorded on a single central record. This includes those checks carried out on members of the proprietor body.  The school does not currently use supply teachers but has appropriate procedures in place should the need arise.  This part of the standards is likely to be met should the proposed material change be approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1)–23(1)(b), 24(1)–24(1)(b), 24(2) and 25–29(1)(b)  The proprietor has expanded the school premises on the existing site to provide the required space if the proposed changes were implemented. Classrooms are spacious enough to accommodate the proposed number of pupils comfortably.  The existing part of the school site is maintained to a reasonable standard so that it provides a safe and welcoming learning environment. Although meeting the required standards, there is cosmetic work needed to bring new classrooms up to the

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Main inspection findings

standards of others in the school. The inspection was carried out during the school’s summer holidays when this work was underway.  The school has adequate toilet facilities for pupils and staff. Outdoor space is sufficient to allow pupils to play together. Physical education is also taught in this space.  There are medical facilities on site to allow for the treatment of any unwell pupils. These are located close to pupil toilets. The school does not cater for pupils with complex needs.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed change is implemented. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34–34(1)(c)  Members of the proprietor body have a detailed understanding of the school. They work closely with the headteacher to assure themselves that standards are maintained. Members of the proprietor body show an ongoing commitment to the well-being and education of pupils. They hold the school’s headteacher to account and

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Main inspection findings

ensure that the school continues to meet the standards.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed change is implemented. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor ensures that the school meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 by publishing an appropriate accessibility plan.

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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 that are relevant to the material change.

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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

Email address operations.slough@darulmadinah.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 9 to 11 November 2021

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 4 to 7 4 to 9 4 to 9

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 41 80 80

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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 41 80

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

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

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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 Not applicable

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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 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 6 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable Not applicable

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Information about this school

 Darul Madinah is an independent day school with an Islamic ethos.  A registered nursery, Darul Madinah Nursery School, is situated in the same building and is inspected separately. The school and nursery school share one proprietor.  The school occupies a building which is also used by the Pakistan Welfare Association in an urban area of Slough.  The last standard inspection took place between 9 and 11 September 2021 when the school was judged to be good and meeting all of the standards. Since then, the school has received a material change inspection in August 2022 when it applied successfully to increase its roll to the current number of 41 pupils.  At the last inspection, the chair of the proprietor body was also the school’s headteacher. A new headteacher has since been appointed.

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Information about this inspection

 The proprietor body has applied for a material change to increase the maximum number of pupils at the school from 41 to 80. In addition, the proprietor wishes to increase the maximum age of pupils who attend the school to nine years old.  The Department for Education requested that Ofsted conduct a material change inspection to report against paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 14, 16 and 34, as well as parts 3, 4 and 5 of the standards.  The inspector checked the school’s arrangements for safeguarding as part of the inspection. This included a meeting with the school’s designated safeguarding lead and looking at records of safeguarding concerns. The inspector also scrutinised the school’s single central record and the checks carried out on members of staff.  The inspector met with the school’s headteacher and the chair of the proprietor body.  The inspector checked the suitability of the school’s premises and discussed this with

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Information about this inspection

the chair of the proprietor body.  The inspector looked at a range of documents in relation to the material change request. He discussed with the headteacher and chair of the proprietor body their plans for implementing the proposed material change.

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Inspection team

Chris Ellison, 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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