Daffodil Preparatory School

School material change inspection report

p.1

Daffodil Preparatory School 161–163 Commercial Road, London E1 2DA

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7–7(b), 32(1), 32(1)(c)  The school’s safeguarding policy has not been updated since January 2022. It is not available on the school’s website.  The policy does not demonstrate that leaders understand their statutory duties, including those found in the latest ‘Keeping children safe in education’ guidance.  These independent school standards (the standards) are not likely to be met if the material change is approved. Paragraph 11  Leaders have not ensured that the school’s health and safety policy has been updated since the school was registered. The policy does not reflect the changes to the school’s health and safety arrangements for the proposed new premises.  This standard is not likely to be met if the material change is approved. Paragraph 12  The school’s arrangements for fire safety at the new premises are not likely to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The only available fire safety

p.1

Main inspection findings

certificate was for the fire detection and alarm system. This suggested the fire alarm panel be upgraded. There were no commissioning or annual check certificates for the emergency lighting or the fire extinguishers.  The latest external fire risk assessment identified nine actions for completion by May or June 2023. The proprietor has not completed some of these actions in the required timeframe. This includes removing fire exit signage from doors that lead to a dead end. The weekly fire alarm checks and monthly emergency lighting checks have not been completed.  This standard is not likely to be met if the material change is approved. Paragraph 16–16(b)  The school’s risk assessment policy was not available for inspection. Leaders have not completed an adequate risk assessment of the new premises.  This standard is not likely to be met.  The standards in this paragraph that were checked are not likely to be met if the

p.1

Main inspection findings

material change to relocate the school’s main premises is approved. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors All paragraphs  The school was unable to provide the inspector with the single central record of checks on adults. At present, there are no staff employed by the school.  Some of the standards in this part are not likely to be met if the material change is approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools All paragraphs  The proposed new premises consist of a five-storey building currently used as a tuition centre for pupils of secondary school age. Leaders have taken no suitable action to prepare the premises for their proposed use as a primary school. For example, there are no suitable resources or furniture for pupils aged five to 11.  Though there are toilets and washing facilities on each floor, none have been suitably adapted to meet the needs of primary-age pupils.

p.2

Main inspection findings

 Windows on the upper floors open far too widely. This presents an obvious safety risk to pupils.  The premises do not include any outdoor space. Leaders propose to use the local park for daily recreation and weekly physical education. Leaders have not suitably assessed these activities for the possible risks they present.  Arrangements for lighting, acoustics, drinking-water, hot water and the medical room are all likely to be suitable.  Some of the standards in this part are not likely to be met, as listed in the annex. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  There is a serious lack of leadership capacity. The weaknesses identified during this material change inspection visit show in particular that leaders have limited knowledge of the standards and the associated statutory requirements independent schools must comply with.  Many of the standards checked in this part, are not likely to be met if the school’s

p.2

Main inspection findings

application to relocate its main premises is approved. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have not updated their accessibility plan to account for the new premises.  This requirement is not likely to be met if the material change is approved.

p.2

Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is unlikely 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, as set out in the annex of this report.

p.3

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.

p.4

School details

Email address info@daffodilprepschool.org.uk

p.4

recommendation

Age range of pupils 5 to 11 5 to 11 Not applicable

p.4

recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 0 155 Not applicable

p.4

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 0 Up to 155 Number of part-time pupils 0 0

p.4

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 0 0

p.5

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 0

p.5

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 0 0

p.5

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 0 6

p.5

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 0

p.5

Information about this school

 Daffodil Preparatory School is an independent primary day school with an Islamic ethos.  The school’s previous inspection was its pre-registration inspection in May 2022. The school was subsequently registered as UK Community College (UKCC) on 4 August 2022. The proprietors changed the school’s name to Daffodil Preparatory School on 24 May 2023.  The school has never operated. No pupils are, or have ever been, on the school’s roll. The school has vacated its premises at 43 West Ham Lane, London, E15 4PH.  The school does not currently employ any staff. The proprietors are in the process of recruiting a headteacher.  The school makes no use of alternative provision.

p.5

Information about this inspection

 The Department for Education commissioned this inspection to consider the school’s application to change its main premises.  This was the first inspection to consider the school’s material change application.  The inspection was announced with two days’ notice.  The inspector considered whether some of the requirements in parts 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 of the standards are likely to be met if the material change is approved.  The inspector met with two colleagues connected with, but not employed by, the school. He toured the premises and spoke with the chair of the proprietor body by phone. He considered a range of evidence, including documents related to health and safety, safeguarding and risk assessment.

p.6

Inspection team

James Waite, lead inspector Ofsted Inspector

p.6

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

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

p.7

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and

p.7

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

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

p.7

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.

p.7

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

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

p.7

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

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

p.7

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 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

p.7

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

p.7

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if-

p.7

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 18(2)(a) no such person is barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act where that person is or will be engaging in activity which is regulated activity within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 4 to that Act;

p.7

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 18(2)(b) no such person carries out work, or intends to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act, or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction;

p.7

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 18(2)(c) the proprietor carries out appropriate checks to confirm in respect of each such person-

p.7

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 18(2)(c)(ii) the person’s medical fitness; – 18(2)(c)(iii) the person’s right to work in the United Kingdom; and

p.7

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 18(2)(c)(iv) where appropriate, the person’s qualifications;

p.8

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 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;

p.8

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 18(2)(e) in the case of any person for whom, by reason of that person living or having lived outside the United Kingdom, obtaining such a certificate is not sufficient to establish the person’s suitability to work in a school, such further checks are made as the proprietor considers appropriate, having regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

p.8

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 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.

p.8

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 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.

p.8

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 21(2) The register referred to in sub-paragraph (1) may be kept in electronic form, provided that the information so recorded is capable of being reproduced in legible form.

p.8

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

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

p.8

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

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

p.8

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 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;

p.8

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(3)(a)(iii) a check was made to establish whether S is subject to any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in such a direction;

p.8

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(3)(a)(iv) checks were made to ensure, where appropriate, that S had the relevant qualifications;

p.8

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

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

p.8

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(3)(a)(vi) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(d); – 21(3)(a)(vii) a check of S’s right to work in the United Kingdom was made; and

p.8

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(3)(a)(viii) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(e),

p.9

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(3)(b) in relation to each member of staff ("S"), whether a check was made to establish whether S is subject to a prohibition order or an interim prohibition order, including the date on which such check was completed.

p.9

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-

p.9

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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

p.9

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.

p.9

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable-

p.9

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 29(1)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum; and

p.9

Part 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that-

p.9

Part 6. Provision of information

– 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.

p.9

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-

p.9

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;

p.9

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

p.9

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

 The requirement is met if the proprietor ensures that a suitable accessibility plan is written and implemented. 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 .

p.10

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child’s school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

p.11

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk , or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/ofsted .

p.11

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

p.11

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.11

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.11

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.11