Lubavitch Senior Boys School

School progress monitoring inspection report

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 3, 3(a), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f) and 3(g)  At the previous progress monitoring inspection in November 2022, there had been no improvement to the quality of education. Pupils continued to receive no creative or technological education. Leaders and teachers continued to lack subject and teaching expertise. Proprietors and leaders had not organised any training to improve quality. Pupils continued to have limited access to suitable fiction and non-fiction books.  This inspection found there to have been some very recent improvements to the curriculum offer. From August 2023, pupils receive three rather than two secular lessons in the afternoons. Pupils now have open access to a small range of fiction and non- fiction books to read for pleasure. They had their first technological education lesson in

p.1

Main inspection findings

computing in the week before this progress monitoring visit. Pupils still do not receive any creative education. An external consultant who has been supporting the school on a weekly basis from August 2023 is in the process of planning a programme of training to develop staff’s subject and teaching expertise, but this has not commenced. Overall, these few, relatively positive changes are extremely recent. Leaders have done little since the previous inspection to develop the quality of education that pupils receive.  The independent school standards (the standards) in these paragraphs remain not met. Paragraphs 2(2)(e)–2(2)(e)(iii)  The previous progress monitoring inspection found that leaders had still not developed a careers programme for pupils since the time of the standard inspection in January 2022. Pupils continued to have no access to impartial information, advice and guidance.  This inspection considered the school’s proposed careers policy and plans. These lack

p.1

Main inspection findings

detail, although they include references to the National Careers Service website and to a framework for best practice in careers guidance. Because the school’s policy and plans have not been implemented, leaders still do not ensure that pupils have a broad view of the careers options open to them, covering a broad range of the opportunities that are available to them and enabling pupils to make informed choices.  The standards in these paragraphs remain not met. Paragraphs 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g) and 2A(2)  The previous inspection again reported that leaders had not developed and delivered a relationships and sex education (RSE) programme. Inspectors were presented with no evidence of a policy, parental consultation or curriculum plans.  This inspection found that leaders have drafted a policy and written to parents and carers about their proposal to teach RSE, providing them with the option to withdraw

p.1

Main inspection findings

their child from sex education. All parents have chosen to do so. However, leaders have not consulted parents in developing the policy. Leaders have only written an overview of some proposed RSE topics. Leaders have not planned the RSE curriculum, including for sex education in the case that a pupil is not withdrawn. Leaders have still not complied with statutory guidance and ensured that pupils are provided with relationships education in an age-appropriate way.  The standards relating to RSE in these paragraphs remain not met.  Most of the standards checked in Part 1 remain not met. All the standards checked are listed in full in the annex to this report.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5, 5(a), 5(b)(v) and 5(b)(vi)  The standard inspection in January 2022 and the previous progress monitoring inspection in November 2022 found pupils’ knowledge of other religions, faiths and cultures to be limited. Leaders did not actively promote respect for all groups of people, paying particular regard to the full range of protected characteristics. Leaders had taken no action to ensure that these aspects of the curriculum were thought through and implemented.  This inspection found that pupils continue to have a limited knowledge of faiths, beliefs and cultures other than their own. Plans to deliver a discrete personal, social, health and economic education programme have not been implemented. Leaders have not given thought to the planning and delivery of the curriculum so that pupils develop knowledge and understanding of the protected characteristics in an age-appropriate way.

p.2

Main inspection findings

 The standards checked in Part 2 remain not met.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7–7(b)  The previous inspection identified a range of serious safeguarding concerns.  This inspection found that the safer recruitment processes followed when new staff join the school continue to be extremely weak. Statutory guidance for dealing with applications and interviews and seeking references for prospective employees is still not followed. As previous inspections have found, some staff, including those new to the school, are working with pupils without having gone through a suitable recruitment process and pre-employment checks.  Currently, the acting headteacher is fulfilling the role of leader with responsibility for safeguarding. He and a deputy are suitably trained. The school’s safeguarding policy has been updated and reflects the latest statutory guidance. However, leaders have not shared the updated policy or the latest statutory guidance (‘Keeping Children Safe in

p.2

Main inspection findings

Education’, September 2023) with staff. Established staff have not received training in the light of this guidance. Staff new to the school this academic year have not had an introduction to the school’s safeguarding processes.  This standard remains not met. Paragraph 12  The previous inspection found checks on fire safety equipment, including extinguishers, to be overdue. Checks carried out by external professionals on the emergency lighting in November 2021 stated that many units were faulty. These did not appear to have been fixed. The next annual check was overdue.  This inspection found some checks to have been brought up to date, including on fire extinguishers. However, checks on the emergency lighting in November 2022 state that there continue to be seven faulty units. Leaders have not arranged for these to be repaired. The latest external risk assessment suggests that there are also concerns

p.3

Main inspection findings

about fire doors, although it does not make clear what these are. Leaders have not followed this up.  This standard remains not met. Paragraph 13  The previous inspection found there to be only one member of staff with in-date first-aid training. This was insufficient because in their absence there was nobody else qualified to care for sick and injured pupils.  This inspection found there to now be three suitably qualified first-aiders.  This standard is now met. Paragraph 15  The previous inspection found the school’s admissions and attendance registers to be not compliant. There were inaccuracies, including missing pupils. Admission dates for pupils were incorrect. The register did not include the addresses of pupils’ previous schools. Sometimes, incorrect attendance codes are used in the attendance registers.  This inspection found the admissions register to include all the required information for

p.3

Main inspection findings

the nine pupils on roll. From August 2023, attendance registers now make accurate use of attendance codes.  This standard is now met. Paragraphs 14 and 16–16(b)  The previous inspection identified weak arrangements for risk assessment and supervision. Pupils were allowed to leave the school site to buy lunch in the local shops without adult supervision. Pupils were also able to access potentially dangerous areas of the school, such as the roof. The written risk assessment for the premises lacked rigour and relevance.  This inspection found that pupils are no longer allowed to leave the premises unaccompanied during the school day for any reason. Roof fencing has been repaired. The written risk assessment for the premises, though still lacking some detail in a few areas, has been revised and is now suitable overall.  These standards are now met.  Some of the standards checked in Part 3 continue to be not met, as listed in the annex.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2)–18(2)(e), 18(3), 21(1) and 21(3)–21(3)(b)  The previous inspection found the single central record (SCR) of pre-employment checks on adults to be not compliant. Some staff, including the acting headteacher at the time, were not listed on the SCR. The way in which some pre-employment checks were recorded in the SCR was unclear, including those relating to working in the United Kingdom. Barred-list checks were missing. Leaders’ knowledge and understanding of the requirements in this part were weak.  This inspection found that improvements have been made to the SCR. For example, all the required adults are included. However, the record-keeping of some checks continues to be disorganised. Barred-list checks, although completed, continue to be omitted from the SCR. Additional checks on those previously living or working overseas are not being

p.4

Main inspection findings

undertaken or recorded.  Some standards checked in Part 4 are now met, but some remain not met, as listed in the annex.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 24(1)–24(1)(b)  At the previous inspection, leaders were unclear about which room was allocated for the care of sick and injured pupils.  This inspection confirmed that a suitable medical room is available to pupils.  This standard is now met.  The standards checked in Part 5 are now met.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)(c)  The school’s safeguarding policy is now readily available in hard copy on request as required because the school does not have a website.  This standard is now met. Paragraphs 32(1)(j) and 32(4)(b)  Leaders have now updated their admissions policy to inform prospective parents that the school is subject to a restriction order.  These standards are now met.  The standards checked in Part 6 are now met.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1)–34(1)(c)  The previous inspection reported that the quality and capacity of leadership had deteriorated further since the standard inspection in January 2022. Inspectors identified serious and wide-ranging concerns. There was a desperate lack of leadership capacity. Weaknesses in the quality of education remained. Progress in improving the school was non-existent. Many more standards were judged to be not met in November 2022 than was the case in January 2022.  This inspection found there to have been extremely recent changes to the school’s leadership arrangements. From August 2023, the headteacher and a senior leader of Lubavitch Yeshiva Katanah of London are now leading this school, with the support of an external consultant.  Leaders have resolved some of the urgent concerns, such as those relating to risk assessment and supervision of pupils. They have made sure that there is access to a

p.5

Main inspection findings

suitable medical room, ensured that the admissions register is correctly maintained, and provided first-aid training to more staff than was previously the case.  However, they have not ensured that the school has a suitably rigorous safeguarding culture. Proposals to improve the quality of education are brand-new at the start of the autumn term 2023. Ten months after the previous progress monitoring inspection, the school’s leaders are not much closer to meeting all the standards. Leaders have not demonstrated that they have the required capacity to improve the school.  The standards checked in Part 8 remains not met.

p.5

Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  At the previous inspection, leaders were unable to present an accessibility plan for the school.  This inspection found that the school has an out-of-date accessibility plan. It is overly generic and lacks detail regarding what the proprietors intend to do to increase accessibility to the premises, curriculum and written information.  This requirement remains not met.

p.5

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, as set out in the annex of this report. 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.

p.6

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.

p.7

School details

Headteacher Moishe Sufrin (Acting Headteacher)

p.7

School details

Date of previous standard inspection 25 to 27 January 2022

p.7

Information about this school

 Lubavitch Senior Boys School is an independent secondary day school with an Orthodox Jewish religious ethos. It is located in the London Borough of Barnet. The school occupies the first floor of premises that it shares with Lubavitch Yeshiva Ketanah of London school for boys aged 13 to 16. The two schools share some resources and staff, including senior leaders. The acting headteacher is also a senior leader at Lubavitch Yeshiva Ketanah of London.  The school’s latest inspection was a progress monitoring inspection in November 2022. The previous standard inspection took place in January 2022, when the school was judged again to be inadequate. The Secretary of State for Education imposed a restriction on the school on 13 October 2021. The restriction, effective from 11 March 2022, means that the proprietors must not admit any new pupils to the school. At the previous inspection in November 2022, the proprietors were not complying with the restriction.

p.7

Information about this school

This was because there was evidence that pupils had been admitted after 5 September 2022. This inspection found the proprietor to now be complying with the restriction. No further pupils have been admitted since the previous inspection on 15 November 2022. The number on roll has decreased from 19 in November 2022 to nine pupils, who are all in Year 8. There are no pupils in Year 7. The school is registered to admit 40 pupils.  On 27 March 2023, the Department for Education wrote to the proprietors to confirm the Secretary of State for Education’s intention to remove the school from the register of independent schools.  Leaders have not updated ‘Getting Information about Schools’ (GIAS), which continues to record the name of the previous substantive headteacher, Yosef Weisz.  The school makes no use of any alternative provision.

p.8

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.  This was the second consecutive progress monitoring inspection since the school’s previous graded inspection in January 2022. The preceding progress monitoring inspection was in November 2022. This inspection was conducted without notice.  The focus of the inspection was to check whether the school complied with particular requirements in Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 of the independent school standards, as well as schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.  Inspection activities included meetings with the acting headteacher, consultant headteacher and a governor. Inspectors also toured the premises.

p.9

Information about this inspection

 Inspectors met with all the pupils in attendance. In line with leaders’ request, inspectors did not ask pupils anything about sex and relationships education.  Inspectors reviewed a range of evidence to check compliance with the independent school standards.  There were no recent responses to the online survey, Ofsted Parent View.

p.9

Inspection team

James Waite, lead inspector Ofsted Inspector

p.9

associated requirements

Standards and associated requirements that were not met at the previous inspection and remain unmet at this inspection

p.10

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  2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are– – 2(2)(a) full-time supervised education for pupils of compulsory school age (construed in accordance with section 8 of the Education Act 1996), which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education; – 2(2)(d) personal, social, health and economic education which– – 2(2)(d)(ii) encourages respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected

p.10

Part 1. Quality of education provided

characteristics set out in the 2010 Act; – 2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that– – 2(2)(e)(i) is presented in an impartial manner; – 2(2)(e)(ii) enables them to make informed choices about a broad range of career options; and – 2(2)(e)(iii) helps to encourage them to fulfil their potential; – 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress; and – 2(2)(i) effective preparation of pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in British society.  2A(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor– – 2A(1)(b) ensures that every registered pupil who is provided with secondary education at the school is provided with relationships and sex education, except in so far as the pupil is excused as mentioned in sub-paragraph (2), – 2A(1)(d) in making arrangements for the purposes of paragraphs (a), (b) or (c), has

p.10

Part 1. Quality of education provided

regard to any guidance under section 80A of the Education Act 2002 that applies in relation to the provision of education by maintained schools, – 2A(1)(e) makes and keeps up to date a separate written statement of its policy with regard to the provision of education as required by each of paragraphs (a) and (b), – 2A(1)(f) consults parents of registered pupils at the school before making or revising a statement under sub-paragraph (e) – 2A(1)(g) publishes a copy of the statement on a website and provides a copy of the statement free of charge to anyone who asks for one.  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

p.10

Part 1. Quality of education provided

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(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range; – 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;

p.11

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

 5 The standard about the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at the school is met if the proprietor– – 5(a) actively promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; – 5(b) ensures that principles are actively promoted which– – 5(b)(v) further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures; – 5(b)(vi) encourage respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act.

p.11

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; and – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

p.11

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

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if– – 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.  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.  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.  21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is– – 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff (“S”) appointed on or after 1st May 2007,

p.12

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

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

p.12

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.

p.12

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

 The school’s accessibility plan is not suitable.

p.12

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 13 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that first aid is administered in a timely and competent manner by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written first aid policy.  14 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that pupils are properly supervised through the appropriate deployment of school staff.  15 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that an admission and attendance register is maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006.  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.

p.13

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

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if– – 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; – 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; – 18(2)(c) the proprietor carries out appropriate checks to confirm in respect of each such person– – 18(2)(c)(i) the person’s identity; – 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.13

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

– 18(2)(c)(iv) where appropriate, the person’s qualifications; – 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.  21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is– – 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff (“S”) appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether– – 21(3)(a)(i) S’s identity was checked; – 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; – 21(3)(a)(iv) checks were made to ensure, where appropriate, that S had the relevant qualifications; – 21(3)(a)(v) an enhanced criminal record certificate was obtained in respect of S;

p.13

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 – 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.14

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

p.14

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)(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; – 32(1)(j) particulars of any action specified in sub-paragraph (4) are published and maintained on the school’s website or, where no such website exists, are provided to parents.  32(4) The action specified in this sub-paragraph is– – 32(4)(b) any decision of the Secretary of State to impose a relevant restriction on the proprietor under section 116 of the 2008 Act. 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.14

Part 6. Provision of information

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.15

Part 6. Provision of information

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.15

Part 6. Provision of information

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.15

Part 6. Provision of information

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.15

Part 6. Provision of information

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

p.15

Part 6. Provision of information

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

p.15