Ellen House Secondary

School pre-registration inspection report

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Ellen House Secondary Ellen House, Waddington Street, Oldham OL9 6QH

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)–2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)–2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proposed school has prepared an appropriate curriculum policy which explains the school’s aims for the curriculum. For example, the policy shows how the curriculum will contribute to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) education. The policy sets out the sufficiently broad range of subjects that pupils will study. Pupils will learn about the fundamental British values, such as democracy and individual liberty. Pupils will be supported to develop an understanding of life as a British citizen.  The curriculum policy is supported by schemes of work for each subject. These schemes of work reflect the school’s ambitious intent for what pupils should learn over time. Due consideration has been given to the order in which pupils should learn key concepts, so that they build a secure body of knowledge. The curriculum takes

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Main inspection findings

account of the needs and aptitudes of the range of pupils that the school proposes to admit.  Pupils will have access to a range of academic qualifications according to their abilities, interests and needs. The school has placed appropriate importance on the teaching of reading, writing, speaking and listening and mathematics. Pupils will also study subjects including science, computing, art and design, humanities and physical education (PE).  There is a scheme of work for pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. There is an emphasis on the development of pupils’ readiness for future life, for example, understanding people’s rights and responsibilities. The topics covered in PSHE are extensive. These include topics which encourage pupils’ respect for other people, including those with the protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010.  The proposed school will provide pupils with a programme of impartial careers

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Main inspection findings

information, advice and guidance tailored to their needs and interests. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d)-2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  The PSHE curriculum will provide pupils with relationships, sex and health education. The proposed school’s policy complies with the relevant statutory guidance. The proprietors intend to consult with parents and carers about the policy when the proposed school opens. The proprietors are aware of their duty to ensure that the policy statement is placed on the school’s website. Paragraph 3, 3(a)–3(g), 3(h)–3(j)  Staff appointed to the proposed school will receive advice and guidance to help them to deliver the curriculum effectively. The school will carry out a range of quality assurance activities to ensure that, in each subject, pupils increase their understanding and develop the intended knowledge.  The school will carry out assessments to establish pupils’ starting points when they

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Main inspection findings

join the proposed school. Teachers will make regular checks on pupils’ progress and attainment. Teachers will use the findings from these assessments to inform their teaching.  The proposed school has provided an appropriate quantity, quality and range of resources for pupils, such as stationery, textbooks and science equipment.  An appropriate policy sets out clearly the school’s high expectations for pupils’ behaviour. There is a focus on supporting pupils to manage their own behaviour in readiness for future life. The policy sets out the strategies to be used by staff for dealing with inappropriate behaviour, including bullying. Paragraph 4  The school has put in place a suitable assessment policy.  Pupils’ progress will be shared regularly with parents, and with those responsible for governance.  The independent school standards (‘the standards’) in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a)–5(d)(iii)  The proposed school has given appropriate consideration to pupils’ SMSC development. Through the curriculum for PSHE, pupils will learn about a range of faiths and cultures. Pupils will be provided with opportunities to learn about fundamental British values such as the rule of law, individual liberty and democracy. It is intended that pupils will learn how they can contribute to the life of their community. These experiences will help pupils to prepare for life beyond school.  The proprietors understand the need to ensure that pupils benefit from a balance of opposing views when they learn about politics.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  A suitable safeguarding policy has been put in place. Current statutory guidance has

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Main inspection findings

been followed in the development of arrangements to keep pupils safe and to promote their welfare at the proposed school.  The headteacher will be the designated safeguarding lead. It is proposed that those staff deputising for the designated lead will be trained to the same level.  All staff will receive an appropriate induction programme, regular safeguarding training and frequent updates on areas such as radicalisation and extremism. Appropriate measures have been put in place to ensure that pupils are safe when they work online. Paragraphs 9, 9(a)–9(c), 10  Suitable behaviour and anti-bullying policies are in place, ready for when the proposed school opens. The anti-bullying policy contains details of the actions that leaders will take to address any bullying incidents. The behaviour policy includes appropriate and proportionate sanctions. Any incidents of poor behaviour will be recorded. Leaders

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Main inspection findings

intend to cross-reference these records with any other concerns so that they can gain a full picture of an individual pupil. This will help them to respond quickly to any needs that arise. Paragraphs 11, 12  There is a written health and safety policy, tailored to the proposed school’s premises. This policy complies with all relevant laws.  Newly appointed staff will receive health and safety training as part of their induction. A programme of regular checks has been established to identify and rectify any faults at the premises. For example, electrical equipment, gas boilers and water temperature will be tested regularly.  The proprietors have ensured that in the building where the proposed school will operate, there is a range of measures to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. For example, the fire alarm and emergency lighting are tested regularly. The building has been fitted with smoke alarms. Arrangements have been

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Main inspection findings

made for regular fire drills to be carried out with staff and pupils. Signage around the school site identifies fire exits and muster points to facilitate escape in the event of fire. Paragraph 13  A suitable first-aid policy has been drawn up. Adequate arrangements have been made for the provision of suitably qualified staff to ensure that the policy can be implemented as intended. Paragraph 14  The school proposes to recruit sufficient staff to ensure that pupils should be supervised effectively throughout the school day. It is intended that pupils will always be supervised indoors and outdoors, including at breaktimes and when undertaking visits to the local sports centre. Paragraph 15  The proposed school has put in place appropriate systems to register pupils’ attendance. These systems will support the school to monitor absences effectively. The proprietors and the governing body will receive regular reports on pupils’

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Main inspection findings

attendance at the school. Reports to parents will include information about pupils’ attendance.  There is a suitable admissions policy. Leaders have established systems to ensure that the school’s admission and attendance registers will comply with the Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 2006. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  A suitable risk assessment policy has been developed, supported by a wide range of risk assessments. These risk assessments show the actions that the school proposes to take to minimise risks, including for trips and visits beyond school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18(2), 18(2)(a)–18(2)(e), 18(3)  The proprietors understand the checks that need to take place prior to staff working in the school. These include an enhanced criminal record check, as well as checks on

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Main inspection findings

staff’s identification and their right to work in the United Kingdom. Leaders have completed safer recruitment training. Paragraph 19(2), 19(2)(a)–19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3)  The proprietors understand the checks that they need to carry out in order to ensure any agency staff that they employ are suitable to work with pupils. Paragraph 21(1), 21(2), 21(3)–21(3)(b), 21(5), 21(5)(a)-21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  A single central record has been established. This record meets the requirements for the information that it must contain, including that which relates to the leadership and management of the school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 25  The proposed school has a number of classrooms, including a science laboratory. These rooms are suitable for the age of pupils that the school proposes to admit. In

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Main inspection findings

addition, there are offices, a staff room and storerooms. There is a spacious multi- purpose room which is likely to be used for assemblies, prayers and for pupils to eat their packed lunches. The proposed accommodation is of a good standard and is well- maintained. Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a)–23(1)(c), 28(1), 28(1)(a)–28(1)(d)  There are sufficient toilets and washing facilities for the number of pupils that the school proposes to admit. There is hot and cold running water. The hot water does not pose a scald risk. There is a toilet for the use of disabled pupils and adults. This is lockable from the inside.  The school has ensured that pupils will have access to drinking water throughout the day. Sources of drinking water are in a separate area from the toilet facilities.  Pupils will receive their PE lessons at the local sports centre. During the inspection, the proprietors provided evidence to show that pupils will have sole use of the

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Main inspection findings

showers and changing facilities at this sports centre when they attend. Paragraphs 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)  There is a room set aside for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils. This room contains a sink, a bed and a first-aid box. A toilet is adjacent to this room. Paragraphs 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 29(1)–29(1)(b)  Pupils will have access to a safe outdoor space. This will provide an appropriate place for pupils to play and relax when not in lessons and for PE if required. Formal PE sessions will be regularly timetabled in accordance with the school’s curriculum.  The acoustic conditions and lighting in each room are of a suitable standard, having regard to the nature of the activities that will take place.  The proprietors have ensured that the building has external lighting. This ensures that pupils, staff and visitors can enter and exit the building safely in the hours of darkness.

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Main inspection findings

 It is likely that all of the standards in this part will be met if the proposed school opens. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(a)–32(1)(c), 32(1)(f)–32(1)(i), 32(1)(k), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b)–32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c), 32(2)(d), 32(3)–32(3)(g)  The proprietor has set up a website ready for when the proposed school opens. The proprietor is fully aware of the information that must be published on the proposed school’s website.  There is an appropriate range of information available for parents and pupils when they join the school. All required policies are in place. For example, there are policies relating to admissions, curriculum, behaviour and safeguarding. These documents will be made available for parents on request from the school, as well as being available on the school’s website.  For pupils with an education, health and care (EHC) plan, leaders intend to provide the necessary information to the responsible local authority for the annual review of

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Main inspection findings

the EHC plan.  The proposed school intends to provide termly and annual reports on pupils’ progress and attainment to parents. These reports will also provide information on pupils’ attendance and behaviour.  Leaders are aware that following any inspection, copies of the inspection report must be provided to parents and published on the school’s website.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33, 33(a)–33(k)  A suitable complaints policy has been put in place. This policy sets out the timescales for responding to complaints and includes information about the storage and sharing of written records. The policy ensures that the procedure for making a complaint is transparent.  This policy will be published on the school’s website.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a)–34(1)(c)  The proprietors have put in place a range of strategies and checks to ensure that the school meets the standards consistently. For example, a programme of maintenance has been established to ensure that the school continues to provide pupils with an appropriate standard of accommodation. There are measures in place to check the quality of education that pupils receive.  The proprietors have ensured that those with responsibilities for leadership and management have appropriate knowledge and skills to carry out their roles.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable accessibility plan that meets the requirements of paragraph 3 of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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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.

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Proposed school details

This inspection was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards that are required for registration as an independent school.

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Proposed school details

Proprietor Mohammed Iqbal Ali and Ejazur Rahman

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Proposed school details

Email address admin@ellenhousesecondary.org

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recommendation

Age range of pupils None 11–16 11–16 Number of pupils on the school roll None 80 80

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils None Boys Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age None 80

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities None Not known

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan None Not known

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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 None Not known

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff None 7

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff None None

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision None 5

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located on the ground and first floors of premises at Ellen House, Waddington Street, Oldham OL9 6QH.  The proprietors are trustees of a registered charity, The Joseph Education Trust. It is intended that once the proposed school is registered, a number of the trustees of this charity will form a governing body for the school.  The Joseph Education Trust also runs a private day nursery in a separate part of the premises. This nursery is registered and inspected separately by Ofsted.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to 80 pupils, aged between 11 and 16 years. It is intended that pupils will sit an entrance examination prior to admission. It is not intended that the school will admit pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.  The proposed school will have an Islamic faith ethos.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to determine if the school is likely to meet the independent school standards if the DfE decides to approve the request to register this school.  This is the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector held discussions with the proprietors and with the headteacher.  The inspector completed a tour of the school to check the suitability of the proposed premises against the relevant standards. The inspector also looked at a wide range of documents and policies, including those relating to the curriculum, behaviour, and health and safety. The inspector checked documents relating to safeguarding.

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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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