Cambridge Muslim School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Cambridge Muslim School CQC, Radegund Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB1 3RS

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g) to 2(2)(i)  The school’s proposed curriculum is ambitious. It makes use of schemes of work that match the scope of the national curriculum for each subject. The schemes cover the key stages the school intends to admit. They should provide pupils with the range of experiences to meet the independent school standards (the standards).  The school understands that the proposed curriculum provides a starting point. The plans are likely to change to take account of pupils’ different starting points and individual needs.  The planned programme for citizenship identifies how pupils will learn about fundamental British values. It also provides pupils with guidance about the world of work. The school has plans to engage with a range of employers and external organisations to help pupils better understand different career options. This should

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Main inspection findings

provide support for pupils next steps.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 2(A)(1), 2(A)(1)(a) to 2A(2)  There is a carefully planned curriculum that should develop pupils’ understanding of relationships, sex and health education (RSE). Some aspects will be taught through the science curriculum. The citizenship programme identifies how healthy relationships will be taught to pupils in an age-appropriate way.  The school has a written policy about RSE. They have considered the requirement to consult with parents about the policy and parents right to withdraw pupils from certain aspects of this curriculum  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 3(g) to 3(j), 4  The proposed schemes of work outline how the school plans to check pupils’ understanding and progress. There are plans to conduct on-entry assessments for new pupils. The school plans that staff will use this information to inform them about

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Main inspection findings

pupils’ starting points.  The school has a written policy for managing pupils’ behaviour. It provides expectations for staff. This includes how staff will encourage pupils’ positive behaviour.  The requirements within these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 3, 3(a) to (f)  The school’s plans for the curriculum provide a skeletal map of information about what pupils need to learn. The school has not considered all the key knowledge or how it will link and build pupils’ understanding. This means that pupils are unlikely to remember important content of the curriculum.  There is not a clear strategic plan about the numbers of staff who will be required to teach the curriculum. There is a desire to appoint staff who have a passion for the subjects they teach. However, it is not clear how leaders intend to train new staff so that they are able to plan lessons well and utilise effective teaching strategies.

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Main inspection findings

 The school does not have the range of appropriate resources to deliver their planned curriculum. The planned classrooms are bereft of the equipment required to teach specific subjects for key stage 3 and 4 pupils. For example, the intended science lab does not have any scientific equipment to teach chemistry.  The requirements within this standard are unlikely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a) to 5(d)(iii)  Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development will be supported through the adoption of an appropriate scheme of work. The plans are pertinent for the age of pupils the school intends to admit. The planned programme covers a range of topics. This includes the promotion of pupils’ self-awareness and respect for others. Pupils will explore themes about differences and learn about protected characteristics.  The school plans to make use of visitors to broaden understanding of different cultural

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Main inspection findings

traditions. Pupils will be expected to develop an understanding of active citizenship through working with local charities and groups.  This standard is likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The headteacher is trained as a designated safeguarding leader. There is an understanding that new staff will require safeguarding training. The school plans to provide staff with appropriate induction training and regular online updates to maintain their safeguarding knowledge. There are systems developed for reporting concerns that include how these will be considered and, if necessary, progressed.  The school’s policy for safeguarding and child protection does not make reference to the most recent national guidance (Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023). This means it does not reflect specific recommendations relating to updated guidance, such as filtering and monitoring. The school’s safeguarding practices therefore do not

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Main inspection findings

fully reflect what is required to keep pupils safe.  This standard is likely to be unmet. Paragraph 9, 9(a) – 9(c), 10  The school has a suitable policy for behaviour and the management of exclusions. The policy links to an appropriate anti-bullying strategy. The policy outlines how the school intends to record incidents and consider how any issues are resolved. Leaders are looking further into making use of an online system to support the analysis of any trends of patterns of misbehaviour.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 11, 12, 13, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  The school has ensured that there are appropriate health and safety policies in place. There is clear guidance provided for staff for the safe use of equipment for example. The policies include information about reporting accidents and a format for how this will be recorded.  The proprietor has worked with fire services to comply with the Regulatory reform

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Main inspection findings

(Fire Safety) order 2005. Signs and emergency lighting mark safe exits from the building in case of emergencies. Testing of fire alarms are logged and carried out at suitable intervals.  The school has appropriate plans for ensuring arrangements for first aid are in place. This includes the training of staff to administer first aid.  There is a detailed policy for the managing of risks. The policy informs staff about the requirement of risk assessments for school activities. It provides guidance about the identification of risks and actions to mitigate any potential hazards.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 14, 15  The school is not clear about the numbers of staff it would need to employ. There has been no strategic thinking about how pupils will be supervised during different times of the school day.  A school register is in place for the recording of pupil attendance. However, there is no

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Main inspection findings

written attendance policy. There is no identification of the appropriate codes for recording attendance or how absence will be followed up. There is no prepared format of an admissions register. This has not been developed by the proposed new school.  These standards are unlikely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 20(6), 20(6)(a) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(6)  The school understands the checks to make on staff before they can be allowed to work with pupils. The single central record shows where any checks have been carried out such as for the proprietors.  The school does not intend to make use of supply staff but are aware of the checks they need to make if they are required.  The school is likely to meet the all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(d), 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The proposed school is currently used as a base for the local Muslim community. It has a large hall, with accommodation that has been allocated for teaching spaces that would include a science and computing room. There are also offices located at the front of the building. The building is maintained to a good standard.  There are appropriate toilet facilities. Each toilet is in a separate cubicle that can be secured from the inside. There is a suitable supply of running hot and cold water for handwashing. The water is set an appropriate temperature to prevent any risk of scalding.  Each room has adequate natural light or lighting from above. External lighting surrounds the building and covers the entrance to the school. Classrooms have suitable acoustics.

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Main inspection findings

 There is a large open space that can be used as a playground or provide opportunity for physical education.  The requirements within these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 25, 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(c), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  The building has no suitable changing facilities for the delivery of physical education to key stage 3 and 4 pupils. There are showers but these are not located in appropriate places or in a fit state to be used.  The school intends to provide drinking water through water bottle installations. However, currently, there is no suitable and accessible supply of drinking water. There are no labels about cold water taps indicating whether it is suitable for drinking or not.  There is no adequate provision for the medical treatment of pupils. The proposed room is not an adequate size and does not contain a bed or any medical supplies.

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Main inspection findings

 The school has not given due regard to the drawing up of an accessibility plan. There is no consideration about how disabled pupils would access the proposed school’s facilities. This means that the school has not considered the welfare of pupils onsite thoroughly enough.  The requirements within these standards are unlikely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)(b), 32(1)(d), 32(d), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e)  The school’s website is currently under construction and not available for scrutiny. The school has some documentation as paper copies. This includes a statement of the school’s ethos and aims, behaviour policies, a written health and safety policy and a first aid policy.  The school understands the requirement to make available any future inspection reports to parents.  The requirements within these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(c), 32(1(f), 32(1)(g), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b)(ii),

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Main inspection findings

32(3)(a), 32(3)(f)  While the school website is being developed, the school does not have an alternative method of providing key information for parents. The contact details for the proposed school, including proprietor details is not available. There is no information regarding how the school proposes to admit pupils. There is no template for an annual report for parents to identify how and what progress information will be shared. The school has not yet considered how details of any complaints will be logged.  The requirements within these standards are unlikely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33(a) – (f), 33(i) – (j)  The school has devised a complaints policy. This sets out how the complaint will be managed at different stages and where possible to resolve concerns. The policy maps out the timescales for each stage should this be required.  The requirements within these standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 33, 33(g), 33(h)  The current complaints policy does not include all the required information. There is no recording about a complainant’s right to be accompanied at the review panel stage. The policy does not correctly identify that the review panel should include on member that is independent of the management and running of the school.  The requirements within these standards are unlikely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The joint proprietors have a commitment to provide education that has a faith-based ethos. They are looking to build upon the use of a community facility to make this happen. However, the joint proprietors do not have a secure understanding of the independent standards. This means they are not able to ensure that all the standards are consistently met.  The joint proprietors do not have a clear strategy for how staff will effectively deliver

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Main inspection findings

their proposed curriculum. They are not clear about the number of staff required. While they are looking to recruit staff with a passion for a subject area, it is not evident whether they will have the knowledge and skills to build pupils knowledge step by step. This will hinder pupils’ progress.  The school’s safeguarding and child protection policy does not make reference to the most recent national guidance. The policy does not include all the information staff require to understand how the keep pupils’ safe and promote their welfare and well- being.  The standard in this part is unlikely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has not fully considered the accessibility of the building to all pupils, including those with a disability.  The school is unlikely to fulfil its duties under schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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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, as set out in the annex of this report.

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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 Mr M Mahmood-Malik & Mrs Z Malik & Mr M Malik Headteacher Sofia Farooqui (Acting)

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Proposed school details

Email address cambridgemuslimschool@gmail.com

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 100 50

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recommendation

 The size of the proposed classroom space and outdoor play space would not appropriately accommodate the number of pupils the school has requested.

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School's current position School's proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 100

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 0

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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 0

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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 0

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable Not known

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable Not known

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable Not known

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is seeking registration with the Department of Education (DfE) as an independent school to cater for 100 pupils between the ages of 11 and 16. The intention is to admit pupils from September 2024.  The joint proprietors intend to only admit pupils In Year 7 if the proposed school is granted permission to open.  The school is of a religious character.  The school does not intend to make use of any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the DfE to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the independent school standards if it is given permission to open.  This was the first pre-registration inspection of the proposed school.  The inspector met with the headteacher and one of the joint proprietors.  The inspector visited all parts of the proposed school’s premises, including outdoor areas. The inspector scrutinised school documentation relating to safeguarding, curriculum, health and safety, fire safety and the single central record, alongside other policies and procedures.

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Inspection team

Steve Mellors, lead inspector His Majesty's Inspector

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 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(b) fosters in pupils self-motivation, the application of intellectual, physical and creative effort, interest in their work and the ability to think and learn for themselves; – 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and 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;

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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; and – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  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[13].

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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- – 23(1)(c) suitable changing accommodation and showers are provided for pupils aged 11 years or over at the start of the school year who receive physical education.  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 a toilet facility  24(2) The accommodation provided under sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) may be used for other purposes (apart from teaching) provided it is always readily available to be used for the purposes set out in paragraphs (1)(a) and (b).  25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein 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 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 28(1)(a) suitable drinking water facilities are provided; – 28(1)(c) cold water supplies that are suitable for drinking are clearly marked as such; and  28(2) The facilities provided under sub-paragraph (1)(a) will be suitable only if- – 28(2)(a) they are readily accessible at all times when the premises are in use; and – 28(2)(b) they are in a separate area from the toilet facilities.

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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)(a) the information specified in sub-paragraph (2) is provided to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector[14], the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate[15]; – 32(1)(b) the information specified in sub-paragraph (3) is made available to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate; – 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)(f) an annual written report of each registered pupil's progress and attainment in the main subject areas taught is provided to the parents of that registered pupil

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Part 6. Provision of information

except that no report need be provided where the parent has agreed otherwise; – 32(1)(g) any information reasonably requested in connection with an inspection under section 109 of the 2008 Act which is required for the purposes of the inspection is provided to the body conducting the inspection and that body is given access to the school's admission and attendance registers; – 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(2) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(2)(a) the school's address and telephone number and the name of the head teacher; – 32(2)(b) either- – 32(2)(b)(i) where the proprietor is an individual, the proprietor's full name, address for correspondence during both term-time and holidays and a telephone number or numbers on which the proprietor may be contacted, or

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(3)(a) particulars of the school's policy on and arrangements for admissions, misbehaviour and exclusions; – 32(3)(b) particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans and pupils for whom English is an additional language; – 32(3)(c) particulars of the policy referred to in paragraph 2; – 32(3)(f) details of the complaints procedure referred to in paragraph 33, and the number of complaints registered under the formal procedure during the preceding school year; and

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

 33 The standard about the manner in which complaints are handled is met if the proprietor ensures that a complaints procedure is drawn up and effectively implemented which deals with the handling of complaints from parents of pupils and which- – 33(g) ensures that, where there is a panel hearing of a complaint, one panel member is independent of the management and running of the school; – 33(h) allows for a parent to attend and be accompanied at a panel hearing if they wish;

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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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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