Sikh Heritage Girls School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Sikh Heritage Girls School Guru Maneyo Granth Gurdwara, Middle Green, Slough, SL3 6BS

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(h) to 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(d) to 2(A)(2), 3 and 4  The proposed school will provide education in a broad range of national curriculum subjects alongside an emphasis on social development and learning outdoors. The proprietor body has ensured that there are written policies in place to underpin the school’s approach to the curriculum and its delivery.  Leaders intend to enrol one additional year group of 12 pupils each September. There are suitable plans in place outlining how the curriculum will progress coherently from Year 1 to 6. Leaders expect these plans to be adapted over time based on the progress and needs of pupils.  Although the principal language used within the proposed school will be English, pupils will also be encouraged to interact in Punjabi. The school’s aim is to enable pupils to communicate confidently in both languages.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders intend to prioritise reading for all pupils. They have selected a programme for the teaching of phonics and are scheduled to train teachers in its delivery at the beginning of term. Leaders have ensured that pupils will have access to a range of reading materials to enable them to practise the sounds they have learned in class.  Leaders have considered their approach to assessment carefully. Pupils’ learning will be assessed regularly by their class teachers as part of lessons. In addition, the proposed school will use a system of standardised assessments. A similar package of assessments will be used to support the early identification of special educational needs and/or disabilities.  The proprietor body intends to employ qualified teaching staff with appropriate skills and knowledge. Working with the headteacher, they have put in place a programme of induction and professional development to ensure that teachers have the required

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Main inspection findings

understanding of the school’s systems, policies and curriculum.  Pupils will be taught personal, social, health and economic education through a mixture of designated lessons, assemblies and other less formal opportunities. There is a broad and relevant curriculum in place, which leaders intend adapting to ensure it is relevant to each pupil cohort. This curriculum includes age-appropriate teaching about healthy relationships, the details of which are outlined in the relevant policy. Leaders will consult with parents about the content of this curriculum once pupils are enrolled.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the independent school standards. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The proprietor body and headteacher are committed to promoting equalities and inclusion. They have already made plans to host speakers from different faith and

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Main inspection findings

secular groups. Pupils will have opportunities to learn about their community, including through planned trips and visits.  Fundamental British values will be promoted through all aspects of school life. Leaders have thought about opportunities to teach pupils about the importance of tolerance and individual liberty.  Leaders plan to provide a range of extra-curricular activities, so that pupils can explore their talents. They will develop this offer based on the interests of the pupils who are enrolled.  The proposed school will provide opportunities for pupils’ spiritual development. As well as learning about Sikhism and other faiths, this will include opportunities to learn about meditation and mental health.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the independent school standards. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b) and 32(1)(c)  The proprietor body understand the school’s responsibility in relation to safeguarding.

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Main inspection findings

The proposed school has suitable policies and procedures to assure the welfare, health and safety of pupils. The written safeguarding policy is based on current guidance and will be published on the school’s website when it is online.  The proprietor body intends assuring itself that the school’s safeguarding arrangements remain effective by arranging for regular audits of policies and procedures. Such audits will draw on both internal and external expertise, helping to ensure that the school maintains an open and transparent safeguarding culture. Paragraphs 9 to 16(b)  The school’s aim is to model and reward positive behaviours that align to the school’s values. They are equally clear that bullying and disrespectful behaviour will not be tolerated and intend applying sanctions where necessary alongside restorative work. There are appropriate written policies which reflect this planned approach.  The proprietor body has ensured that the school has a rigorous approach to health

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Main inspection findings

and safety. This has been considered in all aspects of the building and refurbishment work completed, as well as in the school’s written policies. There is a thorough risk assessment policy and examples of this being applied effectively. Leaders recognise that risk assessment is a continual process and will continue to apply this policy to new situations as appropriate.  The proprietor body have ensured that risks from fire are minimised. They have had a risk assessment carried out by an appropriately qualified professional and have acted promptly on recommendations. Fire evacuation procedures have been considered and all routes and assembly points are clearly signed. The proprietor body is aware that the third floor of the building is not currently suitable for use by pupils due to there not being a suitably close fire exit for that part of the building. This area of the building will not be used and is locked to prevent access.

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Main inspection findings

 There are appropriate arrangements in place to administer first aid. This includes necessary policies and recording systems to manage pupils’ medication and any necessary first aid treatment.  The school will limit class sizes to 12 pupils and leaders’ plans look likely to ensure there will be adequate supervision for pupils at all times.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the independent school standards. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(6)  Leaders and the proprietor body have put in place robust recruitment procedures which demonstrate their commitment to safer recruitment.  There is a single central record in place that includes all necessary checks on the small number of staff currently employed. The way this record is set up demonstrates that leaders understand the checks that they are required to carry out on all employees.

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Main inspection findings

The school do not intend to use supply teachers.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the independent school standards. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(a), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25 to 29(1)(b)  The proposed school is located in a former convent and comprises a substantial, four- storey detached property and surrounding land. Access is through a controlled and secure entrance. There is adequate space for the proposed number of pupils on the ground floor of the school. On this floor, the six classrooms have been refurbished to a very high standard. The proprietor body has considered every detail, for example each room is fitted with height-adjustable furniture and interactive whiteboards. Acoustic and lighting conditions have been considered in classrooms as well as in other areas of the school. There is a designated gym space, a room for creative arts and

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Main inspection findings

additional teaching spaces as needed.  Classrooms on the first and second floor have also been renovated. However, there is no intention that these classrooms will be used, except for one that has been allocated as an art room. The third floor will be kept locked and inaccessible to pupils at all times.  There is a designated medical room with access to a sink and toilet. There are storage facilities for medication and a bed for pupils who are unwell.  There is plenty of outdoor space for pupils to play, including a garden which will also be used for the teaching of physical education (PE). The school will also make use of local swimming facilities as part of the PE curriculum.  The school contains separate staff and pupil toilets, all with warm water for washing hands. All water in the school is suitable for drinking and this is clearly indicated.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the independent school

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Main inspection findings

standards. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(b), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii) to 32(4)(c)  The proposed school has a draft website which is not yet online. It contains the necessary policies which the proprietor body have checked against the standards. Leaders and the proprietor body are aware of information which needs to be made available to parents or by request.  Leaders look forward to building strong relationships and communication with parents because they see this as a strength of the proposed school. This will include regular updates on pupils’ progress, including written reports.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the independent school standards. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33 to 33(k)  The proposed school has a suitable complaints procedure which is closely based on the requirements of the independent school standards. It is specific about how

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Main inspection findings

concerns can be addressed and the timelines if these are escalated to a formal complaint. The proprietor body has thought about the practicalities of this process, including how they will go about forming an independent panel if required.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the independent school standards. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor body is experienced in maintaining oversight of similar projects and ensuring compliance with relevant standards. They have acquired a strong working knowledge of the independent school standards whilst developing the proposed school.  There is a governing body in place which is made up of a range of professionals from different backgrounds. The proprietor body has thought carefully about the governance of the school to ensure that there are layers of accountability and

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Main inspection findings

challenge. For example, they have considered how school leaders will report to the governing body, and what information the proprietor body will use to check on the school’s performance.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the independent school standards. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders are aware of their duties in relation to equalities and take these seriously. They have produced a range of suitable policies and an accessibility plan which will be published on the school’s website when it is online. It is likely that the proposed school will comply with schedule 10 of the Equalities Act 2010 if registered.

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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

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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Age range of pupils Not appliable 5–11 5–11 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 72 72

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Girls Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 72

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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 7

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 0

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is in a former convent on a rural road in Middle Green, Buckinghamshire. The building is surrounded by fields which are also owned by the proprietor body. The proposed school will have sole use of the property.  The school will have a Sikh religious character and provide education for girls between the ages of 5 and 11.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the department for education. The purpose of this inspection was to check whether the proposed school is likely to meet the independent school standards if registered. This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector phoned the school’s headteacher two working days before the inspection to discuss the proposed school and the details of the inspection.  During the inspection, the inspector met with the school’s headteacher, the chair of the proprietor body, the chief operating officer and an educational consultant commissioned by the proprietor body. The inspector evaluated the suitability of the school premises and scrutinised a range of policies and documents. He spoke with leaders about a range of matters relating to the independent school standards.

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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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