Darul Madinah Leicester

School pre-registration inspection report

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Darul Madinah Leicester Malabar Road, Leicester, LE1 2LG

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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 2A(2)  The proposed school will have a distinctive faith foundation and ethos. There is a strong focus on ensuring that pupils are able to learn well and fulfil their potential. A clear rationale, vision and culture for the school have been set out.  The school’s curriculum policy shows that the school will provide for pupils’ personal development and academic learning. The school intends to ensure that the curriculum takes account of pupils’ ages, aptitudes and needs.  Progressive curriculum plans and schemes of work for a range of subjects have been developed. These are based on the ambition of the national curriculum. The school intends for pupils to gain learning in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical, and aesthetic and creative education.

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Main inspection findings

 The school has chosen a specific phonics programme. This will assist pupils who are at an early stage of reading to gain the knowledge and skills to become fluent in reading. Staff who will deliver the phonics programme will receive specific training. The school is in the process of ordering phonics resources and reading books.  Pupils will receive personal, social, health an economic (PSHE) education. This curriculum includes carefully thought-out schemes of work for pupils to learn about physical and mental health. The curriculum will prepare pupils well for life in Britain. It will nurture pupils’ understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion.  The school has a clear relationships education policy that sets out how leaders intend to deliver this age-appropriate curriculum. PSHE and relationships education will be delivered through discreet lessons and assemblies. Paragraphs 3 to 4  Monitoring will take place of the quality of education that pupils receive. The school

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Main inspection findings

has clear expectations of effective teaching and assessment processes. There are plans in place for the types of learning activities that will enable pupils to gain knowledge and understanding, and develop skills. Assessment and reporting procedures have been produced, and a draft school timetable for Year 1 pupils has been drawn up. Some resources have been ordered. Others will be sought, if registration is successful.  The school is likely to meet all the independent school standards (the standards) in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii)  There is in place a policy and clear plans for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The school will enable pupils to learn about different religions and cultures. Pupils will visit various places of worship. They will learn about special events and festivals through assemblies and theme days. The school intends to enrich pupils’ cultural awareness through varied experiences.  Pupils will learn about this country and what it means to live in a democracy. Pupils will have opportunities to take responsibility and understand their place in, and contribution to, British society. The school intends for pupils to be involved in a range of local experiences.  The school has clear processes in place to ensure that pupils are offered a balanced presentation of differing viewpoints on a range of issues. Pupils will not experience

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Main inspection findings

any bias in the teaching of any political issues.  The school is likely to meet all the requirements of the standard in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7 to 7(b)  The school’s safeguarding policy was updated during the inspection to reflect the latest statutory guidance. The proprietor and leaders have a secure understanding of their responsibilities in ensuring that staff receive regular safeguarding training. Systems will be in place to respond to disclosures and allegations that may indicate that pupils’ welfare is at risk.  The proprietor does not have a full understanding of statutory safer recruitment requirements. Not all recruitment checks have been undertaken or recorded appropriately on the school’s single central record. This potentially puts pupils’ welfare at risk. Paragraphs 9 to 10  There is a suitable behaviour policy that sets out what the school expects of pupils and how staff will promote and manage positive behaviour. The school has appropriate systems in place to record sanctions imposed on pupils for inappropriate

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Main inspection findings

behaviour.  The school has policies in place in relation to bullying and suspensions. Both policies set out the school’s approach to dealing effectively with any incidents of bullying and to managing suspensions. Paragraphs 11 to 12  The school has a suitable health and safety policy. There are procedures in place for regular health and safety checks. However, the policy is not effectively implemented. The proprietor could not provide a health and safety audit as set out in the policy and a potential electrical safety risk is evident.  The school has not ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire safety) Order 2005. The school was unable to provide a fire risk assessment during the inspection. However, the school has appropriate signage and fire-fighting equipment in place. Paragraph 13  There is a precise first aid and medications policy in place. This policy sets out appropriate procedures. First aid kits that are readily available have been purchased.

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Main inspection findings

There are appropriate systems in place to record illnesses, accidents and injuries. The school will act appropriately on the monitoring of these records. Paragraph 14  There are plans in place to ensure that staffing levels will provide appropriate supervision of pupils throughout the school day. Paragraph 15  There are plans in place to ensure the effective management of admission and attendance information. The admission register complies with statutory requirements. Paragraph 16 to 16(b)  Leaders understand their responsibilities related to risk management. The school risk assessment policy outlines the processes to manage potential risks in different situations. Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly.  The school is not likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c) to 21(6)  The proprietor and leaders do not have a secure understanding of all the pre- employment checks that should be undertaken before a person employed directly by the school starts working with pupils.  The proprietor has not undertaken all the relevant checks for staff employed at the school. Checks regarding prohibition from teaching under section 142 of the 2002 Education Act and from management under section128 of the 2002 Education and Skills Act have not been undertaken. All other relevant checks have been undertaken before a person is appointed.  All relevant checks have been undertaken for members of the proprietorial body apart from the check for any prohibition from management under section 128 of the 2008

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Main inspection findings

Education and Skills Act.  The school intends to use the services of supply staff, when needed. Leaders fully understand the checks that are required before a supply member of staff starts working with pupils.  The school has a single central record that is maintained electronically and is readily available for inspection. However, this record is not complete. The proprietor has not ensured that all checks are accurately recorded for members of staff and members of the proprietorial body. The dates on which such checks have been completed have not been recorded. This is the case for checks on members of staff, directors and supply staff.  The school is not likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(b), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2) to 29(1)(b)  The school is currently undergoing refurbishment. There is one designated classroom which is furnished with desks and chairs. The electrical installation is yet to be completed in this room and exposed cabling poses a health and safety risk.  The school has an outside garden courtyard area that is suitable for outdoor play and physical education.  Mixed-gender cubicle toilets and washing facilities are available. Hot and cold water is available for washing. The hot water does not pose a risk of scalding. These facilities are planned to be shared with children who attend the registered early years provision on the site. These toilet facilities are suitable for pupils aged seven and under.  The school does not have suitable toilets for pupils aged eight years and over. While the school has plans to create self-contained toilets for these pupils, these have yet to

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Main inspection findings

be built. Work has started on their construction, but this work is very much in the early stages. The toilets will not be ready in time for the school’s planned opening date.  The school has suitable toilet facilities for pupils who are disabled.  The school does not have suitable accommodation for the short-term medical care and treatment of pupils that may be sick or injured. While the school has identified a room to be used for this purpose, this room is not suitable. For example, it does not have a washing facility.  The school plans to provide drinking water for pupils that is readily available and is not in toilet areas. However, drinking water is not clearly marked as such.  Designated rooms for the use by school pupils are suitably lit. These rooms are bright and airy. Acoustic conditions and sound insulation are suitable.  External lighting is appropriate to ensure that people can safely enter and leave the

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Main inspection findings

school premises.  The school is not likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(1)(i), 32(2) to 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii) to 32(3)(g)  All required information is available to parents and carers, on request. This includes the school’s aims and ethos, address, and the names and contact details of the proprietor and headteacher.  The school does not have a website. However, leaders intend to publish a website in due course, subject to registration.  All policies are available in paper and electronic format, including the relationships education and safeguarding policies. All policies are available on request.  Parents will receive reports about pupils’ achievements.  There are procedures in place to submit relevant information to local authorities, when needed.  The school is likely to meet all the requirements of the standard in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33 to 33(k)  Leaders have written a complaints policy that is available to parents on request. The policy outlines how the school will respond to both informal and formal complaints. It includes a suitable timeframe for managing complaints. The policy lists the various stages of the complaints procedure. The policy explains how the outcomes of a complaint will be communicated to the complainant, as well as how information relating to the complaint will be used and stored by the school.  The school is likely to meet all the requirements of the standard in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has a clear vision for the type of faith-based school they want to provide for pupils. However, the proprietor has not ensured that the arrangements for the proposed school are like to meet all the standards.  The proprietor has not ensured that leaders have a comprehensive understanding of the standards that relate to health and safety, safer recruitment and safeguarding, and the suitability of the premises. The proprietor has not ensured that sufficient work has been undertaken to prepare the proposed school so that it meets all such standards.  The proprietor has not ensured that they have the secure knowledge and skills related to the standards that they need to be effective in their role.  The school is not likely to meet all the requirements of the standard in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have developed a suitable accessibility plan.  The school is likely to meet the regulation in this part.

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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

Email address operations.leicester@darulmadinah.co.uk

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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 5 to 8 5 to 7 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 25 25

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recommendation

Reason for inspector's recommendations  The inspection indicates that the school could possibly accommodate and provide for up to 25 pupils aged five to seven from September 2024, hence the above variation in recommended age range. The accommodation is unsuitable for pupils aged eight years, as the toilet facilities are not appropriate.

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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 25

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 25

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable Up to 25

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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 Up to 25

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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 Up to 25

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 1

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 1

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 1

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Information about this proposed school

 Darul Madinah Leicester is part of Darul Madinah Leicester Ltd.  The school is located in Leicester LE1 2LG. The accommodation is shared with a registered early years provider that is owned by the same proprietor.  The school proposes to cater for up to 25 pupils, aged five to eight years.  The proprietor intends to open the school on 28 August 2024. In the first year of operation, the school intends to admit up to 25 pupils aged five to six years into Year 1. For the subsequent two academic years, the proprietor intends to submit a material change application each year to the Department for Education (DfE) to increase by 25 pupils the maximum number of pupils the school is permitted to have on roll, to a maximum of 75 pupils by the third year of operation. This is to enable the school to accommodate a new intake of up to 25 pupils into Year 1 each academic year.  The school is not likely to use the services of any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the DfE to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the standards if given permission to open.  This is the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector met with the headteacher who is one of the two directors. He also met with the chair of directors.  The inspector toured the school site to check on the suitability of the premises.  The inspector reviewed various policies and documents, including those related to: the curriculum; safeguarding; behaviour; risk assessments; health and safety, first aid and fire safety; relationships education; complaints; and admissions. He reviewed the single central record.

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Inspection team

Chris Davies, lead inspector His Majesty's Inspector

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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.  11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.  12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

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

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 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.  20(6) The standard in this paragraph is met in relation to an individual ("MB"), not being the Chair of the school, who is a member of a body of persons corporate or unincorporate named as the proprietor of the school in the register or in an application to enter the school in the register, if- – 20(6)(a) MB- – 20(6)(a)(ii) does not carry out work, or intend 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

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

disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction.  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, whether- – 21(3)(a)(i) S's identity was checked; – 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)(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

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

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; – 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)(a)(viii) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(e), including the date on which each such check was completed/certificate obtained. – 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.  21(5) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation to supply staff- – 21(5)(a) whether written notification has been received from the employment business that- – 21(5)(a)(i) checks corresponding to those referred to in sub-paragraph (3)(a)(i) to

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

(iv), (vi) and (vii) have been made to the extent relevant to any such person; and – 21(5)(a)(ii) an enhanced criminal record check has been made and that it or another employment business has obtained an enhanced criminal record certificate in response to such a check, – 21(5)(c) where written notification has been received from the employment business in accordance with a contract or other arrangements referred to in paragraph 19(2)(d) that it has obtained an enhanced criminal record certificate, whether the employment business supplied a copy of the certificate to the school.  21(6) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation each member ("MB") of a body of persons named as the proprietor appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether the checks referred to in paragraph 20(6)(b) were made, the date they were made and the date on which the resulting certificate was obtained.

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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)(b) separate toilet facilities for boys and girls aged 8 years or over are provided except where the toilet facility is provided in a room that can be secured from the inside and that is intended for use by one pupil at a time.  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.  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

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

used for the purposes set out in sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b).  25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.  28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 28(1)(c) cold water supplies that are suitable for drinking are clearly marked as such.

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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. 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 .

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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