Apex Secondary School for Girls

School pre-registration inspection report

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Apex Secondary School for Girls 287 Cranbrook Road, Ilford IG1 4UA

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided All paragraphs  The proposed school has a planned curriculum that covers a suitably broad and balanced range of subjects for secondary-age pupils. Alongside the core subjects, pupils will study physical education, geography, history, computing and business studies, Islamic studies, Arabic, religious education (RE) and art.  Curriculum planning documents are likely to take account of pupils’ different ages and abilities. This includes provision for any pupils who may have education, health and care plans (EHC plan). The school has an appropriate assessment policy and plans to report pupils’ progress to parents and carers on an annual basis.  Leaders have begun to recruit teachers with relevant subject expertise to cover the range of subjects they intend to offer.  The proposed school’s written curriculum policy does not reflect the curriculum that leaders intend pupils to learn when the school initially opens. At present, they have

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Main inspection findings

not ensured there are suitable resources to support the intended curriculum. This includes training for teaching staff.  Leaders have planned a suitable curriculum for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. This includes age-appropriate relationships and sex education (RSE) and pays due regard to fundamental British values and equality. However, the proposed school’s RSE policy is based on historical guidance and does not reflect the latest statutory requirements.  The proposed school does not have adequate plans to provide pupils with regular careers information, advice and guidance. Leaders have not given enough consideration to how they will ensure pupils receive unbiased and up-to-date careers information to prepare themselves for their next steps in education.  Some of the independent school standards (the standards) in this part are not likely to be met. These are listed in full in the report’s annex.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils All paragraphs  The proposed school has a planned curriculum for personal development which includes weekly PSHE education lessons, assemblies and educational visits. Through these activities, pupils are likely to be encouraged to respect differences, learn about different cultures and be well prepared for life in modern Britain.  The proposed school plans to run a limited number of enrichment activities, including a school council. Plans are likely to develop pupils’ wider interests, resilience and confidence. In addition to Islamic studies, the planned RE curriculum includes teaching pupils about a range of other religions, faiths and cultures.  The school is likely to ensure teachers are trained to ensure that balanced points of view are always presented in the teaching of any political topic. The proposed school’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural policy makes it clear that no member of staff may

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Main inspection findings

promote partisan political views.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils All paragraphs  The proposed school’s safeguarding policy is comprehensive and reflects the most up- to-date statutory guidance. The proposed processes to identify, track and manage safeguarding concerns are likely to be effective when implemented. The school’s safeguarding policy is published on its website.  Leaders responsible for safeguarding have completed appropriate training and have secure knowledge of their role and statutory responsibilities. Currently, the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) will work across the schools within the group. However, there are concrete plans to increase the capacity of the safeguarding team at the school by training a full-time DSL in the next year.  School leaders are trained in safer recruitment and know the requirements of the statutory guidance for pre-employment checks on members of staff. However, the single central record of vetting checks on adults is not compliant.

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Main inspection findings

 Plans to supervise pupils are likely to be appropriate. Pupils will always be supervised at breaktimes and lunchtimes and when moving between floors in the school. This includes when using spaces that are, at other times, used by the other school that is proposed to operate in the same building.  The school’s admission and attendance registers are likely to be compliant with the requirements of the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006.  The proposed school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policies are clear and, if implemented well, are likely to be effective. Leaders have a clear process for recording sanctions for serious misdemeanours.  During the inspection, the confirmation of sign-off from the building control officer was not available and building works were not complete. The proposed school’s health and safety policy is appropriate and likely to be implemented well once the

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Main inspection findings

final building work has been completed.  The proposed school has had a recent external fire risk assessment. However, the report from this visit was not available at the time of the inspection and it was clear on inspection that there are further actions to be completed. Therefore, arrangements for complying with fire safety legislation are incomplete. The proposed school did not have commissioning certificates available for the emergency lighting or electrics.  The proposed school has a suitable first-aid policy. An appropriate number of staff have received first-aid training. The processes for managing and recording accidents, injuries and medication are likely to be suitable.  The proposed school does not have a suitable risk assessment policy and written risk assessments. As a result, the implementation of these is not likely to manage risk effectively. The risk assessment policy lacks appropriate detail and is not specific to

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Main inspection findings

the school building. Written risk assessments of regular activities, such as physical education at the local leisure centre, were not available during the inspection.  Some of the standards in this part are not likely to be met. These are listed in full in the report’s annex.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors All paragraphs  During the inspection, the proposed school’s single central record did not include all the required, dated checks. Those missing include prohibition from management checks on trustees and barred list checks for staff.  Some of the standards in this part are not likely to be met. These are listed in full in the report’s annex.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools All paragraphs  The proposed school will use three floors of the four-floor building. Two of these floors will be shared premises with another proposed school with the same proprietor. The premises include five classrooms of suitable size, a dining area, an outdoor area, prayer space and suitable toilets and washing facilities.  There are suitable medical facilities in the school office. These are available for use and located near to toilet and washing facilities.  Lighting inside and out, and the building’s acoustics, are all likely to be suitable.  Pupils will take part in physical education lessons at a public leisure centre near to the school. Plans to use changing and shower facilities at this centre are likely to be suitable.  The proposed school has not suitably identified and labelled drinking-water. The hot water supply is not safely regulated.

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Main inspection findings

 Some of the standards in this part are not likely to be met. These are listed in full in the report’s annex. Part 6. Provision of information All paragraphs  The proposed school has a website. Leaders are in the process of ensuring all the required information is available online. They know which information to include, such as policies, guidance, contact information and factual information, for example on complaints and examinations.  Leaders are aware of their statutory duties should pupils with EHC plans attend the proposed school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled All paragraphs  The proposed school has a comprehensive complaints policy that fulfils the requirements of this part. Leaders have prepared a log for the recording of both informal and formal complaints.  If implemented well, leaders’ proposed procedure is likely to ensure informal and formal complaints are managed appropriately.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools All paragraphs  The proposed school’s proprietor and leaders are committed to opening this school. They have the relevant knowledge and experience to meet the standards. However, they are relying too heavily on guidance from external consultants, rather than using their own knowledge to ensure compliance with the latest requirements for registration as an independent secondary school.  There is not enough evidence that leaders will ensure that the standards are met fully and consistently if this school is registered.  The standard in this part is not likely to be met as listed in full in the report’s annex.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Though the proposed school’s plan includes some suitable actions to improve accessibility, it does not fully reflect the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. This requirement is therefore not likely to be met.

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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 contact@apexsecondary.co.uk

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 Not applicable Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 125 Not applicable

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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 125

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable Not applicable Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 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 5

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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 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 5

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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

 This proposed independent school is a secondary day school for girls with an Islamic ethos. The proprietor plans to operate this school and another proposed school, Apex Secondary School for Boys, from the same premises. The proprietor plans to initially open both schools to pupils in Years 7 to 9 only.  The proposed school does not intend to make use of alternative provision.  The proposed school’s proprietor body runs Apex Primary School, which is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection. It was conducted in parallel with a pre-registration inspection for Apex Secondary School for Boys.  The inspection was conducted with four days’ notice and took place during the summer holidays.  The inspector met with four people, including the proposed school’s headteacher and chair of the proprietor body. They toured the premises and considered a range of evidence to check the likelihood of the proposed school meeting the standards.

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Inspection team

Annabel Davies, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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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(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are- – 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-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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 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), and – 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.  2A(2) Arrangements made by the proprietor for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(b)

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

must ensure that where a pupil’s parent requests that the pupil is wholly or partly excused from sex education provided as part of relationships and sex education, the pupil is so excused until the request is withdrawn, unless or to the extent that the head teacher considers that the pupil should not be so excused.  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school- – 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.  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[12].  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.

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

 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 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-

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

– 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff ("S") appointed on or after 1st May 2007, 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;

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 28(1)(a) suitable drinking water facilities are provided; – 28(1)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users.  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 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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