Ateres Elisheva

School material change inspection report

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Ateres Elisheva Beis Menachem, Park Lane, Salford M7 4JD

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The school meets the independent school

standards relevant to the material change.

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2, 2(1)-2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)  The school’s curriculum policy explains its aims for the curriculum. For example, the policy shows how the curriculum will support pupils to develop their enjoyment of learning and to develop skills for future life. The curriculum policy is supported by suitable plans and schemes of work for each subject.  The school has expanded its curriculum plans and schemes of work to include the knowledge that pupils in Years 5 and 6 should learn. Due consideration has been given to the order in which pupils should learn key concepts in each subject and in each year group, so that they build a secure body of knowledge over time. The plans and schemes of work reflect the school’s ambitious intent for all pupils, including those with education, health and care plans.  The school gives an appropriately high priority to the teaching of reading, writing,

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Main inspection findings

speaking and listening and mathematics. Pupils also study subjects including science, art, design and technology, humanities and physical education (PE).  Pupils receive personal, social and health education (PSHE). This covers many topics, including healthy eating, personal safety, hygiene and mental health. Pupils learn to respect other people, including those with protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010, such as disability or age. The curriculum for PSHE has been broadened to reflect the needs of pupils in Years 5 and 6. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(d)-2A(1)(g).  Through the PSHE curriculum, pupils receive relationships education that is appropriate for their age. For example, they learn to consider the impact of their behaviour on others. Pupils learn about what makes a good friendship and about how to resolve any fallings out that may occur. Paragraph 3, 3(a)-3(j)  Staff receive advice, guidance and training to help them to deliver the curriculum

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Main inspection findings

effectively. The school checks that the curriculum is having the impact that it intends on pupils’ knowledge and understanding. This helps the school to make any further refinements to the curriculum that may be necessary.  The school carries out a range of assessments to check pupils’ progress and attainment. Teachers use the findings from these assessments to inform their teaching.  Pupils are provided with an appropriate quantity, quality and range of resources to support their learning. For example, pupils have access to stationery and textbooks, and materials for art and craft activities. The proprietor has ensured that textbooks and learning materials take account of the curriculum for pupils in Years 5 and 6.  The school sets clear expectations for pupils’ behaviour in class. Staff successfully follow the school’s policy in implementing strategies for dealing with any inappropriate behaviour, including bullying.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 4  The school has an appropriate policy for assessment. Parents and carers receive regular information about their child’s progress and achievement.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to remain met if the Department for Education (DfE) decides to approve implementation of the material change. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a)-5(d)(iii)  The curriculum contributes to pupils’ spiritual, social, moral and cultural development. For example, pupils learn that other people may belong to faiths and cultures which are different from their own. Pupils are provided with opportunities to learn about fundamental British values, such as tolerance and respect for others. Pupils develop culturally through a range of experiences, for instance participating in music and drama performances.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the material change is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a)-7(b), 32(1)(c)  The school’s safeguarding policy follows current statutory guidance and sets out the school’s arrangements for promoting pupils’ welfare and for keeping them safe. Copies of this policy are made available to parents on request.  The headteacher is the designated safeguarding lead and has received appropriate training to carry out this role effectively. Those deputising for the designated safeguarding lead have been trained to the same standard.  Newly appointed staff receive a suitable induction programme. All staff receive regular safeguarding training and frequent updates on aspects, such as radicalisation and extremism. The school has a system for filtering unsuitable internet content. Reports from this filtering system are reviewed regularly as part of the school’s measures to keep pupils safe. Paragraphs 11, 12  The proprietor has put in place a written health and safety policy that complies with

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Main inspection findings

all relevant laws. This policy is underpinned by a programme of regular checks to identify and rectify any faults at the premises. For example, electrical equipment and gas boilers are tested regularly. This contributes to the health, safety and welfare of pupils and staff.  A range of measures are in place to ensure that the school complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. For example, regular fire drills take place with staff and pupils. The fire alarm and emergency lighting are serviced and tested regularly. The building has been fitted with smoke alarms. Signage around the school site identifies fire exits to facilitate escape. The proprietor has ensured that these measures have been extended to include the modular classrooms that have been installed in the school grounds. Paragraph 14  Pupils are properly supervised indoors and outdoors through the effective deployment of staff. Additional staff have been recruited to ensure that this remains the case,

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Main inspection findings

should the request to increase the school’s capacity be approved. Paragraph 16, 16(a)-16(b)  A suitable risk assessment policy is supported by a wide range of risk assessments. These risk assessments show the actions that the school takes to minimise risks, for example, in classroom activities and on trips and visits beyond school.  The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(a)-18(2)(e), 18(3)  The proprietor has ensured that all required checks are carried out on newly appointed staff before they work at the school. These include an enhanced criminal record check as well as checks on staff’s identity. Leaders have completed safer recruitment training. Paragraphs 19(2), 19(2)(a)-19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3)  The proprietor understands the checks that must be carried out in order to ensure any

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Main inspection findings

agency staff that the school employs are suitable to work with pupils. Paragraph 20(6), 20(6)(a)-20(6)(c)  The chair has carried out the required checks on all members of the proprietor body. Paragraphs 21(1), 21(2), 21(3) -21(3)(b), 21(5), 21(5)(a)-21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  A single central record has been established. This record meets the requirements for the information that it must contain, including that which relates to the leadership and management of the school.  The standards in this part are likely to remain met if the material change is approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 25  The school’s premises are generally well maintained. The school has a range of spacious classrooms, as well as a number of smaller spaces for individual or small- group work. These rooms are suitable for the age and needs of pupils that the school admits. The proprietor has recently installed additional modular classrooms in the

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Main inspection findings

school grounds. These classrooms are of a good standard. This extra accommodation is likely to ensure that the school has sufficient space for the increase in pupil numbers requested as part of the application for a material change. Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 28(1), 28(1)(a)-28(1)(d)  There are sufficient toilet and washing facilities for the number and ages of the pupils that the school admits. The new modular buildings provide additional toilet facilities for the pupils accommodated in them. Washing facilities have hot and cold running water. The hot water does not pose a scald risk. Toilet cubicles are lockable from the inside.  The school has ensured that pupils have access to drinking water throughout the day. Sources of drinking water are in separate areas from the toilets and washing facilities and are marked with appropriate signage. Paragraphs 24(1), 24(1)(a)-24(1)(c), 24(2)  There is a room for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils. This room contains

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Main inspection findings

a sink and a bed. A first-aid box has been provided. This room is located near to a toilet. Paragraphs 26, 27, 27(a)-27(b), 29(1)-29(1)(b)  There is ample outdoor space for PE and for pupils to play.  The acoustic conditions and lighting in each room are of a suitable standard, having regard to the nature of the activities that will take place.  The proprietor has ensured that the building has external lighting. This ensures that pupils, staff and visitors can enter or exit the building safely in the hours of darkness.  It is likely that all of the standards in this part will continue to be met if the application for a material change is approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a)-34(1)(c)  The proprietor has put in place a range of strategies and checks to ensure that the school continues to meet the standards consistently. For example, a programme of

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Main inspection findings

maintenance is in place to ensure that the school continues to provide pupils with an appropriate standard of accommodation. Suitable steps have been taken to identify and minimise potential risks and hazards. There are measures in place to check the quality of education that pupils receive and to ensure their well-being.  The proprietor has ensured that those with responsibilities for leadership and management have the appropriate knowledge and skills to carry out their roles effectively. The proprietor holds leaders effectively to account for their work.  The standard in this part is likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable accessibility plan that meets the requirements of paragraph 3 of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is likely to meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements that are relevant to the material change.

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School details

This inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) Voluntary contributions

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 13 to 15 June 2023

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 2 to 9 2 to 11 2 to 11

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 162 190 190

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Girls Girls Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 122 150

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 31 Not known

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 1 Not known

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with an education, health and care plan 1 Not known

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 60 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff None None

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Information about this school

 Ateres Elisheva is a school for girls of orthodox Jewish faith.  The school occupies the first floor of premises at Beis Menachem, Park Lane, Salford M7 4JD. Some classes are accommodated in modular buildings sited in the school’s outdoor grounds.  The most recent standard inspection took place from 13 to 15 June 2023.  The school has provision for two-year-olds.  The proprietor runs, from the same address, provision for children from birth to two years. This provision is registered separately with Ofsted and is not the subject of this material change inspection.  The school does not make use of any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This material change inspection was commissioned by the DfE because the proprietor requested a change to the age range of pupils that the school admits to include 10- and 11-year-olds, and to increase the number of pupils for which the school is registered to 190.  The school has implemented the changes, in part, by admitting pupils aged 10- and 11- years-old, and by exceeding the number of pupils for which the school is registered. This means that currently, the school does not comply with its registration agreement.  The inspector considered whether the relevant requirements in Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 of the independent school standards are likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved.  This was the first material change since the last full standard inspection.  The inspector met with the headteacher and the curriculum leader to discuss the proposed material change. The inspector scrutinised a range of policies and

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Information about this inspection

documents relating to this change.  The inspector also met with the chair of the proprietor body.  The inspector made a tour of the school.

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Inspection team

Mavis Smith, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector 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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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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