Bahr Academy Boys School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Bahr Academy Boys School 72 Sceptre Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE4 6PR

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2, 2(1) to 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  Since the last pre-registration inspection, leaders have taken effective steps to ensure that the curriculum is appropriately structured to build pupils’ knowledge and skills over time. The proposed school has a written curriculum policy. The intended curriculum is broad and ambitious. It is supported by schemes of work for different subjects. It is structured to build pupils’ knowledge and skills in national curriculum subjects and Islamic studies. The curriculum schemes of work are suitable for the intended ages and aptitudes of pupils.  Leaders propose to offer suitably ambitious qualifications including GCSEs. The Islamic curriculum will be taught by teachers with expertise in these aspects on a part-time basis.  The school is not intending to provide specialist provision for pupils with special

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Main inspection findings

educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). However, leaders know that adaptations to learning may need to be made for pupils with SEND. They know that they can seek advice from the local authority when necessary.  The proposed personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) curriculum is likely to support pupils’ personal development well. For example, pupils will learn about respect and tolerance of others. They will develop their understanding of different types of relationships and about the law, different cultural traditions and democracy.  The proprietor intends to provide opportunities for pupils to access independent careers advice and guidance. The school intends to provide pupils with work experience opportunities and invite a range of visiting speakers into school to inspire pupils and provide them with careers information. Paragraphs 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  The proposed school has considered what pupils will learn in relationships and sex

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Main inspection findings

education and health education. The content of the intended curriculum is in line with statutory guidance. Arrangements are in place to consult with parents and carers on the content of the curriculum. Paragraphs 3, 3(a) to 3(j)  The proprietor body has appointed a headteacher and executive headteacher for the proposed school. Leaders have a clear understanding of the number of staff that are to be appointed. They intend to appoint staff who have appropriate knowledge, skills and experience to teach the curriculum.  Leaders have given careful thought to how curriculum planning and schemes of work can support staff with their teaching. There are suitable plans in place for leaders to check the impact of the curriculum and to support the professional development of staff. The proprietor has ensured that there is an appropriate range of resources to help pupils learn well. Paragraph 4  The proposed school has a suitable framework for teachers to assess pupils’ progress

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Main inspection findings

in learning different curriculum subjects. Leaders intend that teachers will use this information to plan pupils’ next steps.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5, 5(a) to 5(d)  The proposed school has given careful consideration to the curriculum to enhance pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development. Leaders see this as the core ethos of the school. It will form an important part of the Islamic curriculum. Themes for SMSC will be threaded through the curriculum and supported in assemblies.  Leaders intend to ensure pupils will be appropriately equipped for life in modern Britain. For example, the proposed curriculum will develop pupils’ knowledge and understanding of fundamental British values, diversity, human rights and protected characteristics.  The intended curriculum for PSHE will teach pupils about potential risks to their safety and how to manage them. The religious education curriculum will teach pupils about different world religions as well as support their learning about morality.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a) to 7(b)  The proprietor body has sufficient knowledge of safeguarding requirements to establish an effective culture for safeguarding. There is a suitable policy in place. It is in line with current statutory guidance. It will be published on the school’s website.  Designated safeguarding leads have been appointed. They have accessed the necessary training for their roles to ensure they have suitable knowledge and skills to safeguard pupils. Leaders intend to establish a programme of training for staff to gain a secure understanding of policies and procedures for safeguarding. This includes as part of induction training.  Leaders are aware of the external professionals they can work with when needed to keep pupils safe. Paragraphs 9, 9(a) to 9(c), 10  The proposed school’s policies for managing pupils’ behaviour and incidents of bullying are suitable. Leaders intend to provide staff with relevant training and support

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Main inspection findings

to enable them to implement the school’s policies effectively. The school has identified a system to keep written records of any incidents of poor behaviour.  Leaders intend that staff will work closely with pupils to promote positive relationships and support high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and attitudes towards learning. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15  The proposed school has created an appropriate health and safety policy. There are suitable systems in place to ensure the safety of staff and pupils. The proprietor intends to carry out regular health and safety checks.  The first-aid policy outlines how staff will care for pupils who may need first aid or basic medical care while at school. Leaders intend to provide staff with relevant training to administer first aid. Suitable first-aid equipment has been purchased. Medication will be stored securely.  Leaders have given careful thought to the number of staff they will employ for the

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Main inspection findings

proposed school. They understand the need to ensure pupils will be appropriately supervised throughout the school day.  The proposed school complies with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. A fire risk assessment has been completed. Fire safety equipment is installed. Evacuation procedures are to be practised with pupils at least every term. Fire safety equipment is to be checked regularly by external professionals.  Admissions and attendance registers meet the requirements in accordance with the School Attendance (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2024. Leaders intend to promote the importance of regular attendance and monitor any absences. This includes working closely with the local authority, when necessary, to support pupils who are persistently absent. Paragraphs 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The proposed school has a suitable risk assessment policy. However, some of the risk

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Main inspection findings

assessments created by leaders are not adequately detailed or robust. Some are confusing. For example, leaders have merged risk assessments for two different areas for pupils to use during recreational times, one of which is no longer proposed to be used by the school. Leaders have not considered the risks that pupils may face when using the proposed area of land near the school which is open to the public.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(a) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a) to 20(6)(c), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a) to 21(3)(b), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  The proposed school has an electronic single central record. Leaders have begun to appoint staff. The necessary checks have been carried out to ensure these staff are suitable to work with children.  Leaders understand the procedures to ensure the proposed school’s compliance with statutory requirements for recruitment of staff and members of the proprietor body. The school does not intend to use supply or agency staff, but leaders know the checks that must be completed if this should be necessary.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a) to 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a) to 24(1)(c), 24(2), 28(1)(a) to 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a) to 28(2)(b) 25, 26, 27, 27(a) to 27(b), 29(1)(a)  The proposed school is located at premises which are currently used by the proprietor’s other registered school, Bahr Academy. Leaders intend that the proposed school will take over the premises when Bahr Academy relocates to a new school site. However, the exact date of this move is not yet confirmed.  The school environment is well maintained. It has suitable lighting and acoustics. The main access is through a lock-controlled door from the street. There is a steep flight of stairs to the school which is on the first floor above some shops. The stairs are kept clear and have handrails.  The school has washing and toilet facilities which are appropriate for pupils. Toilets are lockable from the inside. A suitable medical room is available for the care or

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Main inspection findings

examination of ill or injured pupils.  The premises have hot and cold running water. The hot water does not pose a risk from scalding. Water that is suitable for drinking is clearly labelled.  Leaders intend to use the sports facilities of a local school for physical education lessons. There is a written agreement in place between this provider and the proposed school. There are suitable shower and changing facilities for pupils provided at this venue. Since the last pre-registration inspection, leaders have taken effective action to ensure that the school meets the relevant standards related to these facilities. Paragraphs 29(1), 29(1)(b)  The proposed school does not have an outdoor space for pupils to play. These standards were unmet at the last pre-registration inspection and remain unmet. Leaders intend to use an area of public land a short walk from the school for this purpose. However, this land is not suitable because leaders have not identified all

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Main inspection findings

possible risks to pupils when using the area. The risk assessment currently in place is not sufficiently robust.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(a) to 32(1)(g), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a) to 32(3)(d), 32(3)(f)  The proposed school has a website. This is not yet fully populated, but policies and procedures are available from the school on request. The school’s prospectus also provides parents with an email address to use to request information about the school.  The proprietor has ensured that all the policies, as required by the standards, are suitable. Policies, including those for safeguarding, admissions and the management of pupils’ behaviour, consider the ages of pupils and context of the school.  The proposed school has a framework to track the progress and attainment of pupils.

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Main inspection findings

Reports of pupils’ achievements, effort and personal development will be provided to parents through a suitable annual written report format.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33, 33(a) to 33(k)  The proprietor has ensured the proposed school has a clear and appropriate complaints policy that sets out clearly how complaints will be managed. It includes the process that complainants can follow at each stage of the complaints process. The policy will be published on the proposed school’s website.  Leaders are aware of the requirement to publish the number of complaints that the proposed school may receive.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a) to 34(1)(c)  Leaders have relevant experience of working in education. They are ambitious for what the proposed school can provide for the local community. The school will benefit from sharing resources and the expertise of colleagues working in the proprietor’s other school.  Leaders do not demonstrate a secure understanding of the standards. Some of the standards that were failed at the last pre-registration inspection remain unmet. Leaders have not taken appropriate action to ensure that pupils have access to a suitable outdoor space to play. They have not made sure that risk assessments are carefully written and consider all risks to pupils, including when using the outdoor space.  The proprietor body has a secure grasp of what is needed to promote the well-being of pupils. For example, it understands its statutory duties regarding safeguarding.

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Main inspection findings

Leaders have considered how pupils will be best prepared for life beyond school, including with careers and through the PSHE curriculum.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have created a suitable accessibility plan for the school.  The accessibility plan provides appropriate detail, including about how the proposed school will help pupils to access the curriculum.  The school is likely to meet the requirements of 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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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 Not applicable Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 30 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Boys Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 30

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0 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 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 15

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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 located at 72 Sceptre Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE4 6PR. It is situated above a parade of shops. There is no suitable outside space for pupils to use for recreational purposes during the school day.  The proposed school site is currently the registered address for Bahr Academy which is an Islamic school for girls owned by the same proprietor body. The proprietor knows that Bahr Academy will need to move to new premises should the proposed school be permitted to open.  The proposed school will be an Islamic school for boys. Pupils will study an Islamic curriculum as well as a range of national curriculum subjects.  The proposed school will offer full-time education for up to 30 boys aged between 11 and 16 years.  The proposed school does not intend to offer specialist provision for pupils with SEND.  At the time of the inspection, some staff had been appointed, including a headteacher.

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Information about this proposed school

Some staff have yet to be appointed.  The proposed school is not likely to use alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The Department for Education (DfE) commissioned the inspection to check whether the proposed school is likely to meet the standards if it is given permission to open.  This was the proposed school’s second pre-registration inspection. The first pre- registration inspection took place in June 2024. The DfE did not approve the proposed school to open because some of the standards were unmet.  The inspectors met with the chair of the proprietor body, the executive headteacher, the headteacher and the health and safety officer for the proposed school.  The lead inspector toured the school site to check the suitability of the premises. She also visited the outdoor space that the proposed school intends to use. This is a space open to the public and approximately three minutes’ walk from the school.  Inspectors scrutinised a range of documentation, including schemes of work and policies and procedures related to safeguarding, health and safety, risk assessment,

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Information about this inspection

administration of first aid, complaints and fire safety.  Inspectors checked the arrangements for staff recruitment, scrutinised various risk assessments, viewed the single central record and discussed the school’s proposed arrangements for the safeguarding of pupils.

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Inspection team

Stephanie Innes-Taylor, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 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 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable- – 29(1)(b) pupils to play outside.

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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. 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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