Darul Madinah Leicester Ltd

School pre-registration inspection report

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Darul Madinah Leicester Ltd 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)  There is a clear rationale for the proposed school. Leaders share a vision to provide pupils with a high-quality education underpinned by an Islamic ethos. Their ambition is to build on the positive start children experience in the early years setting on the same site. In the future, they intend to submit a material change application to the Department for Education (DfE) in order to extend the school offer beyond Year 1.  The curriculum covers the breadth of the national curriculum. It includes opportunities for pupils to gain key skills and knowledge across the range of educational experiences identified in the independent school standards (the standards). The curriculum policy is supported by suitable schemes of work for each subject. These plans set out the key knowledge that pupils will learn and when. The school has a

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Main inspection findings

phonics programme and resources in place to support pupils in the early stages of learning to read.  The proposed school intends to deliver a curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils. The school will take into account pupils’ starting points. They intend to use assessment to identify gaps in pupils’ knowledge and provide pupils with time to catch up. Leaders have considered how pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities will be identified and supported. They intend to provide staff with further training so that they can adapt the curriculum and support pupils to learn as well as they can.  The curriculum for personal, social and health education (PSHE) meets statutory requirements. The content of the curriculum includes an age-appropriate range of knowledge and skills. It includes the knowledge pupils will need to manage their relationships, how to make good decisions, manage risks and live healthy lives.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 3 to 4  Leaders intend to recruit qualified staff. They plan to provide staff with a comprehensive induction programme once appointed.  Leaders will monitor the delivery of the curriculum. They will use the information they gather to identify ongoing professional training for staff.  The school has formal and informal assessment systems in place to track the progress pupils make. This information will be used to adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of all pupils.  The school is appropriately resourced with age-appropriate texts and equipment.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  Leaders have considered the ways in which pupils can develop spiritually, socially, morally and culturally. This element of the school’s work is closely aligned to the Islamic ethos.  Establishing respect for others is at the heart of the school’s intention to offer a high- quality education for all. Pupils will be supported to develop their self-esteem, care for others and understand the difference between right and wrong.  The PSHE curriculum includes coverage of fundamental British values. Pupils will have the opportunity to develop an understanding of democracy, for example by voting for a choice of activities or stories.  Pupils will learn about different faiths, religions and cultures. Pupils will be invited to share information about their own cultures, including their traditions and the festivals

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Main inspection findings

they celebrate.  Leaders understand the need to ensure that pupils are not exposed to partisan views. They have systems in place to ensure that this is not the case.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b)  Since the last pre-registration inspection, leaders have secured a thorough understanding of their safeguarding responsibilities. The safeguarding policy reflects up-to-date statutory guidance, as does the safer recruitment process. Leaders have ensured that all the necessary arrangements are in place to keep pupils safe. Pupils’ welfare is prioritised.  The headteacher, when appointed, will be the designated safeguarding lead and will receive appropriate training. All staff will receive induction training to understand that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. This training will include the ‘Prevent’ duty, contextual safeguarding concerns and systems for recording and reporting concerns about a child. Staff will receive further ongoing training in relation to their safeguarding responsibilities. Paragraphs 9 to 10  The proposed school has appropriate behaviour and anti-bullying policies in place.

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Main inspection findings

Leaders intend that staff will act as role models for pupils and live out the school’s values. School rules, rewards and sanctions are identified.  The school intends to record behaviour incidents and regularly review these records. This will enable leaders to identify any emerging patterns and pupils who may need additional support to meet the school’s expectations for behaviour. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 14, 16  Leaders have successfully addressed the concerns raised at the last inspection that led to standards being judged as unlikely to meet. Arrangements are in place to ensure that the school complies with the relevant health and safety requirements, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. A fire risk assessment has been carried out. Firefighting equipment and fire evacuation procedures are in place. Regular checks are made on equipment, emergency lighting and alarms. The school

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Main inspection findings

intends to hold regular fire drills. A suitable fire assembly point has been identified.  The school’s arrangements for providing first aid are appropriate. A suitable medical room is available. There are systems in place to record accidents and the administration of medicines. Staff will receive relevant training as they take up their posts.  The school will apply adequate staffing ratios to allow the appropriate supervision of pupils at all times.  The proposed school has a suitable risk assessment policy in place. A range of risk assessments address potential risk associated with school buildings, external visits and allergies. The school has a system in place to review risk assessments in order to amend them as necessary. Paragraph 15  The admission register complies with statutory requirements. There are systems in place to register pupils’ attendance. Leaders intend to monitor attendance and act

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Main inspection findings

swiftly when pupils fail to attend school.  The school is 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)  Since the previous inspection, leaders’ understanding of the checks they need to make prior to the appointment of staff has strengthened. Safer recruitment processes are secure and in line with statutory guidance.  The single central record is compliant. All the suitability checks, including those relating to the leadership and management of a school, have been carried out.  Leaders are aware of the procedures they should follow when employing agency staff.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. 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)  Since the previous pre-registration inspection, leaders have made the necessary

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Main inspection findings

improvements to the premises to address standards that were not likely to be met.  The school is situated in a building that is used for other purposes. Leaders have ensured that the school’s site is secure. Visitors must seek permission to gain entry through a locked door. Visitors must sign in.  There is one classroom intended for use. This space is appropriate for pupils to learn in.  Toilets are nearby and are appropriate for the age range of pupils the school is proposing to admit. There is hot and cold water for pupils to wash their hands. The hot water does not pose a risk of scalding.  Pupils have access to drinking water, which is suitably labelled.  The medical room is fit for purpose. There is a washing facility and toilets nearby. A locked cabinet for the storage of controlled medicine has been purchased and is in the process of being installed.  The proposed school has a suitable outdoor space for physical education and for

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Main inspection findings

pupils to play. This space will also be used by the early years setting on the same site. Leaders have completed a timetable to enable both settings to share this space.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(1)(i), 32(2) to 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(d) to 32(3)(d), 32(3)(f)  The school does not have a website. If the school is registered, leaders intend to develop a website to share information with parents and carers.  Leaders have produced a ‘welcome pack’. This provides parents with information, including the school’s aims and ethos, contact details for the school and proprietor, the curriculum and details of the complaints process. Further policies are available on request.  Leaders intend to provide parents with an annual report regarding the progress their children have made during the school year. They understand their duty to report how funding received from a local authority has been used to support pupils.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The proposed school has written a complaints policy that is available to parents on request. The policy provides relevant information about the complaints process, including timescales, complainants’ rights and the school’s responsibilities.  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 Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor intends to provide oversight of the work of the school through a proprietor board made up of two directors and the leader of the Darul Madinah group of schools. They have an appropriate understanding of the standards. They have acted on the issues raised at the previous pre-registration inspection. They have established systems to ensure they can monitor the work of the school should it open.  There are plans to establish a governing body that can contribute further to lines of accountability.  Leaders demonstrate the knowledge and skills they need to ensure that the proposed school can provide a high-quality education for all pupils. They are likely to fulfil their responsibilities to promote the well-being of pupils.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proposed school’s accessibility plan is likely to meet this requirement.

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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

Email address Leicester@darulmadinah.co.uk

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proposal

Inspector’s recommendation Age range of pupils Not applicable 5 to 6 5 to 6 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 25 25

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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 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 0

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor of the proposed school is Darul Madinah Leicester Ltd.  The school is based at Malabar Road, Leicester, LE1 2LG. The proposed school will share the site with a registered early years provision. The proposed school and nursery have the same proprietor.  The proposed school has an Islamic religious character.  The proposed school will provide education for up to 25 pupils aged five and six years.  It is not intended that the school will use alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the DfE to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the standards if it is given permission to open.  This is the school’s second pre-registration inspection. When the school was last inspected in August 2024, the inspector judged that the school was not likely to meet all the standards when it opened.  Inspectors held meetings with two directors who represented the proprietor, including the chair and the lead for Darul Madinah Islamic School System UK.  The lead inspector undertook a tour of the school to check the suitability of the premises.  Inspectors scrutinised documentation, including policies and procedures, risk assessments and curriculum plans.  Inspectors checked the school’s single central record and discussed the school’s arrangements to ensure the safeguarding, health, safety and welfare of pupils.

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Inspection team

Caroline Poole, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Inspection team

Paul Halcro 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

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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