Darul Madinah Rochdale Ltd

School pre-registration inspection report

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Darul Madinah Rochdale Ltd (Primary School) Richmond Hall, Lomax Street, Rochdale OL12 0JR

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2) to 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proposed school has prepared an appropriate curriculum policy, which explains the school’s aims for the curriculum. For example, the policy shows how the curriculum will support pupils to develop positive attitudes to learning. The policy sets out the sufficiently broad range of subjects that pupils will study. It explains how pupils will learn about fundamental British values, such as democracy and individual liberty. Through the curriculum, pupils will be supported to develop an understanding of life as a British citizen.  The curriculum policy is supported by schemes of work for each subject. These schemes of work reflect the proposed school’s ambitious intent for what pupils should learn over time. Due consideration has been given to the order in which pupils should learn key concepts, so that they build a secure body of knowledge.

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Main inspection findings

 The curriculum takes account of the needs and aptitudes of pupils of primary school age. However, the proposed school, if it is approved to open, will admit only pupils aged five or six. The proprietor understands that any future expansion of this age range would require an application for a material change.  The proposed school has placed appropriate importance on the teaching of reading, including phonics, and upon writing, speaking and listening and mathematics. Pupils will also study subjects, including science, computing, art and design, history, Arabic studies and physical education (PE).  There is a scheme of work for pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. There is an emphasis on the development of pupils’ readiness for future life, for example, by understanding people’s rights and responsibilities. The topics covered in PSHE are extensive. These include topics which encourage pupils’ respect

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Main inspection findings

for other people, including those with the protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(1)(g)  The PSHE curriculum will provide pupils with relationships and sex education and health education. The proposed school’s policy complies with the relevant statutory guidance. The proprietor intends to consult with parents and carers about the policy when the proposed school opens. The proprietor is aware of the school’s duty to ensure that the policy statement is placed on the school’s website. Paragraph 3, 3(a) to 3(j)  The proprietor has set out clear plans to recruit staff who are suitably qualified and experienced, given the age and stage of development of pupils. Staff appointed to the proposed school will receive advice and guidance to help them to deliver the curriculum effectively. The school will carry out a range of quality assurance activities

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Main inspection findings

to ensure that in each subject, pupils increase their understanding and develop the intended knowledge.  The proposed school will carry out assessments to establish pupils’ starting points when they join. It is intended that teachers will make regular checks on pupils’ progress and attainment. Teachers will use the findings from these assessments to inform their teaching.  The proposed school has provided an appropriate quantity, quality and range of resources for pupils, such as stationery, textbooks and art equipment.  An appropriate policy sets out clearly the school’s high expectations for pupils’ behaviour. There is a focus on supporting pupils to manage their own behaviour in readiness for future life. The policy sets out the strategies to be used by staff for dealing with inappropriate behaviour, including bullying. Paragraph 4  The proposed school has put in place a suitable assessment policy. Pupils’ progress

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Main inspection findings

will be shared regularly with parents.  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 Paragraph 5, 5(a) to 5(d)(iii)  The proposed school has given appropriate consideration to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Through the curriculum for PSHE, pupils will learn about a range of faiths and cultures. They will learn about differences and similarities in families. Pupils will be provided with opportunities to learn about fundamental British values, such as the rule of law, individual liberty and democracy. It is intended that pupils will learn how they can contribute to the life of their community, such as through charitable activities. These experiences are intended to help pupils to prepare for the next stage in their education and for future life.  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 Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The proprietor has put in place a suitable safeguarding policy. This policy follows current statutory guidance in the development of arrangements to keep pupils safe and to promote their welfare at the proposed school.  It is proposed that the headteacher will be the designated safeguarding lead and will receive appropriate training for this role. It is also proposed that those staff deputising for the designated lead will be trained to the same level.  All staff will receive an appropriate programme of induction, which will include regular safeguarding training and frequent updates on areas, such as radicalisation and extremism. Appropriate measures have been put in place to ensure that pupils are safe when they work online. Paragraphs 9, 9(a) to 9(c), 10  Suitable behaviour and anti-bullying policies are in place. These policies explain how

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Main inspection findings

the proposed school will support pupils to develop good behaviour and positive attitudes to learning. Leaders have set out in their policies appropriate and proportionate sanctions, including the actions that the school will take to address any bullying incidents. Any incidents of poor behaviour will be recorded. Paragraphs 11, 12  There is a written health and safety policy, tailored to the proposed school’s premises. This policy complies with all relevant laws.  The induction programme for new staff will include health and safety training. The proprietor has ensured that there will be regular and routine checks to identify and rectify any faults at the premises. For example, electrical equipment, gas boilers and water temperature will be tested regularly.  There is a range of measures to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. For example, the fire alarm and emergency lighting are tested regularly.

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Main inspection findings

The building has been fitted with smoke alarms. Arrangements have been made for regular fire drills to be carried out with staff and pupils. Signage around the school site identifies fire exits and muster points to facilitate escape in the event of fire. Paragraph 13  A suitable first-aid policy has been drawn up. Adequate arrangements have been made for the provision of suitably qualified staff to ensure that the policy can be implemented as intended. Paragraph 14  The school proposes to recruit sufficient staff to ensure that pupils should be supervised effectively throughout the school day. It is intended that pupils will always be supervised indoors and outdoors, including at breaktimes and on any school trips. Paragraph 15  The proposed school has put in place appropriate systems to register pupils’ attendance. These systems will support the school to monitor absences and improve attendance effectively. The proprietor will receive regular reports on pupils’

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Main inspection findings

attendance at the school.  There is a suitable admissions policy. Leaders have established systems to ensure that the school’s admission and attendance registers will comply with the School Attendance (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2024. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  A suitable risk assessment policy has been developed, supported by a wide range of risk assessments. These risk assessments show the actions that the school proposes to take to minimise risks, including for trips and visits beyond school.  The standards in this part are likely 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)  The proprietor understands the checks that need to take place prior to staff working in the school. These include an enhanced criminal record check, as well as checks on staff’s identification and their right to work in the United Kingdom. Leaders have completed safer recruitment training. Paragraphs 19(2), 19(2)(a) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3)  The proprietor understands the checks that they need to carry out in order to ensure any agency staff that they employ are suitable to work with pupils. Paragraph 20(6), 20(6)(a) to 20(6)(c)  The proprietor has ensured that necessary checks are carried out on any members of the proprietor body. Paragraphs 21(1), 21(2), 21(3) to 21(3)(b), 21(5), 21(5)(a) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  A single central record has been established. This record meets the requirements for

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Main inspection findings

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 be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 25  The proposed primary school is located on the ground floor of a large, former school building. Pupils of the primary school will access this part of the building through its own secure entrance. This proposed primary school has a range of classrooms, suitable for the age of pupils that the school intends to admit. In addition, there are offices, a staff room and storerooms. There is a spacious multi-purpose room, which is likely to be used for assemblies and for pupils to eat their lunch. The proposed accommodation is of a good standard and is well maintained. Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 28(1), 28(1)(a) to 28(1)(d), 29(2) to 28(2)(b)  There are sufficient toilet and washing facilities for the number of pupils that the school proposes to admit. There is hot and cold running water. The hot water does not pose a scald risk.  The school has ensured that pupils will have access to drinking water throughout the

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Main inspection findings

day. Sources of drinking water are in a separate area from the toilet facilities. Paragraphs 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)  There is a room set aside for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils. This room contains a sink, a bed and a first-aid box and is situated in close proximity to a toilet. Paragraphs 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  Pupils will have access to a large, safe outdoor space. This will provide an appropriate place for pupils to play and to receive PE. Formal PE sessions will be regularly timetabled in accordance with the proposed school’s curriculum.  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.

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Main inspection findings

 It is likely that all of the standards in this part will be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(a) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(1)(i), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(d), 32(3) to 32(3)(g)  There is an appropriate range of information available for parents and pupils when they join the school. All required policies are in place. These include policies relating to admissions, curriculum, behaviour and safeguarding. Documents will be made available for parents on request from the school. However, the proprietor also intends to set up a website if the proposed school opens. The proprietor is fully aware of the information that must be published on this website.  For pupils with an education, health and care (EHC) plan, leaders intend to provide the necessary information to the responsible local authority for the annual review of the EHC plan.  It is intended that parents will receive termly and annual reports on pupils’ progress

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Main inspection findings

and attainment. These reports will also provide information on pupils’ attendance and behaviour.  Leaders are aware that following any inspection, copies of the inspection report must be provided to parents and published on the school’s website.  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 Paragraph 33, 33(a) to 33(k)  A suitable complaints policy has been put in place. This policy sets out the timescales for responding to complaints and includes information about the storage and sharing of written records. The policy ensures that the procedure for making a complaint is transparent.  This policy will be made available to parents upon request, and will be published on the proposed school’s website once this has been established.  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)  The proprietor has put in place a range of strategies and checks to ensure that the school meets the standards consistently. For example, a programme of maintenance has been established to ensure that the school continues to provide pupils with an appropriate standard of accommodation. There are measures in place to check the quality of education that pupils receive. The proprietor intends to recruit sufficient staff to ensure that pupils are properly supervised at all times.  The proprietor has ensured that those with responsibilities for leadership and management have appropriate knowledge and skills to carry out their roles. The proprietor intends to recruit a suitably qualified and experienced individual to the role of headteacher before the proposed school opens. This is likely to ensure that this

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Main inspection findings

person has the knowledge and skills to carry out their role effectively.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

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.

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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 khalid.mirza@dawateislamiuk.net

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 5 to 6 5 to 6

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 30 30

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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 30 Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

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 2

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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 proposed school is located on the ground floor of premises at Richmond Hall, Lomax Street, Rochdale OL12 0JR.  It is proposed that the school will have an Islamic faith ethos, and will provide full-time education for up to 30 pupils, aged between five and six years.  The proprietor is a limited company called Darul Madinah Rochdale Limited. It is made up of two directors.  The proprietor intends to employ a headteacher, who will solely work at this school when it opens.  The proprietor intends to establish a governing body at the school.  The proprietor does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to determine if the school is likely to meet the independent school standards if the DfE decides to approve the request to register this school.  This is the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  This inspection was carried out at the same time as a pre-registration inspection for a proposed secondary school at the same site.  The inspector held discussions with the proprietor and other leaders.  The inspection included a tour of the school to check the suitability of the proposed premises against the relevant standards. The inspector also looked at a wide range of documents and policies, including those relating to the curriculum, behaviour and health and safety. The inspector checked documents relating to safeguarding.

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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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Inspection team

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