Al-Mahad Al-Islami - Grimesthorpe

School pre-registration inspection report

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Al-Mahad Al-Islami - Grimesthorpe Sheffield Grand Mosque, Grimesthorpe Road, Sheffield S4 8DE

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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)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proprietor has produced a detailed curriculum policy. This sets out the amount of time that will be dedicated to teaching each subject each week. The policy prioritises the core subjects of English and mathematics.  The curriculum policy shows that pupils will study a broad and ambitious curriculum. The curriculum is underpinned by Islamic principles and pupils will undertake Islamic studies alongside national curriculum subjects.  The proprietor has considered how the curriculum will be personalised to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Through weekly staff meetings, leaders intend to train staff on adapting teaching to meet the needs of these pupils.  The proprietor has developed schemes of work for the subjects that will be taught. There are a range of appropriate resources in the school to support teaching.

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Main inspection findings

 The curriculum policy makes links with social, moral, spiritual and cultural (SMSC) development, fundamental British values and the personal development curriculum. This will support pupils to be prepared for the next stage of their education and life in modern Britain.  The proposed school will support pupils to make informed choices about potential careers through independent careers advice as well as visiting speakers. Careers guidance will begin in Year 9. Paragraphs 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  The proposed school has considered the statutory guidance when deciding what pupils will learn in the relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education curriculum. Leaders have thought about how they will consult parents and carers about the content of the curriculum and their right to withdraw pupils from non- statutory elements.  The proposed school has considered contextual risks and how it will teach pupils

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Main inspection findings

about these through the curriculum for personal, social and health education. Paragraphs 3 to 3(j)  The proprietor has implemented a rigorous recruitment process which will help to ensure that suitably qualified staff are recruited to the school. This will support the teaching of well-planned and effective lessons.  The proprietor has thought carefully about how to address any gaps in pupils’ knowledge. There are clear processes in place for checking what pupils know and remember. The proposed school will have sufficient staff to ensure that those pupils who need it receive bespoke support to catch up with their peers.  The proposed school has chosen a phonics programme that will be used to support any pupils who are still at the early stages of learning to read.  Staff will receive regular training through weekly staff meetings and training days. The quality of teaching will be checked at least termly to ensure that the curriculum is

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Main inspection findings

being implemented as intended.  The proprietor has developed an induction process for new staff. This includes training staff on the implementation of the behaviour policy. Leaders intend to monitor the consistency of the behaviour policy’s application on at least a termly basis. Paragraph 4  The proposed school has a clear approach to assessment. As well as formative assessment, staff will use termly summative assessments to check what pupils know and remember.  The proprietor is clear about how the proposed school will be held to account for pupils’ achievement. This includes the appointment of an external consultant to support the school.  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 to 5(d)(iii)  The proposed school has considered how to cater for pupils’ SMSC development. The enrichment offer broadens pupils’ horizons, introducing them to new people and experiences while complementing the taught curriculum subjects.  The proprietor has thought about how British values will be promoted. The curriculum promotes tolerance and understanding of other faiths, cultures and beliefs.  The proposed school’s curriculum for Islamic studies provides pupils with a broad understanding of responsible citizenship.  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 to 7(b)  The proprietor has the appropriate knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure that pupils are kept safe. The proposed curriculum will teach pupils how to lead safe, healthy lives. Leaders are aware of contextual safeguarding risks and have incorporated teaching about these into the curriculum.  Appropriate recruitment processes are in place to ensure that the right staff are recruited to the school. An induction process is in place for new staff, which includes completing safeguarding training.  Leaders recognise their moral and statutory responsibilities to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils. They have developed procedures to report, record and monitor any concerns about pupils’ welfare, including purchasing an online system for recording.  Several members of staff are trained designated safeguarding leads.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 9 to 9(c), 10  The school has a suitable, written behaviour policy. The policy takes account of pupils with SEND. The policy includes information about when suspensions and exclusions might be used. The school has also produced an anti-bullying policy. This is underpinned by Islamic values. Training on these policies will form part of the staff induction process.  The school intends to keep written records of all behaviour incidents. These records will be analysed to identify patterns and trends in behaviour. Appropriate support will then be put in place for those pupils who need it. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15  The school has produced a health and safety policy. This sets out how the school will comply with relevant health and safety laws.  The school complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The proprietor commissions an external company to carry out the fire risk assessment. Any

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Main inspection findings

recommendations from this are actioned swiftly.  Several staff are trained in first aid. The proprietor has implemented a system for the recording of accidents and injuries. There is a suitable first-aid policy in place. Leaders have identified staff who will be responsible for the maintenance of first-aid kits.  The proposed staffing structure will ensure that pupils are adequately supervised at all times.  Effective systems are in place for admissions and monitoring attendance. Statutory information will be held about each pupil. Attendance registers will be taken twice each day. The school will use the Department for Education’s (DfE) register codes. Paragraphs 16 to 16(b)  The school has a risk assessment policy. This takes account of relevant legislation and guidance. It clearly sets out the risk assessment process, including the use of a risk matrix.  There are several individual risk assessments that sit beneath the overarching policy.

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Main inspection findings

Example risk assessments demonstrate leaders’ ability to identify and manage risk.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(1) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(6)  The proprietor understands the checks that need to be made on potential staff, volunteers, those responsible for governance and contractors. The proprietor knows that these checks must be completed before staff are appointed.  The school has an electronic single central record. At present, this contains details of the proprietor body and the staff who have already been appointed. It shows that all appropriate checks have been made on them.  Some leaders have completed training on safer recruitment. Someone with this training partakes in the shortlisting of applicants and sits on the interview panel.

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Main inspection findings

 The proposed school is not intending to use any supply staff. However, the proprietor is aware of the checks that need to be made should this be necessary.  The single central record includes a section where overseas checks can be recorded.  The proposed school has a system for checking the compliance of the single central record periodically.  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) to 23(1)(c), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 28(1) to 28(1)(d), 28(2) to 28(2)(b)  The premises have suitable toilet and washing facilities that are adequate for the proposed number of pupils. There is an accessible toilet should this be needed. A large suite of changing facilities is available with several showers.  Leaders have created a medical room for short-term use by pupils. The room is easily accessible and close to toilets and washing facilities. The room has a medical bed and first-aid kits. Leaders intend that pupils will only access this room under staff supervision.  There is a water dispenser for drinking water, which is labelled appropriately. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27 to 27(b)  The premises are maintained to a high standard. The proposed school is situated in a large mosque. As such, the building serves a range of purposes. The proposed school

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Main inspection findings

will be on the second floor of the mosque. There is private rented accommodation on the third floor, but this has a separate entrance. The proprietor intends to implement security measures to ensure that no one can access the school’s premises while pupils are on site. This includes the appointment of a security guard.  Rooms are light and bright and have appropriate acoustics. They are generally well- equipped, for example with electronic boards. However, the number of classrooms is not sufficient to accommodate the proposed number of pupils. The furniture in one classroom is too small for the proposed age range of pupils.  The building has a large sports hall that will be used for physical education, but there is no space outside for these lessons.  The premises are surrounded by secure perimeter fencing. There is adequate external lighting to ensure that people can safely access the premises. Paragraphs 29(1) to 29(b)

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Main inspection findings

 The premises do not have sufficient outdoor space to allow for the teaching of physical education or for pupils to play outside at breaktimes. Currently, the only outdoor space is a large car park.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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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)(c), 32(2)(d), 32(3) to 32(3)(g)  The proposed school does not have a website. However, parents and carers will be provided with copies of the range of policies mandated in the standards on request. These include the proposed school’s safeguarding policy, behaviour policy, health and safety policy and admissions policy.  Parents will be provided with contact information for the proprietor should they request it.  The school has created a template for reporting to parents.  Leaders are aware of the requirement to publish inspection reports and examination results on the school’s website once they are available.  Leaders are aware of their obligation to demonstrate how they use the funding they receive for pupils with an education, health and care plan to the relevant local authority.

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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 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The school has produced a complaints policy which clearly sets out how complaints will be handled, including timescales for investigation. This includes the option of a panel hearing for parents.  Leaders are aware of the requirement to record and store complaints.  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 Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has experience in the leadership and management of independent schools. While leaders demonstrate largely secure understanding of the standards, they have failed to take full account of some of the standards linked to the proposed premises, such as the lack of outdoor space.  The proposed school will have a local governing body. It will hold responsibilities delegated to it by the proprietor. This will assist the proprietor in holding the school to account.  Leaders demonstrate that they will actively promote the well-being of pupils. This is evident through the work done around safeguarding, SMSC development, the curriculum for RSE and health and the careers guidance that will be offered.  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  The proposed school has a written accessibility policy. The accessibility policy reflects fully how the proposed school will fulfil its statutory responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010. It takes account of relevant legislation and guidance and sets out the steps that have been taken to ensure compliance with 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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Proposed school details

Email address jkhan@almahadalislami.co.uk

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 240 240

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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 240

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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 Unknown

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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 Unknown

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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 Unknown

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 6

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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 within Sheffield Grand Mosque, Grimesthorpe Road, Sheffield, S4 8DE.  The proposed school will be an independent school for girls with an Islamic ethos.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for pupils aged between 11 and 16 years.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the DfE to determine whether the school is likely to meet the standards should the DfE decide to register the proposed school.  This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspectors held discussions with the proprietor, who is also the chair of the governing body, and the headteacher. They also met with other members of the senior leadership team, including the designated safeguarding lead and the special educational needs coordinator.  An inspector made a tour of the school site to check the suitability and safety of the premises.  The inspectors scrutinised and evaluated a wide range of documents provided by the school. This included safeguarding documents, the school’s single central record, statutory policies and the proposed school’s curriculum.

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Inspection team

Philippa Kermotschuk, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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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)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum; and – 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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