Avicenna School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Avicenna School Fraser Noble Building, London Road, Leicester LE2 1EF

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(e)(iii) and 2(2)(h) to 2(2)(i)  The proposed school has a curriculum policy in place, supported by appropriate schemes of work that aims to provide pupils with experiences in a range of subjects. The school intends to provide age-appropriate linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education.  The school intends for pupils to have opportunities to learn and make progress in all areas of learning. Leaders have a clear understanding of curriculum sequencing and the pedagogical approach to teaching subjects.  The school’s curriculum, in all subjects across the secondary phase, is supported by detailed schemes of work. These take into account pupils’ starting points, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, aptitudes and ages.  Pupils’ knowledge will be checked on entry to the school. These baseline assessments

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Main inspection findings

will be used to inform pupils’ different starting points in the curriculum.  The curriculum ensures that pupils will be taught speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills. Those that need additional support for reading will be taught through an age-appropriate phonics scheme. Beyond this scheme, pupils will have access to a range of books to develop their love of reading.  The school has prepared a well-organised curriculum for pupils’ personal, social and health education (PSHE). It reflects the school’s ethos and aims. It is well planned and sequenced and aims to encourage mutual respect and to promote pupils’ understanding of the protected characteristics. The school intends for pupils to be prepared well for their life in modern Britain.  Pupils will receive accurate and impartial careers advice and guidance from an external provider. This guidance, along with planned experiences such as visiting local

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Main inspection findings

careers fairs, will help pupils to make an informed choice about their future employment and enable them to reach their full potential. Paragraph 2A(1) 2A(1)(b) to 2A(2)  The school has prepared a policy regarding its provision for pupils’ relationships and sex education. The policy reflects the requirements set out by the Department for Education (DfE).  The school’s scheme of work for relationships and sex education makes clear the age- appropriate content that pupils will study.  The school intends to consult parents and carers before revising the relationships education policy. It has ensured that the necessary information about relationships education is made available to parents via the school’s website. Paragraphs 3 to 4  The school’s curriculum policy and associated documents set out its approach to teaching. Subject schemes of work also set out the types of learning activities that will be used to help pupils understand new content and develop skills. These are

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Main inspection findings

organised to build pupil’s knowledge and skills in a logical manner.  School leaders have given careful consideration to how they will ensure that the teaching staff have the correct subject expertise they need. Leaders have clarity on whole school pedagogical approaches to use, such as revisiting prior learning, modelling and questioning.  The school has planned a programme of quality assurance activities to check on how well the curriculum is taught. It aims to ensure that teachers plan appropriate sequences of lessons and adopt effective teaching methods. The school intends that teaching will actively promote pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values.  Pupils will be assessed through a variety of methods. They will be assessed when they join the school to identify their starting points and any gaps that they may have in their knowledge. The school has an appropriate framework in place to assess pupils’

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Main inspection findings

learning and progress and report this to parents.  The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet all the independent school standards (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)

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Main inspection findings

 The spiritual, moral, social and cultural curriculum and wider provision show a considered, inclusive, approach to preparing pupils for life in modern Britain. It extends beyond academic instruction to embed values, character development and real-world experiences. The curriculum has due regard to the protected characteristics as set out in the 2010 Equality Act.  The curriculum includes off-site visits to local museums, community engagement through charitable activity and exposure to the local diverse cultural richness of Leicester. There is a clear commitment to promoting British values, with daily PSHE lessons, structured debate and contextual safeguarding built into the school day.  A programme of assemblies, along with lunchtime interactions with staff, will provide pupils with opportunities to consider and discuss various issues and current affairs. These should help to ensure that pupils are prepared well for life in modern Britain.

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Main inspection findings

 The school will provide opportunities for pupils to develop an understanding about the rights and responsibilities of being a British citizen. Links to the local police force will help pupils to appreciate the difference between criminal and civil law.  Leaders will make frequent checks on the quality of the PSHE curriculum to assure themselves that staff do not promote partisan political views. The schools’ ‘non- partisan policy’ sets out the checks that the school will carry out on the information that visitors share with pupils.  The proprietor has ensured that 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 Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 7 to 7(b) and 32(1)(c)  The proposed school has appropriate arrangements in place to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils. There is a comprehensive safeguarding policy that takes account of the relevant statutory guidance. The policy makes clear the actions that staff will be expected to take if they have a safeguarding concern. The policy is accessible on the school’s website. The school will record any concerns on an electronic system.  The school has identified and trained several safeguarding leaders. These leaders demonstrate secure knowledge and skills suitable to their roles and an accurate awareness of the school’s contextual issues. The school has designated a governor to oversee this aspect of its work.  The school has prepared a comprehensive programme of safeguarding induction and training to ensure that staff have the necessary knowledge. Content will be revisited

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Main inspection findings

over time to ensure that it is understood and applied consistently.  There are suitable arrangements in place to monitor and filter pupils’ access to online materials. Leaders will be promptly alerted to any attempts to access inappropriate online content. Paragraphs 9 to 10  The school has a written behaviour policy in place and systems to record and analyse behaviour, including sanctions given for misbehaviour. There is an appropriate anti- bullying strategy in place. Logs of misbehaviour and bullying will be kept and incidents analysed to look for trends and patterns over time. This is planned to happen at the fortnightly behaviour and safeguarding meeting.  Pupils will be taught what to do if they experience bullying, including online. The school’s anti-bullying policy sets out how instances of bullying will be managed.  The behaviour policy includes the approach that will be taken for suspensions and

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Main inspection findings

exclusions. The school is determined that these sanctions will only be used as a last resort. Paragraph 11  The school has a suitable health and safety policy in place. The headteacher and facilities manager will ensure the effective implementation of these policies, including by undertaking weekly checks. There is evidence of all the checks that are currently carried out on the building. These are thorough and accurate. The proprietor will also provide oversight through regular visits and checks on documentation. Paragraph 12  A fire risk assessment has been completed by an external company. The facilities manager ensures there are daily, weekly and monthly fire safety checks. All fire safety equipment is checked annually by an external company and detection systems and alarms have service and maintenance contracts in place. The school complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Paragraphs 13 to 15

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Main inspection findings

 There is an appropriate first-aid policy in place. Staff have received first-aid training. There are lots of first-aid boxes around the premises that are regularly checked and restocked.  The school will ensure that there are appropriate levels of supervision. It intends to employ a suitable number of staff to ensure that pupils are supervised effectively.  The proprietor has ensured that there is an appropriate and up-to-date admissions and attendance policy in place. The school will record attendance on an electronic system. It will use this to identify any trends or patterns of absence. It will show the codes that staff will use to record the reasons for pupils’ absence. The proposed arrangements for the school’s admissions register meets national requirements. Paragraphs 16 to 16(b)  There is a suitable risk assessment policy in place. It provides clear guidance to help staff know how the levels of risk are calculated. The school has a broad suite of risk

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Main inspection findings

assessments for the premises and pupil activities, including those that take place off site. Risk assessments calculate the nature of risks and set out how these will be mitigated for.  The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3) 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), 21(6)  The proprietor knows and understands their safer recruitment responsibilities. The school will ensure that all relevant checks are undertaken before adults are permitted to work with pupils. These checks will be recorded in the single central record. The single central record contains all required information for appointed staff so far.  The school has ensured that those in management positions have had required checks.  The school does not intend to use supply staff, but leaders are aware of the checks

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Main inspection findings

that they would need to carry out should this be the case.  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)(c), 28(1), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(d)  There are suitable, separate toilet and washing facilities that are provided for the sole use of pupils. An accessible toilet is also available. The toilets have an adequate supply of hot and cold water. The hot water does not pose a scalding risk.  There are suitable changing and showering facilities on the school site. Paragraphs 24(1) to 24(1)(b)  There is suitable accommodation for the short-term care of sick or injured pupils. It includes a washing facility and is close to a toilet. Paragraphs 25 to 27(b)  The old university building has been adapted to ensure that the accommodation is suitable for the proposed school. It has been refurbished and maintained to a good standard and is presently suitable to cater for 112 pupils

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Main inspection findings

 Classrooms have suitable acoustics and are well ventilated.  The interior lighting is appropriate. Many rooms also benefit from natural light. External lights provide suitable lighting at entrances and exits. Paragraphs 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(c), 28(2) to 28(2)(b)  Drinking water is available from a water fountain. It is clearly labelled. All other taps are clearly signed as not drinking water. Paragraphs 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  There is a reasonable area to the side of the school, where pupils can spend time playing outdoors. There is a park directly opposite the school that pupils can access at breaktimes. Physical education is planned to be delivered at another park just down the road and in the school’s large hall.  The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1) to 32(4)(c)  The school’s website contains the key information and policies required and details about how the school will manage complaints. Parents will be able to request paper copies of policies and documents if needed. The school understands the requirement to publish any future inspection reports.  The school has a suitable format for reporting to parents about pupils’ attainment and progress while at school.  The school intends to provide information to local authorities, regarding pupils who are looked after and pupils with an education, health and care (EHC) plan. The school will work with local authorities to facilitate this.  The proprietor has ensured that 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 complaints policy outlines what parents should do if they have a concern about any aspect of the school’s work. It outlines the process for both informal and formal complaints. Each stage that leaders follow for dealing with complaints is clearly explained and the timeframe for each step is provided.  Parents who are not satisfied with the way leaders have handled their complaint can request a panel hearing that will be independently chaired.  Leaders will retain a written record of all complaints and the actions they take in response.  The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet all the requirements of the standard in this part.

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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 a secure understanding of the standards. The proprietor has appointed leaders with extensive experience of working in independent schools. Leaders that are currently in post have designed a suitable learning environment and a curriculum to meet the pupils’ needs. They have already demonstrated good knowledge and skills that will enable them to fulfil their roles.  The proprietor has established robust quality assurance procedures to ensure that the school will meet the standards and to ensure that it will continue to meet them over time. Senior leaders demonstrate the understanding necessary to ensure that the standards will be met securely and consistently over time.  The school building is compliant with all the standards and provides high-quality accommodation for pupils. The proprietor will ensure that the school is well

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Main inspection findings

maintained and that the health and safety of pupils is assured.  The policies, planned curriculum, safeguarding arrangements and the quality of the school site provide confidence that the proprietor will actively promote pupils’ well- being.  The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet the standard in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proposed accessibility plan identifies how leaders will ensure that the site, the curriculum and any documentation are accessible for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet the regulation in this part.

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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 headteacher@avicenna.school

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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 300 112

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recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  The school’s proposed number of pupils on application was for up to 300 pupils. This was based on the proprietor planning to operate the school from two buildings on the site. Since the application was made, the school has changed its plans and now proposes to operate from just two floors of one building. As a result, the school’s proposal has been revised to accommodate 112 pupils, which now aligns with the inspector’s recommendation.

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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 112

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School’s current position School’s proposal

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 5 12

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Information about this proposed school

 This proposed school intends to provide full-time education for up to 112 pupils from 11 to 16 years old. The school will have an Islamic ethos. Pupils will study an Islamic curriculum alongside the proposed curriculum that aligns with the national curriculum.  The school is located on the first two floors of the Fraser Noble Building, 2 University Road, Leicester LE1 7RA.  The school is not proposing to be a special school, however, some pupils who attend the school may have SEND or be in the care of the local authority.  The school does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The 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 was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  Inspectors met with the chair of the proprietor body, the headteacher, the senior teacher responsible for the curriculum, the school’s designated safeguarding leaders and two members of the governing body.  They held discussions with the curriculum leader and the member of staff responsible for the school’s single central record.  The lead inspector conducted a tour of the proposed site to check the suitability of the premises.  Inspectors scrutinised a wide range of documentation, including policies, curriculum plans and assessment information. They considered a wide range of documentation relating to health and safety, including a sample of the school’s risk assessments.  Inspectors checked the arrangements for safeguarding and staff recruitment,

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Inspection team

Dave Gilkerson, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Inspection team

Mark Anderson 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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