The British Muslim School

Jalaliah Educational Institution Independent school inspection report

p.1

DCSF registration number 333/6005 Unique Reference Number (URN) 135792 Inspection number 344415 Inspection dates 11-12 February 2010 Reporting inspector Saleem Hussain

p.1

Published: 4 March 2010 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 Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

p.1

To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’. Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

p.2

T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk No. 090070 Independent school inspection report

p.2

Purpose and scope of the inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Section 162A 1 of the Education Act 2002, as amended by schedule 8 of the Education Act 2005 2 , the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families about the school’s suitability for continued registration as an independent school.

p.3

Information about the school

Jalaliah Educational Institution is a Muslim secondary school for boys aged 11 to 16. The school has been established by Al-Islah Community Trust on the basis of demand from the local Muslim community. The school operates an admission policy of selection by ability. It is located in a newly built mosque building in a residential area of Tipton near Birmingham. The school provides both an Islamic and an academic education. The school aims include: ‘to establish a quality independent secondary school for Muslim children. Here they will be able to develop their academic talents as well as faith in Allah within a caring, family atmosphere’. Currently, there are 12 pupils on roll who are in Year 7 of their education. The great majority of pupils have English as an additional language. There are no pupils with statements of special educational needs. This is the school’s first inspection.

p.3

Evaluation of the school

The overall quality of education is satisfactory. The school has firmly established itself in a relatively short period because of the strong commitment and dedication of the headteacher, staff and volunteers. The school enjoys a good reputation among parents because they like the balance between secular and Islamic education. Procedures for safeguarding pupils and to ensure their welfare, health and safety are good. The strong and caring ethos of the school has allowed it to establish an institution that successfully combines satisfactory academic education within the spiritual framework of Islam so that pupils make good gains in their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. As a result of satisfactory curricular provision and teaching, pupils make satisfactory progress in their learning. Outstanding behaviour and attitudes are reflective of excellent pupil management by staff.

p.3

Quality of education

The curriculum, including the secular, is satisfactory overall. This ensures that the range of needs and interests of pupils are met. The curriculum policy is supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work. The curriculum includes mathematics,

p.3

Quality of education

1 www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2002/ukpga_20020032_en_14#pt10-ch1-pb4-l1g162 2 www.opsi.gov.uk/ACTS/acts2005/ukpga_20050018_en_15#sch8 Independent school inspection report literacy, science, information communications technology (ICT), geography, history, citizenship and Islamic studies. Several languages are taught including Arabic, Urdu and Bengali. The school aims to provide GCSE courses in a wide range of subjects once older pupils are admitted. Provision for physical education (PE) is satisfactory and good use is made of local amenities including an all-weather sports area, park and swimming pool. Personal, social and health education (PSHE) is strong. It is taught through citizenship lessons and a planned programme of assemblies, as well as through science and Islamic studies. PSHE is effective in bringing about good personal development. However, although the school provides experiences in all the

p.3

Quality of education

required areas of learning, a small number of pupils would like even more opportunities to develop their creative and aesthetic skills.

p.4

Quality of education

The school has satisfactory arrangements for careers guidance and positive links are developing with Connexions. The school plans to have strong input into careers education from Connexions, in school once older pupils are admitted.

p.4

Quality of education

The school provides Islamic studies and Arabic as after-school activities. There is a broad programme for learning through educational visits. For example, pupils recently went to a science museum, and trips to an art gallery, theatre and different places of worship in the community are planned.

p.4

Quality of education

Islamic education is good. This meets the school’s aim of providing opportunities for pupils to acquire an in-depth understanding of the Deen (way of life). It comprises two distinct levels. The first gives pupils a solid foundation in Arabic and basic Islamic subjects over three years. Pupils then begin a two-year course leading to an A’lim (Islamic scholar) diploma in Islamic theology. Pupils can memorise the whole Qur’an through the Hifz- ul-Qur’an programme and a small number of pupils have already started this.

p.4

Quality of education

Teaching and assessment meet the full range of pupils’ needs satisfactorily. These factors ensure that pupils make satisfactory progress in their learning. Characteristic of teaching at this school is the good attention to developing reading, writing, speaking and listening. This has resulted in good progress in literacy for a significant number of pupils. Basic skills in mathematics and ICT are taught satisfactorily. The pace of lessons is satisfactory as is the use of classroom resources to support learning. A very high level of pupils’ self-discipline makes a significant contribution to learning. Individual lesson planning is satisfactory. However, more attention to ensuring that the most able pupils are fully challenged in their work is required.

p.4

Quality of education

Pupils are assessed shortly after admission through tests in English, mathematics and science. Pupils are then tested again in these subjects at the end of each term and records provide evidence that they are making satisfactory progress from their starting points. Pupils’ workbooks are regularly marked but opportunities for staff to communicate with pupils about progress and setting learning targets are occasionally missed. Independent school inspection report

p.4

Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the pupils

Provision for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is good overall. Parents are very pleased with every area of the school’s work. They especially appreciate the way the school meets its aims in helping their children to develop into responsible, confident young people. Pupils share these positive views. Moral development is excellent. Pupils enjoy their learning very much. Their strong work ethic and very good attitudes are instilled very effectively through the school’s clear and consistent expectations. All adults provide excellent role models for pupils to base their own attitudes and social development. As a result of these factors, behaviour is outstanding. Attendance is good. Cultural development is good. Pupils show positive attitudes towards cultures and religious beliefs different to their own and commitment towards community harmony is strong. Visitors from the community, such as health workers inform pupils about public institutions and

p.5

Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the pupils

services. The citizenship programme includes much opportunity to learn about social, welfare and political institutions. Pupils contribute well to the school community through monitor tasks and helping each other to learn prayers and Hadeeth (the sayings of the holy prophet).

p.5

Welfare, health and safety of the pupils

Parents and pupils confirm that they value highly the strong family and caring ethos of the school. Pupils feel very safe in school. Discussions and records concerning behaviour and sanctions provide evidence that bullying is not a significant issue. Pupils say that they feel very well supported by all adults if they have any worries or concerns. Pupils know what they should do in order to lead a healthy life style and PE lessons give pupils good opportunities for exercise and sport. The school runs smoothly on a day-to-day basis and it has all the required policies and procedures in place. Thorough risk assessment procedures highlight potential hazards in relation to the premises and activities and the school acts quickly to remedy any problems. Child protection and fire safety procedures are in place and staff training arrangements are good. The school has a three year plan that fulfils its obligations under the Disability

p.5

Suitability of the proprietor and staff

The school’s recruitment procedures are rigorous. Careful attention is given to ensuring that all the required safeguarding checks are carried out on everyone. The school meets all regulations regarding staff checks and maintenance of the single central register.

p.5

School’s premises and accommodation

Parents value very highly the fact that the school is based in a mosque. The school has its own entrance area and occupies the first floor of the mosque. The school’s premises provide good accommodation and a safe and suitable environment for Independent school inspection report effective learning. There are five spacious classrooms including an ICT suite. The school has suitable facilities for pupils who may be ill. The school has a small outdoor play area and supplements this with frequent use of a local park which is located a few minutes walking distance from the premises. Office, washing and toilet facilities are satisfactory.

p.5

Provision of information for parents, carers and others

The school has produced an attractive prospectus which is supplemented with all the information required by the regulations. The information provided is clear, accurate and up to date.

p.6

Procedures for handling complaints

The school has a fair and comprehensive process for handling complaints. Parents have access to a formal hearing with the governors if required. No complaints have proceeded to this formal stage since the school opened in September 2009.

p.6

Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school meets all of the Education (Independent School Standards) (England) Regulations 2003 as amended (‘the Regulations’).

p.6

What the school could do to improve further

While not required by regulations, the school might wish to consider the following points for development:

p.6

What the school could do to improve further

 improve the progress of higher attaining pupils by providing more challenging, planned opportunities in lessons  provide better feedback to pupils on their work by improving the quality of marking  increase the range of creative and aesthetic learning experiences on offer. Independent school inspection report Inspection judgement recording form outstanding good satisfactory inadequate

p.6

What the school could do to improve further

Overall quality of education  How well the curriculum and other activities meet the range of needs and interests of pupils 

p.7

What the school could do to improve further

How effective teaching and assessment are in meeting the full range of pupils’ needs 

p.7

What the school could do to improve further

How well pupils make progress in their learning 

p.7

What the school could do to improve further

Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development

p.7

What the school could do to improve further

Quality of provision for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development 

p.7

What the school could do to improve further

The overall welfare, health and safety of pupils  Independent school inspection report

p.7

School details

Name of school Jalaliah Educational Institution DCSF number 333/6005 Unique reference number (URN) 135792 Type of school Muslim Secondary School Status Independent Date school opened September 2009 Age range of pupils 11-16 Gender of pupils Boys Number on roll (full-time pupils) Boys: 12 Number of pupils with a statement of special educational need Boys: 0

p.8

School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £2,100 Address of school Wellington Road Tipton West Midlands DY4 8RS Telephone number 0121 5572984 Fax number 0121 5572984 Email address info@jalaliaheducation.org.uk Headteacher Mr Moulana MD Rofique Miah Proprietor Al-Islah Community Trust Reporting inspector Mr Saleem Hussain Dates of inspection 11-12 February 2010

p.8