Islamia Primary School keeps good grade following unannounced Ofsted inspection

An Islamic school in Queen’s Park has kept its ‘good’ grade from Ofsted following an unannounced inspection amid concerns over its safeguarding arrangements.

According to the four-page dossier compiled by the education watchdog, students at Islamia Primary school (IPS) in Salusbury Road, are educated in a safe environment, generally engage in their learning and work appropriately in lessons, and are prepared for life in modern Britain within an Islamic community,.

IPS was one of only 40 schools across England subjected to no-notice inspections in September in the wake of an alleged plot by hard-line Islamists to take over some schools in Birmingham dubbed Trojan Horse.

The inspections were called by Sir Michael Wilshaw, Ofsted’s chief inspector,

The two inspectors who visited IPS also praised an initiative where pupils joined up with a nearby Jewish primary school to take part in an exchange programme to promote a greater understanding of the respective faiths.

However, the school was told it needed to improve pupil’s attendance and ensure that safeguarding information is available on the school’s website.

Zahida Shaheem, IPS headteacher, said: “The Ofsted grading of the school as ‘good’ in all areas last year has been further confirmed by a ‘no notice’ inspection held two weeks ago.

“The school continues to flourish and focus on preparing pupils positively for life in modern Britain through its broad and balanced curriculum.”

Last month JFS in The Mall, Kenton, was downgraded from ‘outstanding’ to ‘requires improvement’ by Ofsted following an unannounced visit by inspectors.

According to the Ofsted report the inspection of the Jewish secondary school was arranged in response to a letter which claimed ‘students were being indoctrinated by the extreme orthodox views of some teachers.’

The claims were found to be untrue.

Related link: Ofsted downgrade Jewish school in Kenton following indoctrination claims