WHOLE SCHOOL FAQ
Q1) What are the school’s future plans?
Read Academy was established in 2013 and since then, we have come a long way and there is no intention to stop at where we are. Rather, we are dedicated and committed to grow and develop more and more. Some of our future plans of the school include achieving the Eco School Status, becoming a Forest School and with the entire school community, to begin a project of setting up a school/orphanage somewhere in the world in order to benefit our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters in need and to teach our pupils the true meaning of sadaqah jaariyah.
Q2) Does the school have qualified teachers?
Yes, the school does have qualified teachers and teachers with years of experience which are specific to their subject field.
Q3) How can I get in touch with my child’s class teacher?
You can email the teacher directly to discuss any matter related to your child and/or book a face to face or phone call meeting with the relevant teacher. Our teachers are readily available and can be contacted at any time (during term time). Staff will endeavour to get in touch with you as soon as they possibly can.
Q4) Does the school offer any extra-curricular activities?
Yes, we offer a range of extra-curricular activities such as; swimming, horse-riding, arts & crafts, karate, drama, Qur’aan, modern foreign languages and a range of seasonal extracurricular activities. If you’d like more information you may want to visit our school calendar or arrange an appointment for a school tour.
Q5) What is the student — teacher ratio in the classroom?
Our school offers small sized classed which aids in personalised learning. The student — teacher ratio in the classroom (primary & secondary phase) is 22:1. We pride ourselves in having no more than 22 per class.
Q6) How can parents stay informed about the on-goings at school?
The school has its very own school app named ‘Read Academy’ which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and/or Android Google Play. We also provide information via email, text message and social media to stay connected to parents/carers and the community.
Q7) How often is it scheduled for parents to meet the teachers to get an update on the progress their child?
Read Academy believes in strong family-school partnerships and we encourage open dialogue and ongoing communication about progress, development and overall school experience. We provide ongoing personalised reports and formal parent-teacher consultation and in the middle and at the end of each academic year, within which we provide a snapshot of current progress and the next steps and targets. We are available to discuss any specific concerns throughout the school year and hold regular Parent Connect sessions to support parents through their child’s academic learning journey.
Q8) What are the safety measure undertaken by the school?
Rest assured; your child is in safe hands! We believe that everyone must take all reasonable measures to ensure that school premises are safe for all. The school undertakes a number of safety measures to keep your child safe whilst under our care. This includes; daily risk assessments, fire safety, school Internet security, installation of CCTV, vetting checks on all staff members/school visitors and all other health and safety legislations.
Q9) Does the school have first aid qualified staff?
The majority of our staff body are qualified paediatric first aiders. A list of their names are displayed around the school site.
Q10) What provisions do you make for special needs children?
Our aim is to fully integrate all children with Special Educational Needs into school if we can adequately meet their needs. The school’s (SENCO) Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator works with staff and Parents/ Carers to ensure that the child’s individual needs are met by devising a educational and health care plan (EHC) and working with external specialists where necessary.
Q11) Do you have a canteen facility or do children have to bring lunch from home?
Yes, the canteen is one of our pupils’ favorite places to be! We have an operational canteen hall and well -built kitchen at the school where hot school lunches are freshly made on the day by our experienced kitchen staff. Pupils have the option of being either packed lunch or school lunches and whatever the choice is, the canteen welcomes both!
Q12) Does the school offer free lunches?
No, our hot school lunches are offered at a reasonable price of £2.95 per meal. The meal includes a main meal, a side and dessert. The school lunch payments can be made either weekly or half termly and pupils are free to choose the days they prefer to have school lunches.
Q13) What are the annual school fees?
Our school annual fees for EYFS Madinah and Primary are £3,999 (per year) and for the Secondary phase the price is £4,200 (per year). There is a registration fee of £25 and a holding deposit is a one off £500 (refundable upon child leaving the school following the school’s withdrawal procedure).
Q14) Is there any discount offered?
Parents that wish to pay the whole year fee in advance, will be eligible for a discount of £100 and the school also offers a sibling discount where £500 is waived off for the third child onwards.
Q15) Why choose Read Academy?
Parents that wish to pay the whole year fee in advance, will be eligible for a discount of £100 and the school also offers a sibling discount where £500 is waived off for the third child onwards.
- The community is so tight-knit here—we’re more like a family than just a school.
- We are the FIRST All-through Muslim school in Redbridge.
- We educate the entire person – not just the mind, but the heart and soul as well.
- Islam is taught as a way of life and not just a subject.
- Our unique and well-thought behaviour system promotes positivity and growth mindset throughout the entire process.
- We have 5 core strands embedded into the school’s daily routine throughout all phases.
- Our class sizes are small.
- We have modern and well-kept facilities including science labs, ICT suite, Art studio, a functional library, canteen, designated prayer hall, career’s office, nature garden and more.
- We are a centre approved school and are currently registered with 3 well known awarding bodies. AQA, Pearsons Edexcel and we are also a member of Cambridge International Schools.
- We offer a range of GCSE options.
- We operate a House system in our Secondary school.
- We have a range of school ambassadors and believe that there is a leader in all pupils.
- We offer horse riding and swimming as part of our extra-curricular provision. This is not an exhaustive list!
Q16) Does the school provide CPD training for their staff?
Continuing Professional Development (or CPD) is essential. The staff body undergo various CPD which can be either evidence based, practical, affordable and most definitely enjoyable. We ensure that any course the staff take will be effective and add value to themselves and the school body at large.
Q17) Where can I buy my child’s school uniform?
You can purchase the school uniform from Lucilla on Cranbrook Road (Ilford) and/or some clothing items can be found in general stores. We provide all parent/carers with a school uniform guide which highlights our school uniform expectations.
Q18) Can I park at the school?
We do a have a small car parking facility on site for staff members and school visitors only. The school is situated on residential roads and we ask parents to park legally and with due consideration for our neighbours.
Q19) What is your current OFSTED rating?
We are awarded with a GOOD status in all areas at our OFSTED inspection held in April- May 2019. You can read our latest report on our school website.
Q20) What curriculum does the school follow?
Read Academy follows the national curriculum and we provide Islamic Education (Qur’aan, Arabic and Islamic Studies) in addition to this. All pupils receive a full curriculum entitlement that meets statutory requirements. Our whole school curriculum has been developed to nurture our pupils throughout all the key stages preparing them not only for their final GCSEs but also life itself where they develop an understanding of their religion and instil a love of learning, strong morals and character and, a genuine respect for others, prepared in every way intellectually, morally, socially and spiritually — for the world that awaits them.
EYFS FAQ
Q1) Can we receive funding?
Yes, a child is entitled to either 15 hours for part time and 30 hours of free funding for full time. This is subject to eligibility. Additional information on EYFS funding can be found in our EYES funding FAQ guide.
Q2) Will my child have a key worker?
Yes, that member of staff is a familiar figure who is accessible and available as a point of contact. Your child’s main point of contact for all queries will always be the staff member who leads the class, spends the most time with your child and the one who builds relationships with the child and parent/carers. Your child’s key person will be responsible for monitoring your child’s development and progress through observations, photographs and keeping examples of their creativity and successes via Tapestry.
Q3) What is Tapestry?
Every child in Early Years has a Tapestry profile (this is an electronic diary/book where observations and assessments are recorded). These profiles aim to serve as a joint record of your child’s progress and learning in school and at home.
Q4) What are the EYFS hours?
AM session: 8:OOAM-11:OOAM and PM session: 12:00PM — 3:00PM. Parents may choose either morning or afternoon sessions. Additional hours are charged at the price of £5 per hour.
Q5) Does my child need to be toilet trained?
At Read Academy, before the admission of your child, we expect your child to be completely toilet-trained. Be sure to discuss your child’s toilet-training with everyone who cares for your child.
Q6) Does the setting offer milk?
Yes, the school provides milk and fruit every day as part of the child’s snack. Parent/careers can provide additional snack to their child if they wish to.
Q7) Is there a uniform for EYFS?
Yes, all information can be found in our EYFS uniform guide.
PRIMARY FAQ
Q1) Where can we find SATs result data?
This information can be found on the school website and can be provided upon request.
Q2) Can my child come to school alone?
No, children must be accompanied by an adult. If you wish an older child to walk to school alone, we must receive a permission letter from the parent with parental responsibility.
Q3) Can my child cycle to school?
Yes, your child can cycle if they are accompanied by an adult. If you wish your child to cycle on their own, we would need a permission letter from the parent with parental responsibility. A designated area for the bike is provided on site.
Q4) Where will my child go when they finish Year 6 at Read Academy?
Pupils by the end of year 6 are still a part of our school, community and family. We work very hard to nurture them. We believe that this is an important time for young adults to remain in an Islamic environment and what better one, than the one which they already know well. Our current pupils are our primary concern, so we invite parents/carers to reserve a position in our secondary school as priority over pupils from other schools.
SECONDARY FAQ
Q1) Why is Read Academy a co-educational school?
Read Academy is a co-educational school where both girls and boys access education within the same school setting. We believe that allowing pupils to be in a co-ed system prepares them for real life in further education, another institution or the world of work. This will help them in their work-life as well as beyond the school gates.
We segregate our pupils during Physical Education (PE), RSE (relationships and sex education) and during certain times where sensitive issues need to be discussed.
We believe that being a co-ed school does not compromise our beliefs and religion in any way, shape or form. Our pupils are still taught in a safe, God conscious and Islamic environment.
We ensure to teach our pupils the importance and value of the opposite gender through the teachings of Islam where trust, honour and deep respect is at the forefront.
We encourage a family-oriented atmosphere at our school where our students are taught to be brothers and sisters of faith.
Q2) Is there a careers programme in place?
Yes, our Career’s programme aims to help pupils find out about the world of work, develop key employability skills and ensure that they take responsibility for planning their own career pathway once they leave Read Academy. This takes place at the school within lessons, assemblies and tutor time, as well as through school trips, work experience and visiting speakers.
Q3) What are the different subjects that are offered for GCSE?
The compulsory GCSEs at the school are English Language, English Literature, Maths, Science (3), Islamiyat and Arabic. At the time of writing, our optional GCSE choices are subjects such as Business, History, Citizenship, Geography, Sociology and Psychology. The school holds an annual ‘GCSE Options Day’ for pupils in year 8 and 9 in order to discuss the different and possible avenues.
Q4) Are there any leadership roles given to the pupils?
Yes, pupils have the opportunity to apply for leadership roles such as, school councilor, prefect, Eco Warrior, Fair trade ambassador. Our pupils in Year 11 are honored with the position of ‘Head boy’ and ‘Head girl’.
Q5) What awarding bodies for GCSE is the school working with?
Read Academy is an approved centre where pupils can take their GCSE. The school is currently registered with AQA, EDEXCEL and Cambridge International School.
ISLAMIC EDUCATION FAQ
Q1) What fundamental belief does the school follow?
Read Academy follows the Qur’aan and authentic Sunnah according to the understanding of the first three generations of Muslim scholars (the salaf). It recognises and holds in high regard the contributions of the great Imams to the development of Fiqh and benefits from all of them.
Read Academy strives to follow the madh’hab of Imam Abu Hanifah as distinct from the Hanafi madh’hab, the madh’hab of Imam Maalik as distinct from the Maaliki madh’hab, the madh’hab of Imam Ash-Shaafa’ee as distinct from the Shaafa’ee madh’hab and the madh’hab of Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal as distinct from the Hanbali madh’hab. The madh’hab of these great imams, as is known to all, was that of Rasoolullah (peace and blessings be upon him).
Q2) What Islamic curriculum does the school follow?
The school follows their own Islamic education curriculum which was planned and created by the department themselves.
Q3) How much is covered in Arabic and Islamic Studies?
At Read Academy, EYFS and KS1 are taught basic Arabic keywords/sentences within 2/3 units per term through age-appropriate games and challenges. Some of the units that are covered include: Introduction to the Arab world, Arabic Greetings, numbers, colours etc.
At KS2 level, they begin to learn Qur’aanic keywords of particular surahs according to the level and ability of the pupils through games and challenges which are set out in the curriculum. KS2 also develop an understanding of the background of the surah in an age-appropriate way through storytelling and discussions. (Cross-curricular)
Islamic Studies lessons are based on 4 main topic themes (Aqeedah, Fiqh, Seerah and Manners/Etiquettes. Each year group may cover same topics however, the topic will be delivered with different learning objectives/success criteria in accordance to their age range/ability. Additionally, each week, Tarbiyah (character development) lessons are delivered which enables pupils to ponder on the lives of the pious predecessors of Islam and identify ways of implementing good characteristics/habits into their daily lives. We also encourage our pupils to memorise basic daily prayers as we believe this helps them grow in their spiritual development.
In our Secondary phase, we begin to prepare our pupils from Year 7 to be able to sit their GCSE Arabic and IGCSE — Islamiyat by the time they reach the stage of GCSE.
Q4) How many Islamic Education lessons are there in the week?
At Read Academy, our pupils benefit from the recitation of the Qur’aan every day as we believe this to be an essential part of the school’s daily routine as well as their daily routine in general life. They also benefit from 3 lessons a week dedicated to Islamic Studies and 2 lessons dedicated to Arabic.
