Wiznitz Cheder School

School progress monitoring inspection report

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Wiznitz Cheder School 126b Stamford Hill, Hackney, London N16 6QT

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(d), 2(d)(i), 2(d)(ii), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The previous standard inspection, in June 2018, found that the curriculum was not broad and balanced. The school’s written policy was not supported by curriculum plans. It did not prepare pupils effectively for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in British society. Careers guidance was not effective. Leaders did not have a coherent plan for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education that enabled pupils to become confident citizens and play a full part in British society.  This inspection found that leaders have made some progress in meeting these standards. They have drawn up a written policy on the curriculum, which is supported by a range of plans. Some of these are appropriate and take account of pupils’ ages,

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Main inspection findings

aptitudes and needs. Separate plans for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are sufficiently detailed. Plans do not undermine the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.  However, the impact of this work is limited, and some curriculum plans require further development. For example, the programme for reading, literacy and English does not take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils. As a result, pupils’ English literacy skills are poor. The art scheme is worthy and includes study of famous artists. However, there is no evidence that pupils are provided with an appropriate programme.  The policy for PSHE education reflects the school’s aim and ethos. It mentions the need to pay regard to the protected characteristics. However, the plans for teaching PSHE

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Main inspection findings

education lack detail. As a result, it is not clear how leaders intend to implement the policy’s well-intentioned aims. In practice, the PSHE education programme does not pay due regard to all the protected characteristics.  Leaders point out that Department for Education (DfE) guidance suggests that it is for leaders to decide when it is age-appropriate to raise the protected characteristics with pupils. However, secondary schools are expected to make pupils aware of these issues. Despite this, leaders are clear that making pupils aware of sexual orientation and gender reassignment in Year 7 goes against the school’s Orthodox Jewish ethos. Without some simple changes, the school will continue to fail to meet these requirements.  Leaders have not ensured that the independent school standards checked (listed above) are met. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 4  The previous standard inspection judged that teaching, learning and assessment were

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Main inspection findings

inadequate. There was no coherent assessment system, and leaders did not have a clear picture of strengths and areas for improvement across the school. There were inconsistencies in the quality of teaching, and teachers’ subject knowledge varied. Planned learning did not build on pupils’ knowledge to enable them to make better progress.  This inspection finds that there is now a written policy for the secular curriculum, some curriculum plans and the beginnings of an assessment system. However, these are not implemented effectively in classrooms. An over-reliance on commercial worksheets and a poor subject knowledge means that pupils are not able to tackle more advanced work.  Lessons in religious studies proceed smoothly, and pupils’ attitudes to learning continue to be positive. They are self-motivated and apply themselves well to the work.  Leaders have not ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(b), 5(b)(iii), 5(b)(iv), 5(b)(v), 5(b)(vi), 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii), 5(d)(iii)  The previous standard inspection found that pupils’ personal development and welfare required improvement. Pupils had limited opportunities to practise this, as they had a restricted knowledge and appreciation of other cultures and lifestyles.  The school now has a policy for PSHE education and a careers programme. These are important improvements. However, the curriculum plan is not detailed enough to ensure that, in practice, provision for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development meets the requirements in full.  The school’s positive ethos encourages pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviour. The Kodesh (religious) curriculum enables pupils to understand how they can contribute to the community in which they live. Leaders promote the teaching of moral values, such

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Main inspection findings

as being honest and showing respect towards others. Policies make clear reference to the protected characteristics. However, this intent is not translated into practice.  Leaders have ensured that some of the independent school standards checked in this part are met. However, others are not. As a result, leaders have not ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(b)  The previous progress monitoring inspection, in January 2019, found that the standards in paragraph 7 were met. This continues to be the case. There is a suitable safeguarding policy that reflects the latest guidance.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards checked (listed above) are met. Paragraphs 11, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  At the previous standard inspection, there was an appropriate health and safety policy and a separate risk assessment policy. However, poor checking meant that these policies were not routinely implemented effectively. This continues to be the case. However, as before, leaders were quick to address some concerns identified by the inspector.  Leaders have not ensured that the independent school standards in these paragraphs are met. Paragraph 15  At the previous inspection, leaders had not checked that admissions and attendance

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Main inspection findings

registers were maintained in line with statutory guidance. Leaders have tackled this issue effectively, and the admissions and attendance registers now meet requirements.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18, 18(2), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(iii), 18(2)(e), 18(3), 21(1), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b)  At the previous standard inspection, some of the checks relating to the suitability of staff to work with pupils had not been undertaken correctly or in a timely manner.  This inspection finds that the school’s procedures for vetting the suitability of staff are appropriate. All the required checks have been carried out and recorded clearly.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in these paragraphs are met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(c), 28(1), 28(1)(d)  The previous standard inspection found that the school lacked suitable changing accommodation and showers for pupils aged 11 years and over. It also found that the temperature of the water was too hot.  This inspection finds that both these concerns have been rectified. As a result, the independent standards in these paragraphs are met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(3), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(e)  At the previous standard inspection, the school’s information for parents did not provide enough detail to parents about how to contact staff and governors, or about academic performance.  This inspection finds that the school’s contact details are now included in its communications with parents. Notices in the reception area of the school and outside the headteacher’s office give details about how to obtain the school’s policies and academic performance.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in these paragraphs are met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b)  Leaders have made progress in meeting the independent school standards. Those standards relating to Parts 4, 5 and 6 which were checked during this inspection are met. Some of the standards in Parts 1, 2 and 3 are also met. However, some are not. This is because the school’s policies are not implemented effectively.  Leaders have worked to ensure that the premises are maintained to a suitable standard. In practice, the building makes it challenging to ensure that pupils receive a high-quality education. Leaders recognise that the current building is inadequate. Architectural drawings, seen by the inspector, show that leaders have well-developed plans to build a new school, a short distance from the current site.  Leaders have not ensured that the independent school standards in this part are met consistently.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school does not meet the requirements of the schedule to The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements that were checked during this inspection, as set out in the annex of this report. This included the standards and requirements that the school was judged to not comply with at the previous inspection. Not all of the standards and associated requirements were checked during this inspection.

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School details

This inspection was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s suitability for continued registration as an independent school.

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School details

Type of school Strictly Orthodox Jewish independent school

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) No fees charged

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 12–14 June 2018

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Information about this school

 The school has 119 pupils on roll across the school, which complies with its registration conditions.  The early years provision is made up of two Nursery classes and one Reception class. All pupils attend full time.  The school does not use alternative provision.  Most of the pupils are bilingual, speaking English as an additional language to their first language of Yiddish.  The school opened in January 2011.  At the previous standard inspection in June 2018, a number of independent school standards were found to be unmet. The school was judged to be inadequate.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The purpose of the inspection was to monitor the progress the school has made in meeting the independent school standards and other requirements that it was judged not to comply with at its previous inspection.  The inspection was conducted with no notice.  The inspector spoke with members of staff and, briefly, with some pupils. He conducted a tour of the school with the headteacher and looked at written documents related to safeguarding.  The inspector also considered the written policies on health and safety, and safeguarding. He observed pupils in lessons and during breaktimes.  The inspector met with senior leaders to discuss how they ensured that they met the independent school standards.

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Inspection team

Brian Oppenheim, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

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The school does not meet the following independent school standards

Standards that were not met at the previous inspection and remain un-met at this inspection

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and  2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are- – 2(2)(d) personal, social, health and economic education which- – 2(2)(d)(ii) encourages respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act; – 2(2)(i) effective preparation of pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in British society.  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school- – 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

subjects taught; – 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time; – 3(d) shows a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons; – 3(e) demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught; – 3(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range;

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

 5 The standard about the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at the school is met if the proprietor- – 5(b) ensures that principles are actively promoted which: – 5(b)(v) further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures; – 5(b)(vi) encourage respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act; and

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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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; and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work: – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan; and – 2(1)(b)(ii) do not undermine the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.  2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are: – 2(2)(a) full-time supervised education for pupils of compulsory school age (construed in accordance with section 8 of the Education Act 1996), which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education; – 2(2)(d) personal, social, health and economic education which: – 2(2)(d)(i) reflects the school’s aim and ethos; and – 2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

careers guidance that: – 2(2)(e)(i) is presented in an impartial manner; – 2(2)(e)(ii) enables them to make informed choices about a broad range of career options; and – 2(2)(e)(iii) helps to encourage them to fulfil their potential; – 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress.  3(g) demonstrates that a framework is in place to assess pupils' work regularly and thoroughly and use information from that assessment to plan teaching so that pupils can progress.  4 The standard in this paragraph is met where the proprietor ensures that a framework for pupil performance to be evaluated, by reference to the school’s own aims as provided to parents or national norms, or to both, is in place.

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

– 5(b)(iii) encourage pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and – 5(b)(iv) enable pupils to acquire a broad general knowledge of and respect for public institutions and services in England.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that: – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  15 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that an admission and attendance register is maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if— – 18(2)(c) the proprietor carries out appropriate checks to confirm in respect of each such person: – 18(2)(c)(iii) the person’s right to work in the United Kingdom; and – 18(2)(e) in the case of any person for whom, by reason of that person living or having lived outside the United Kingdom, obtaining such a certificate is not sufficient to establish the person’s suitability to work in a school, such further checks are made as the proprietor considers appropriate, having regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  18(3) The checks referred to in sub-paragraphs (2)(c) and (except where sub-paragraph (4) applies) (2)(e) must be completed before a person’s appointment.  21(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor keeps a register which shows such of the information referred to in sub-paragraphs (3) to (7) as is applicable to the

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

school in question.  21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is: – 21(3)(a)(iii) a check was made to establish whether [a member of staff] S is subject to any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in such a direction; – 21(3)(a)(vii) a check of S’s right to work in the United Kingdom was made; and – 21(3)(a)(viii) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(e), including the date on which each such check was completed or the certificate obtained, and – 21(3)(b) in relation to each member of staff ("S"), whether a check was made to establish whether S is subject to a prohibition order or an interim prohibition order, including the date on which such check was completed.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 23(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that: – 23(1)(c) suitable changing accommodation and showers are provided for pupils aged 11 years or over at the start of the school year who receive physical education.  28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that: – 28(1)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users.

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that: – 32(1)(g) any information reasonably requested in connection with an inspection under section 109 of the 2008 Act which is required for the purposes of the inspection and that body is given access to the school’s admission and attendance registers; – 32(1)(h) where a pupil wholly or partly funded by a local authority (except where funding is solely for free of charge early years provision in accordance with the duty contained in section 7 of the Childcare Act 2006) is registered at the school, an annual account of income received and expenditure incurred by the school in respect of that pupil is provided to the local authority and, on request, to the Secretary of State.  32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is: – 32(3)(c) particulars of the policy referred to in paragraph 2;

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Part 6. Provision of information

– 32(3)(e) particulars of the school’s academic performance during the preceding school year, including the results of any public examinations. 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 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Part 6. Provision of information

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child's school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

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Part 6. Provision of information

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visitwww.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk, or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted .

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Part 6. Provision of information

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Part 6. Provision of information

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Part 6. Provision of information

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Part 6. Provision of information

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