Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School

Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School 1 Belz Terrace, Clapton Common, London E5 9SN

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  The last inspection judged that the arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school were effective. Leaders responded promptly and appropriately to concerns. The arrangements met the requirements of the independent school standards.  This inspection finds that the arrangements for safeguarding and welfare remain effective. The updated policy takes account of the most recent guidance. It is comprehensive and covers all aspects of safeguarding, including extremism and radicalisation, child sexual exploitation, female genital mutilation and children missing in education. The proprietor and leaders understand their responsibilities. The safeguarding policy is available to parents on request.  The school maintains detailed risk assessment details, such as visits, using the common opposite the school and risks to pupils in the playground. Leaders take

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Main inspection findings

appropriate action to reduce identified risks.  Staff have received copies of the latest version of Keeping Children Safe in Education 2019, and refresher training is planned for the coming weeks. Leaders continue to check how well staff understand the most recent statutory safeguarding guidance by setting a quiz. Leaders take appropriate action to deal with safeguarding issues. The good links with the local authority ensure that these issues are resolved swiftly.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards checked at this inspection (listed above) are met. Paragraphs 9, (9(a) and 9(b)  The previous inspection found that leaders kept detailed records of poor behaviour and the actions taken to prevent incidents from reoccurring.  This inspection finds that this remains the case. The written behaviour policy is appropriate and sets out the consequences if pupils misbehave. It makes clear that

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Main inspection findings

the school does not use or condone corporal punishment. Pupils know about the rewards and sanctions and how these are used. They were clear that this does not include corporal punishment. Pupils say they feel safe in school because they know their teachers care for them.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards checked (listed above) are met. Paragraphs 11 and 14  The school’s written health and safety policy reflects the relevant legislation appropriately. The site manager carries out regular health and safety checks throughout the building and takes swift action to rectify any concerns.  An appropriately qualified contractor has recently carried out a full fire risk assessment. This confirms that the premises comply with the law on fire safety. There are regular checks of the emergency lighting, and of fire evacuation signs and equipment. Records show that fire drills are carried out regularly.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards checked at this inspection (listed above) are met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors All paragraphs  The previous inspection judged that leaders carried out rigorous checks on the suitability of staff. The school continues to meet the requirements. Leaders maintain a detailed record of the vetting checks they make on staff. The record reflects the most recent guidance and adds further information, such as safeguarding training.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools All paragraphs  The previous inspection found that the premises were safe and secure. Procedures for maintaining the premises, assessing risks and checking equipment were conducted effectively.  This inspection finds that leaders continue to ensure that the accommodation is clean,

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Main inspection findings

safe and fit for purpose. Lighting, heating, ventilation and acoustics are suitable. There are sufficient toilets on each floor. Drinking water is in a separate area and marked as such.  Outdoor space is suitable for physical education and play. The proprietor has ensured that there is a range of equipment for pupils to use. Changing and shower facilities are available for pupils aged 11 years or over. The dedicated first aid room includes washing facilities and a toilet.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)  Leaders have ensured that the standards checked during this inspection continue to be met. There is an appropriately detailed safeguarding policy that is available to parents on request. The proprietor and leaders understand their safeguarding

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Main inspection findings

responsibilities and carry out suitable vetting checks on staff.  The building is new and of a good quality. The accommodation has suitable space to accommodate the increase in the number of pupils from 520 to 650. This includes sufficient washing and toilet facilities.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards checked during this inspection continue to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has drawn up a clear accessibility plan that meets requirements.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school meets 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. 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

Date of previous standard inspection 6–8 February 2018

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Information about this school

 Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School is an independent Charedi (strictly orthodox) Jewish boys’ school, founded in 1973 and situated in Hackney, North London.  There are very few pupils who have a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan.  The school does not have a website, but all the required policies are available to parents on request.  The school does not currently comply with its registration agreement.  The school’s last full standard inspection took place in February 2018, where its overall effectiveness was judged as inadequate.

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Information about this inspection

 This emergency inspection was carried out at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. It was commissioned as a result of a complaint relating to the alleged use of corporal punishment.  The inspection was conducted with no notice.  The inspector spoke with leaders, including the headteacher, compliance officer and site manager, to discuss how they ensured that they met the independent school standards.  The inspector also spoke to a group of pupils in Years 4 to 7 and to some pupils informally at lunchtime.  The inspector also considered the written policies, including documents related to safeguarding, the library and the plans for assemblies and tutorials. He also toured the building.

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Inspection team

Brian Oppenheim, lead inspector Her 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 4234, 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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