Wiznitz Cheder School

School progress monitoring inspection report

p.1

126b Stamford Hill, Hackney, London N16 6QT

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(2), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(i), 3, 3(a), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f)  At the time of the previous inspection, leaders did not have suitable subject plans across the curriculum. Phonics sessions were not timetabled, including for children in early years. Pupils’ work was of poor quality.  This inspection found that leaders have made improvements to the school’s phonics provision. Following phonics training in November 2020, timetabled phonics sessions now take place in early years and in Years 1 and 2.  Curriculum plans exist for most subjects taught, including English, mathematics, science and geography. However, these plans lack ambition. Pupils’ knowledge, understanding and development of skills in these subjects are weak. They continue to have limited opportunities to develop their English speaking and listening skills. Leaders have still not

p.1

Main inspection findings

made sure that there are coherent plans for the teaching of creative arts and technology.  Teaching at the school does not help pupils to make sufficient progress in the subjects they learn. For instance, planned activities in Years 6 and 7 do not help pupils to develop their writing in English. Teachers rely too much on simple spelling and word activities. The timetable of subject teaching, including in geography, history, mathematics and science, provides limited time each week to cover the subject content. Consequently, classroom resources are not of sufficient quantity and range for pupils to make good progress.  Leaders have again not ensured that the independent school standards (listed above and in full in the annex to this report) in this part are met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(b), 5(b)(v), 5(b)(vi)  The previous inspection found that leaders did not encourage respect for other people,

p.1

Main inspection findings

paying particular regard to all the protected characteristics, including in the school’s personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education programme. In Year 7, the programme did not cover civil partnerships or sexual orientation, for instance. This remains the case and the PSHE education programme, particularly for pupils in Year 7, continues to lack due regard to all the protected characteristics. Opportunities for pupils to learn about cultures and faiths other than their own continue to be limited.  Leaders have not ensured that the independent school standards in this part are met.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 11, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The previous inspection found that risk assessment and health and safety policies were not implemented effectively. Shower and toilet facilities were unclean. The medical room was cluttered.  This inspection found that the medical room continues to be used as a storage space. A temporary medical room has been allocated. This is not fit to accommodate pupils with medical needs because it does not have access to a sink and running water within it.  The inspector found gaps in the school’s implementation of the risk assessment policy regarding the site. Paragraph 7(b)  Leaders have updated their safeguarding policies in line with statutory guidance. Staff understand how to follow up with concerns should they arise. The school does not have a website. The safeguarding and child protection policy is readily available in hard copy

p.2

Main inspection findings

to parents and carers.  Leaders have not ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are met.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(b)  At the time of the previous inspection, the single central register (SCR) was not compliant.  This inspection found that all the appropriate checks for staff and proprietors were complete. These were recorded correctly on the SCR.  These independent school standards are now met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 25  During this inspection, significant building work was taking place in the playground. Leaders managed well the potential risks to pupils posed by this work. However, the previous shower facilities have been knocked down and no longer remain. Leaders intend to complete this building work by June 2021. Plans include the installation of shower facilities and a medical room.  Leaders have not ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are met.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b)  During the school’s previous standard inspection in June 2018, the school was judged to be inadequate, with many unmet independent school standards. This inspection was the school’s third progress monitoring inspection. It continues to have unmet standards. Generally, leaders have been too slow in implementing effective changes to improve subject curriculum plans and other aspects of the school’s work.  Leaders have taken steps to provide training in phonics and to introduce regular phonics sessions in the early years provision and in Years 1 and 2. These developments are at an early stage of introduction.  The weak implementation of health and safety policies and identification of risks continue to be areas of concern. The current school building is not maintained to a high standard.  Leaders’ implementation of the compulsory relationships and sex education (RSE)

p.3

Main inspection findings

programme has been slow. The school does not have a policy in place to identify how it will ensure coverage of the RSE guidance. Leaders have not consulted with parents and carers. The school has begun to receive external support to help leaders to implement this statutory guidance. Leaders intend to implement an RSE curriculum from September 2021.  The independent school standards in this part remain unmet.

p.3

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.

p.4

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.

p.5

School details

Annual fees (day pupils) No fees are charged

p.5

School details

Date of previous standard inspection 12–14 June 2018

p.5

Information about this school

 Wiznitz Cheder School is an Ultra-Orthodox Jewish school for boys aged three to 13. Pupils attend up to Year 7.  The school’s most recent inspection was a progress monitoring inspection in January 2020, where many independent school standards continued to be unmet. A progress monitoring inspection in June 2019 also judged that many independent school standards were unmet. An emergency inspection took place in January 2019.  The school’s previous standard inspection was in June 2018, when its overall effectiveness was judged to be inadequate. Many independent school standards were judged to be unmet.  The school does not make use of alternative provision.  Leaders informed the inspector that they plan to move to a new site and have secured planning permission to build a new school.

p.5

Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out at the request of the registration authority for independent schools without notice. 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 to not comply with at its previous inspection.  This was the school’s third unannounced progress monitoring inspection since its overall effectiveness was judged to be inadequate in June 2018.  The first monitoring inspection took place in June 2019. The school’s second monitoring inspection took place in January 2020. The school was judged to not comply with all of the independent school standards during both monitoring inspections.  Following the standard inspection in June 2018, the Department for Education (DfE) required the school to prepare an action plan to outline how leaders plan to meet the unmet standards. The action plan was evaluated by Ofsted in February 2019 and was

p.7

Information about this inspection

judged to be not acceptable. Following the monitoring inspection in June 2019, the DfE required the school to prepare another action plan. This was evaluated by Ofsted in October 2019 and judged to be not acceptable. The DfE rejected this action plan.  The inspector met with the headteacher and deputy headteacher. He held a brief telephone conversation with the chair of the proprietorial body. The inspector scrutinised the school’s curriculum plans, safeguarding procedures and risk assessments. He toured the premises to check the implementation of these policies. The inspector met with staff and pupils to gather their views about safety and learning at the school.

p.7

Inspection team

Noeman Anwar, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

p.7

The school does not meet the following independent school standards

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

p.8

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.

p.8

Part 1. Quality of education provided

 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.

p.8

Part 1. Quality of education provided

 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 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.

p.8

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

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.

p.9

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Standards that were met at the previous inspection, but are now judged to not be met at this inspection

p.9

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school.

p.9

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.

p.9

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 24(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including– – 24(1)(a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils; – 24(1)(b) accommodation for the short term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility.

p.9

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.

p.9

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

 21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is– – 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff (“S”) appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether– – 21(3)(a)(ii) a check was made to establish whether S is barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act; – 21(3)(a)(iii) a check was made to establish whether 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)(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. 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

p.10

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

of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.11

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

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.

p.11

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

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

p.11

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

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 and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

p.11

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

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.11

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

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.11

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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.11