Bnei Zion Community School

School progress monitoring inspection report

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Bnei Zion Community School 49 to 51 Ravensdale Road, London N16 6TJ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(f), 3, 3(a), 3(c), 3(d)  These independent school standards (the standards) were not met at the school’s previous inspection in November 2024 because the secular studies curriculum lacked breadth. Some subjects were not allocated sufficient teaching time while others were not taught at all. These weaknesses affected how well pupils built their knowledge and skills across the curriculum.  The previous inspection found that teaching did not routinely provide pupils with activities that were well matched to their needs. Teaching did not build well enough on pupils’ prior learning. There were weaknesses in the implementation of the school’s phonics programme. At the previous inspection, the school’s programme for children in the Nursery Year was not appropriate. It did not meet these children’s needs well

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Main inspection findings

enough, particularly in relation to their communication and language development.  Since the previous inspection, there have been changes to leadership in the school. The school has had difficulties recruiting a replacement for the previous leader of secular studies. Currently, the oversight of the quality of education provided in the secular curriculum is weak.  This inspection found that pupils continue to receive a limited offer across the secular studies curriculum. Pupils study a narrow range of subjects. The work they are given does not build on what they already know and can do. Teaching does not identify pupils’ misconceptions. It does not take into account pupils’ different needs. The teaching of early reading continues to be weak. Pupils are not well supported to develop fluency in reading. Pupils are behind age-related expectations.  This inspection found that the school has not taken action to improve provision for

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Main inspection findings

children in the Nursery Year. The curriculum for these children does not suitably promote the different areas of learning.  These standards remain unmet. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5, 5(a), 5(b), 5(b)(v), 5(b)(vi), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(i)  These standards were not met at the inspection in November 2024 because the school’s personal development programme provided pupils with a limited education about cultures and religions different to their own. This affected how well pupils developed an understanding of the diversity that exists in modern Britain.  This inspection found that no changes or improvements have been made to the school’s personal development programmes, including how pupils are taught about different faiths and cultures. While leaders assert that pupils learn about some of this content in their Kodesh studies, the school could not provide inspectors with evidence of what

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Main inspection findings

pupils are taught and when. In addition, leaders requested inspectors not to speak with pupils about their learning in relation to different faiths and cultures.  These standards remain unmet.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b)  These standards were met at the previous standard inspection and safeguarding was judged to be effective.  This inspection found that the proprietor has not ensured that the arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Oversight of safeguarding, including checks on staff suitability, is not rigorous enough. The school’s arrangements do not comply with the statutory guidance.  The school’s designated safeguarding lead is suitably trained. However, in their absence, the school does not have any other members of staff to deputise. No other members of staff have had the same level of training as the designated safeguarding lead.  Staff are vigilant to changes in pupils’ behaviour and to their well-being. They are alert to the signs that might indicate a pupil is at risk. There are systems in place for reporting and referring concerns. Nevertheless, staff training is not up to date. Some staff have

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Main inspection findings

received no training in safeguarding matters since the previous academic year. Those new to the school since the start of this academic year, including senior leaders, have not received sufficient safeguarding training.  Systems for record-keeping and information sharing within the school are not effective. This is because, other than the designated safeguarding lead, senior leaders do not have ready access to the school’s safeguarding records. This means that in the absence of the safeguarding lead, other leaders do not have the information they might need about pupils’ welfare and circumstances. Paragraph 14  The school ensures that pupils are appropriately supervised throughout the day. The school has suitable risk assessments for educational visits. It ensures that the appropriate number of staff are allocated to different activities, including off-site trips.  The school does not meet some of the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(d), 18(2)(e), 18(3), 21(1), 21(3), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(a)(v), 21(3)(a)(vi), 21(3)(a)(viii) 21(3)(b)  The standards in this part were met at the previous inspection. However, this progress monitoring inspection found that the oversight and management of staff recruitment procedures are weak. Records and other information related to staff recruitment are not readily available or well organised. As a result, leaders were unable to provide inspectors with evidence that the required pre-employment checks had been carried out on some members of staff. These checks include prohibition from teaching and leadership roles, criminal record checks and overseas police checks for staff who have lived or worked abroad.  The single central record of pre-employment staff suitability checks is not compliant. It

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Main inspection findings

contains gaps and discrepancies that leaders were unable to put right by the end of the inspection.  The school does not meet some of the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 25, 11, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  This inspection found that the site is not well maintained. Inspectors identified a series of maintenance issues throughout the school. For example, some of the window restrictors are broken. This means that some windows can open too widely. Some fire escapes, while not blocked or restricted, are not well maintained. Instead, some were strewn with litter and disused school resources. In the early years, broken toilet seats have not been fixed. Cupboards which should be closed and locked, such as those which contain electric meters and air-conditioning units, were left unlocked. Some surfaces, such as wood panelling in the playground, have worn away over time. In some cases, the edges of these surfaces are sharp and jagged. All these issues pose a potential risk to pupils’ welfare and safety.  Leaders took these issues seriously and made arrangements during the inspection to get

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Main inspection findings

these fixed. Nevertheless, the proprietor has not ensured, over time, that the school’s policies for health and safety and the use of risk assessments are implemented effectively. The school does not identify or address potential hazards and risks around the site with sufficient urgency. Paragraphs 27, 27(b)  External lighting is not in working order. When it is dark, pupils, staff and visitors cannot leave the building safely, including down the set of steps at the front of the school.  These standards are not met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(j)  As the school does not have a website, leaders ensure that parents and carers have access to a hard copy of the school’s safeguarding policy.  The Department for Education has applied a relevant restriction on the proprietor of this school. The proprietor is not permitted to admit new pupils to the school. Leaders were not able to provide evidence that the school has made the relevant information about this restriction available to parents.  The school does not meet the standard in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  At the previous inspection, some of the standards in this part were not met as a result of weaknesses in leadership and management and the school’s failure to comply with all of the independent school standards. At that time, the school had not taken sufficient action to tackle the areas for improvement identified at previous inspections.  This progress monitoring inspection found that weaknesses remain across different areas of the school’s work. The proprietor continues to not ensure that the school meets the independent school standards. In addition, this inspection identified further unmet standards, including those related to safeguarding and the school’s premises. This means that all of the standards in this part are not met.  The school’s overall effectiveness has been judged to be inadequate for almost 10 years.

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Main inspection findings

Over this time, the proprietor has not taken seriously the issues identified and has not ensured that the independent school standards are met. This inspection found particular weaknesses in the oversight of the quality of education and the school’s safeguarding arrangements. The school has admitted pupils to the school’s roll while a restriction is in place.  Some of the school’s key leadership positions were vacant at the time of this inspection. The school does not have interim arrangements in place to ensure oversight of the quality of secular education. The school does not demonstrate the capacity to make the necessary improvements.  The standard in this part is not met.

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Main inspection findings

Statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage  At the previous inspection, some of the statutory requirements were not met. This was because children in the early years were not helped to reach a good standard of English. In addition, staff’s interactions with children did not promote children’s language, communication and personal development well enough. The curriculum did not promote the different areas of learning as well as it needed to. This affected children’s preparedness for Year 1.  This inspection found that weaknesses remain. Leaders have not made any changes to the school’s early years provision in order to improve the offer children receive. Children are not well supported to develop their knowledge and use of the English language. The provision does not promote children’s learning sufficiently across all of the required areas of learning.  The weaknesses related to the school’s oversight of safeguarding arrangements, staff

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Main inspection findings

recruitment and premises mean that some of the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the early years foundation stage are not met.

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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

Headteacher Yechiel Krausz (head of Kodesh)

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) Voluntary contributions

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School details

Dates of previous standard inspection 12 to 14 November 2024

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Information about this school

 The school caters for boys of Orthodox Jewish faith. It is registered to cater for pupils aged 3 to 5. The school is operating beyond its registration agreement because it has admitted pupils above the registered age range. It has pupils on roll up to the age of 11.  There was evidence that the proprietors are not complying with the restriction imposed by the Secretary of State for Education on 25 April 2025. This is because there was evidence that pupils had been admitted after 23 May 2025. The Secretary of State has powers to take regulatory action against schools found to be in breach of a restriction on their registration.  The school operates from one site at 49 to 51 Ravensdale Road, Hackney, London N16 6TJ. The school does not make use of alternative provision.  There have been changes to the school’s leadership team since the previous inspection. The current head of Kodesh took up their post at the start of this academic year. The post

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Information about this school

of head of secular studies is currently vacant. At the time of this inspection, the head of Kodesh was the most senior member of staff in the school.  The school’s most recent inspection was a standard inspection which took place in November 2024.

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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 to not comply with at its previous inspection.  The school’s previous inspection was a standard inspection which took place in November 2024. At that time, the school’s overall effectiveness was judged to be inadequate and some of the independent school standards and the requirements of the early years foundation stage were not met. The Department for Education did not request the school to prepare an action plan following the standard inspection.  This was the school’s first progress monitoring inspection since the standard inspection in November 2024. It was conducted without notice.  Inspectors held meetings with the head of Kodesh to discuss safeguarding

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Information about this inspection

arrangements, the curriculum and the actions taken since the previous standard inspection. Inspectors also discussed with the head of Kodesh the school’s provision for personal development and early years.  Inspectors reviewed the school’s single central record of staff suitability checks.  Inspectors met with a group of staff and a group of pupils. Inspectors spoke with pupils informally during visits to lessons and in the playground. Inspectors visited secular studies lessons and looked at pupils’ work.  Inspectors were requested not to talk with pupils about specific aspects of their learning, including different faiths and cultures. Being unable to speak with pupils about these topics contributed to the evidence gathered in relation to Part 2 of the independent school standards.  Inspectors toured the premises and reviewed a variety of policies and procedures in order to check the school’s compliance with the standards.

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Information about this inspection

 The proprietor was not available to speak with inspectors.

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Inspection team

Gary Rawlings, lead inspector His 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(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.  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)(ii) encourages respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

characteristics set out in the 2010 Act[9]; – 2(2)(f) where the school has pupils below compulsory school age, a programme of activities which is appropriate to their educational needs in relation to personal, social, emotional and physical development and communication and language skills; – 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 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.

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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(a) actively promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; – 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.

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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.

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Early Years Foundation Stage

 1.15 Providers must ensure that children have sufficient opportunities to learn and reach a good standard in English language during the EYFS, ensuring children are ready to benefit from the opportunities available to them when they begin Year 1.

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Early Years Foundation Stage

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

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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(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  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 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)(d) the proprietor ensures that, where relevant to any such person, an enhanced criminal record check is made in respect of that person and an enhanced criminal record certificate is obtained before or as soon as practicable after that person’s appointment; – 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.

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

 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 school in question.  21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is- – 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)(a)(v) an enhanced criminal record certificate was obtained in respect of S; – 21(3)(a)(vi) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(d); – 21(3)(a)(viii) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(e), – 21(3)(b) in relation to each member of staff ("S"), whether a check was made to

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

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

 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.  27 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 27(b) external lighting is provided in order to ensure that people can safely enter and leave the school premises.

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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)(j) particulars of any action specified in sub-paragraph (4) are published and maintained on the school’s website or, where no such website exists, are provided to parents. – 32(4)(b) any decision of the Secretary of State to impose a relevant restriction on the proprietor under section 116 of the 2008 Act.

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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)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils.

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Early Years Foundation Stage

 1.12 Practitioners should be ambitious for all children. To do this they must consider the individual needs, interests, and development of each child in their care. They must use this information to plan a challenging and enjoyable experience for each child in all areas of learning and development. Practitioners working with the youngest children are expected to ensure a strong foundation for children’s development in the three prime areas.  1.17 As children grow older and move into the Reception Year, there should be a greater focus on teaching the essential skills and knowledge in the specific areas of learning.  3.15 Registered group and school-based providers must obtain an enhanced criminal records check for every person aged 16 and over (including for unsupervised volunteers, and supervised volunteers who provide personal care who works directly with children.  3.16 An additional criminal records check (or checks if more than one country) should also

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Early Years Foundation Stage

be made for anyone who has lived or worked abroad.  3.18 Providers must record information about staff qualifications and the identity checks, vetting processes and references that have been completed, including the criminal records check reference number, the date a check was obtained and details of who at the setting obtained it. 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 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Early Years Foundation Stage

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Early Years Foundation Stage

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Early Years Foundation Stage

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Early Years Foundation Stage

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Early Years Foundation Stage

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Early Years Foundation Stage

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