Ofsted has confirmed North West London Jewish Day School’s status as a good school after its first visit from inspectors for five years.
The behaviour of pupils was commended as a strength of the Willesden primary. They “love their school and learning”, “show kindness and respect for each other and staff and “listen and reflect before sharing their views," the inspection service said.
Leaders gave careful thought to the design of a “broad and ambitious curriculum”, while teachers regularly checked pupil’s knowledge, Ofsted reported after a two-day visit.
Pupils “showed pride in organising the school’s newspaper for others in the community to read” and said that a key highlight were the many visits organised.
A typical pupil comment, according to Ofsted, was: “We connect with our teachers like we connect with our friends. If you are sad, they make you feel happy.”
A wide range of activities included events such as developing circus skills. Pupils “spoke enthusiastically about working with the wider community, including those with different faiths and beliefs. They valued learning about different cultures and sharing their own experiences with those from local schools.”
The school said in last summer’s SATs, 89 per cent of pupils read at the expected level and 43 per cent at greater depth (compared with national average of 67 per cent of those reaching expected leveland 18 per cent in more depth).
Headteacher Judith Caplan said, “I am particularly gratified that our students’ hard work, kindness and good behaviour has been recognised like this by Ofsted. Their love of learning and their commitment to upholding North West’s values of kindness, respect and community are clear to all visitors to our school.”
The school is looking to raise £300,000 in a 36-hour appeal this weekend to cover a funding shortfall. Aims include funding the costs of supporting special educational needs, following its recent recognition as an AHDH-friendly school.
READ MORE: North West London Jewish Day ranked outstanding for Jewish studies
