Alma Primary is celebrating its upgrade from a good to an outstanding school for Jewish education.

Pupils at the cross-communal school in Whetstone “display the embodiment of the school’s vision, which is Olam Chesed Yibaneh, ‘A World Built on Kindness’”, Pikuach said in its newly published inspection report.

They benefit from “from a value-driven Jewish learning curriculum, ie where the focus is on middot (character traits), which aligns with the school’s ethos”.

For pupils, Jewish learning “is not just about being able to answer factual questions, it is also about being able to engage with ideas and messages. This creates a firm foundation of Jewish knowledge and identity.”

Senior teachers are role models in “integrating Jewish learning with the national curriculum”, Pikuach said.

Inspectors were impressed with the kavannah (devotion) shown during prayer as well as the active engagement of older year groups in the parashah assembly.

Year six pupils “lead age appropriate Birkat Hamazon (Grace after meals) for the various age groups after having helped to serve lunch”.

For around five per cent of families, Alma is their only connection to the Jewish community. One parent told Pikuach, “We do Shabbat at home because of what the children do in school.”

Activities include “a Hesed club, Eco-warriors and Giraffe club.

“Pupils nominate other pupils to enjoy a lavish breakfast with the Jewish learning lead in Giraffe club when they ‘stick their neck out’ for fellow pupils by doing acts of kindness.”

While Ivrit teaching suffered during the pandemic because of staffing instability, two new teachers are enabling children to re-engage with the language enthusiastically.

Leaders are aware of the need to further embed strong, foundational, textual skills “to enable the acquisition of knowledge and engagement through Tanach, siddur and rabbinic teachings”.

Headteacher Marc Shoffren said: “We are thrilled that the Pikuach team recognised the strength of children’s spiritual work in our inclusive school and saw the commitment of our entire staff team to making Jewish learning meaningful for all the children at Alma Primary.”

Jewish learning lead Jeanie Horowitz added that the primary “provides children from across the community as well outside the community with a warm and welcoming Jewish education where every child is valued.

“We are very happy the inspectors agree and highlighted this in their report.”