Family & Education
Chasidic school wins plaudits from Ofsted
Talmud Torah Tiferes Shlomoh is rated as a good school
February 27, 2020 11:46
Talmud Torah Tiferes Shlomoh is rated as a good school
February 27, 2020 11:46A Chasidic boys’ school in Hendon which was ranked inadequate two and a half years ago has achieved a good rating from Ofsted.
Talmud Torah Tiferes Shlomoh was ranked good in all categories with the behaviour and attitude of pupils considered outstanding.
Eli Spitzer, the headteacher, said, "We're obviously thrilled that the progress Tiferes Shlomoh has made in the past four years has been officially recognised by Ofsted.
“Even more important, however, is that we've proved to everyone that a Chasidic school can provide a first class education without compromising on its values, ethos or commitment to Torah study.”
Inspectors described the senior leaders of the school, which teaches 252 boys from three to 15, as “ambitious, knowledgeable and effective”.
The approval of TTTS comes in contrast to a series of critical inspections of Charedi schools over the past few months.
“Pupils learn about and remember how people from different faiths and cultures have helped define the British way of life,” inspectors said. “This enables them to respect the beliefs and views of others.
“Leaders deliberately plan opportunities for pupils to broaden their experiences beyond their immediate neighbourhood and community.”
While other Charedi schools have failed to meet equality checks, TTTS was found to comply with the required standards.
Leaders made sure “pupils learn about how the law protects people with particular characteristics from discrimination. Pupils learn about different types of families and have links with a school that specialises in educating disabled pupils.”
It said reading was taught systematically throughout the school and boys showed they could apply maths skills.
Pupils with special educational needs produced “high-quality” work.
Careers advice had been “imaginatively” put in place, while pupils were shown how to use the internet safely as they got older.
Inspectors noted the help given in Jewish studies to those who found it hard to catch up.
The school is now based in what used to be the premises of Hendon Reform Synagogue.
