Family & Education
Outstanding Jewish studies teaching ‘the norm’ at Yavneh Primary
Unstinting Pikuach praise for Hertfordshire school
April 6, 2025 12:31
Unstinting Pikuach praise for Hertfordshire school
April 6, 2025 12:31Yavneh Primary in Borehamwood has been rated outstanding for Jewish studies by Pikuach, the Board of Deputies’ inspection service which hailed it as an “exceptional school”.
Although Pikuach no longer awards schools an overall headline grade in line with Ofsted’s new practice, Yavneh was marked “outstanding” in all three inspection categories.
Its motto, Olam Chesed Yiboneh (“A world built on kindness”) was, Pikuach said, “not simply an aspiration” but “the pervading reality of every aspect” of the school.
“The impressive behaviour of all pupils and the way in which relationships between staff and pupils are nurtured, reflects the deeply embedded ‘Yavneh Way,’ which champions kindness, politeness, respect and courtesy,” inspectors reported.
Outstanding teaching and learning were “the norm” at the school, guided by a “strong, experienced” leadership team.
One parent told inspectors, “Children are so lucky to have the teachers they have.”
Another with a daughter in the early years section, said, “I am constantly amazed at how much she knows about Judaism at such a young age. She loves spotting Hebrew letters and looks at our ketubah (Jewish marriage contract) each morning, telling us the new letters she has learnt.”
A third was “ blown away by how my children, who do not come from a very religious home, are so inspired and excited by the Jewish life of the school and the way this shapes their characters and mindset.”
Ivrit, Pikuach noted, was incorporated into all aspects of learning to promote speaking and listening skills “and the school recognises that constant exposure and practice is the way to reach even higher standards”.
Headteacher Caroline Field said,”We are so proud of this incredible report, it is a true reflection of our incredible kodesh programme run so ably by our head of Kodesh, Miss Coren and her team. The pupils of Yavneh Primary are extremely lucky.”