The Shofar Day Care Centre, based at the Sternberg Centre for Judaism in Finchley, has been rated outstanding in all areas by Ofsted.

 A collaboration between Alyth and Finchley Reform Synagogue to provide year-round day care, which launched in 2016, it has now gone one grade better than its “good” award in 2018. 

Shofar’s headteacher Sharon Lee was praised for her “infectious” passion “for providing children with the best possible start in life”.

 She said she was "so proud of my staff team. They all teach with energy, love, warmth and purpose. They are dedicated practitioners, helping children to make excellent progress in their learning, developing their resilience and being well prepared for school. 

 “This is particularly special as we all know how much harder it has become to achieve an outstanding rating from Ofsted in recent years.”

 The energetic and highly motivated children thrived in this “inspirational” setting where highly skilled staff provided a bespoke curriculum  staff, Ofsted said. “Children are constantly absorbed in their play and learning experiences.”

They relished opportunities to explore the outdoors, learning about the world around them and caring for the environment. 

Children “behave exceptionally well and play together, sharing toys and resources,” Ofsted reported. “They learn about democracy as they vote for which story to read. They delight in listening to stories read by staff who deliver superb storytelling sessions.”

The nursery is working towards its silver award for the Healthy Early Years London scheme, having already achieved bronze. 

Alyth’s own kindergarten won an outstanding rating from Ofsted earlier this year.

Rabbis Miriam Berger of Finchley and Josh Levy of Alyth, said they were “extremely proud to have such a high-quality nursery at the heart of our communities, serving the needs of our synagogues’ youngest members. Sharon and her team bring passion and dedication and it is wonderful to see their commitment and efforts being recognised”.