One of the first schools to be inspected for Jewish studies under a new framework which places a strong emphasis on personal and spiritual development has been rated outstanding.
Sinai Primary in Kenton was a “warm, friendly and vibrant community school, which provides its children with a strong commitment to Judaism,” said Pikuach, the Board of Deputies-run inspection service.
The school -which is run under the religious auspices of the United Synagogue - was “rightly proud of its heritage,” Pikuach said.
The high regard for Jewish studies was evident in its “beautiful displays, learning walks, tefillah focus areas, the well-being brachot (blessings) garden, spiritual sensory opportunities, the library bus and the amazing use of the latest technological aids”.
Staff and pupils from all backgrounds were “fully immersed in the traditions and celebrations of Jewish life and living and they also have numerous opportunities to share their love,” Pikuach said.
When one pupil was asked what they would change about the school, they replied, “It is perfect as it is.”
Pupils had a positive experience of prayer and were “encouraged to be reflective and mindful of what they are saying”.
Inspectors noted that progress in Hebrew reading had suffered because of the disruption of the pandemic - with many parents unable to help their children with their Hebrew. In order to support parents as well as pupils, one of the Jewish studies staff had created a Google Classroom Hebrew reading area to aid recovery.
Pupils showed “great sensitivity and understanding of others” and when one was asked what the most important personal attribute was, they answered, “Love, because it’s something you give to others, not just keep for yourself.”
The school benefited from a good relationship with their Seed rabbi, who had a postbox where pupils directed such questions as “Everybody likes candy, so why did Hashem make them unhealthy?”
Among the extra-curricular activities noted by Pikuach was the gardening club, where where the children learnt both the English and Hebrew names of the different plants and the brachot related to the fruit and vegetables”.
All pupils encapsulated "the school’s vision and clearly show how they are: ‘Proud to be Jewish, proud to be British and proud to belong to the Sinai family.’ This is an impressive achievement for such a large school which services families from seven differing boroughs."
The school was rated good when last inspected by Pikuach in 2015.
Inspections were suspended for more than two years after the outbreak of the Covid pandemic.
Meanwhile Hertsmere Jewish Primary School, which is part of the Jewish Community Academy Trust, received an overall grade of “good” from Pikuach, although its quality of education was rated as “requiring improvement”.
Staff instability and recruitment issues, coupled with the pandemic, had impacted on the development of Jewish studies, Pikuach said, and the Radlett school would benefit from the appointment of a permanent head of Jewish studies.
While teaching was generally good at HJPS, Pikuach found “pockets of weaker practice”, but weaknesses were “gradually being eliminated”.
Hebrew reading was weak, especially for older pupils but this was a focus of improvement and “in recent months and there is slow but sure progress coupled with the additional lessons in Ivrit”.
Pikuach said, “Although the school is aware that there is still a long way to go on their journey of improvement, the green shoots of recovery are there.”
