BySimon Rocker, Simon Rocker
A Chasidic school that has previously been ordered to improve its secular studies has insisted that children do not need to be taught English until their fourth year of primary school, according to inspectors.
Beis Aharon, an independent boys' primary in Stamford Hill, north London, was ranked inadequate by Ofsted last year. It was then required to produce an action plan to address unmet standards.
But a follow-up visit last month concluded that the school still had more to do to meet independent school regulations.
In a report published last week, Ofsted noted that pupils at the Yiddish-speaking school were introduced to English in the early years classes but this was not continued into Year One.
The school's leaders, the inspection report said, insisted that "younger pupils will not be taught English until Year Four because 'it is not what the school wants, not what the parents want, and not [what] the community wants… therefore it is not going to happen'."
Younger pupils will not be taught English until Year Four
While the head of secular studies had shown evidence of work schemes in history, geography, science and citizenship, these subjects were confined to older pupils at the school, where most of the day is spent on Jewish studies taught in Yiddish.
There were no schemes of work for technology, art, music, PE or personal, social and health education.
Secular studies were taught only for an hour four times a week, and pupils were three years behind the expected attainment for their age in English, maths and other subjects.
Inspectors also said that pupils were being given a "narrow view" of society, although teaching about British institutions was effective.
"Pupils talk confidently and knowledgably about the British monarchy, Parliament, aspects of law and order and the functions of hospitals, libraries and the police," Ofsted said.
"Nevertheless, pupils have a limited understanding or appreciation of different cultures, faiths or beliefs. The majority of pupils told inspectors that girls 'cook, help in the home and look after the children'."