Leeds Menorah School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 9 July 2024

This is a small school with a big heart. It is friendly and welcoming. There are positive and supportive relationships between pupils and staff. Pupils are proud of their school. The proprietor's aspiration for pupils to thrive and feel 'loved and valued' is palpable. Leaders want the absolute best for all pupils. The ambitious curriculum encompasses Kodesh studies as well as a broad range of other subjects. The religious ethos is woven through the curriculum. Pupils experience personalised learning in a nurturing environment. From the early years, children are enthusiastic learners who enjoy school. Pupils attend well. They are respectful and polite. Bullying is not tolerated. Incidents of poor behaviour are rare but when they do occur, staff act swiftly to address them. Pupils feel safe here. They are confident to talk to trusted adults if they are worried. Pupils relish the opportunities to engage in whole-school enterprise events where they apply their learning and raise money for local charities. They enjoy performing and taking part in outdoor education activities. Visiting speakers, including local councillors, enhance pupils' understanding of fundamental British values. Pupils appreciate the 'Menorah mentors', who provide them with support for their academic success and emotional well-being.

What the school should improve

• Opportunities for pupils to experience activities in the wider community are few. This limits pupils' ability to extend their learning in real-life situations, to apply their social skills or to broaden their understanding of the wider world. The school should strengthen the curriculum to provide opportunities and experiences that support pupils to broaden their social awareness and skills so that they are well prepared for life in modern Britain.
• In mathematics, the school does not teach pupils to discuss and describe their thinking in sufficient depth when problem-solving. This means that pupils find it difficult to clarify their reasoning and apply their thinking to solve more complex problems. The school should ensure that pupils learn how to explain their thinking to help them to solve mathematical challenges of increasing complexity, confidently and effectively.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)