Manchester Jewish School for Special Education

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 February 2024

This is a friendly school where pupils feel happy and safe. Pupils settle into the routines of school life well when they join the school. They appreciate how staff listen to them and respond to their needs. The school offers a broad curriculum. Pupils enjoy small-group, and sometimes one- to-one, teaching in a nurturing environment. Staff use the information in each pupil's education, health and care (EHC) plan to match learning to pupils' individual needs. There are high expectations for all pupils. All staff want pupils to achieve as much as they can. Pupils are proud of what they achieve. Throughout the school, there is a calm and harmonious environment. Pupils nearly always behave well. When they do not, staff understand that this is because they are trying to communicate their feelings. Over time, pupils develop their confidence and learn to manage their emotions. They learn to interact with their peers effectively and engage in learning willingly. Staff in the school share the goal of ensuring that pupils are ready to take advantage of the opportunities that await them once they leave the school. Pupils develop their independence and prepare for adulthood well. They enjoy cooking, arts and crafts and swimming. Post-16 students enjoy work experience in the community.

What the school should improve

• The school has not encouraged pupils to read for pleasure sufficiently well. Consequently, some pupils do not read widely, often or for pleasure. This hinders their learning across the curriculum. The school should make sure that staff routinely encourage pupils to read a rich variety of texts, authors and genres.
• A few staff do not support pupils' individual social and emotional needs in the classroom confidently or consistently well. This means that some pupils, at times, struggle to regulate their emotions and behaviour. The school should help staff to apply the school's policy effectively so that pupils are helped to manage their behaviour.

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