Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 9 July 2024

Pupils have benefited from the recent improvements to the curriculum. They now study a broad range of subjects which cover the range of curriculum areas set out in the independent school standards (the standards). For instance, pupils enjoy learning about significant historical events and finding out about life in other countries. Children in the early years get off to a good start in reading and mathematics. Nevertheless, in some subjects, across Year 1 to Year 6, pupils do not achieve as well as they should. Pupils are happy to come to school. They get on well together. Moreover, pupils value the positive relationships that they have with staff. These adults care for pupils and keep them safe. Pupils have a trusted member of staff who they can go to about any worries that they might have. The school has high expectations for pupils' behaviour. Pupils are keen to please their teachers. They are enthusiastic learners who enjoy their lessons. Children in the early years quickly learn the class rules and routines. They work and play well together. The school develops pupils' confidence and resilience. For instance, through the Kodesh (religious) curriculum, pupils are equipped to resolve any occasional falling- out. They learn to settle these issues swiftly and amicably. Pupils contribute well to their community. For example, they litter pick in the local park, entertain residents in a nearby care home and collect donations for different charities. However, pupils have limited opportunities to develop hobbies and learn about people who are different from themselves.

What the school should improve

• The school has not identified the key knowledge that should be taught in some subjects. In these subjects, this hinders teachers from making sure that pupils learn all that they should and from checking that their knowledge is secure. The school should ensure that the knowledge that pupils should learn and when this content should be taught is clearly defined. The school should also ensure that teachers are suitably equipped to check that pupils have remembered this important information over time.
• Some aspects of the school's programme for pupils' personal development are underdeveloped. This means that pupils are not as well prepared for life in modern Britain as they should be. The school should ensure that it offers a coherent programme for personal development that deepens pupils' knowledge and understanding.
• Previously, the school has not acted quickly enough to improve the quality of education that pupils receive. This has impacted on pupils' academic and personal development. The proprietor and governors should ensure that they provide effective challenge and support to enable the school to maintain the momentum of improvement.

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