North West London Jewish Day School achieves ‘Good’ rating in successful inspection

Pupils commended for their love of learning by Ofsted in first report since pandemic.

By Michelle Rosenberg 27 January 2023, 1:57 pm

Pupils at North West London Jewish Day School, January 2023

Ofsted inspectors have commended North London Jewish Day School pupils’ ‘love of their school and learning’.

The first post-covid report for the 77-year old institution saw it retain its ‘Good’ rating and praised for a “broad and ambitious curriculum”. Ofsted also noted that “pupils respond well to the high expectations set by leaders and staff”.

Staff were especially praised for “work(ing) closely with parents to promote a love of reading”, which inspectors noted was embedded from the early years, through a combination of daily reading and story sharing sessions.

North West pupils Torah reading.

The report also singled out senior leaders as having “high ambitions for all pupils including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)”, with significant resources and expertise invested to “identify the needs of pupils with SEND and work closely with external agencies to provide bespoke support”.

The Ofsted report further highlighted the students’ positive feedback regarding staff care, and quoted typical comments: “We connect with our teachers like we connect with our friends. If you are sad, they make you feel happy.”

Pupils spoke enthusiastically about working with the wider community, including those with different faiths and beliefs. They valued learning about different cultures and sharing their own experiences with those from local schools.

Headteacher Judith Caplan said the achievement was especially due to the hard work of their teaching staff: “Their commitment to ensuring our pupils achieve success whatever their ability is key to what makes our school so special. I am particularly gratified that our students’ hard work, kindness and good behaviour has been recognised like this.”

The Ofsted report was published just days before the school launches an ambitious 36-hour matched funding campaign, with the aim of raising £300,000 to reduce a shortfall in funding.

To donate, visit www.charityextra.com/nwljds from 10am on Sunday 29th to 10pm on Monday 30th January.