Orthodox community press for more sensitivity during Ofsted reports

A meeting of Orthodox leaders, education chiefs and politicians earlier this month has allowed Jewish representatives to press the case for greater sensitivity during Ofsted inspections at Orthodox schools.

The chairman and chief inspector of Ofsted attended the meeting at the behest of Ivan Lewis, MP for Bury South, after a series of unscheduled inspections upset educators in the Orthodox schools sector.

“It was a positive discussion,” said Jonathan Rabson from the National Association of Orthodox Jewish Schools (NAJOS), who attended alongside community leader Rabbi Avrohom Pinter and Rabbi David Meyer, the headteacher at Hasmonean.

“We explored how Ofsted could implement robust inspections whilst being cognisant of the culture and ethos of the school and protecting the sensitivities of our faith community,” said Rabson.

Lewis added: “This was a genuine opportunity for Orthodox schools to raise their concerns about recent Ofsted inspections. I am delighted that Ofsted at the highest level has shown a willingness to listen to the community’s concerns.”