Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Sinai Jewish Primary School on 23 January 2019, following its previous judgment of good in January 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, under the headteacher's guidance since January 2017, has fostered a harmonious and inclusive environment where pupils feel valued and have a strong voice. Parents have expressed appreciation for the headteacher's energy and commitment to the school community. The pupils demonstrate a solid understanding of their Jewish heritage while being respectful of diverse cultures and beliefs.
The school has established connections with local community schools, enhancing teachers' knowledge and experience. Religious studies are taught creatively, linking to the national curriculum. The governing body is effective, maintaining high aspirations for the school and its pupils. Behaviour for learning is well-embedded, contributing to the school's progress. The school provides strong support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, achieving good outcomes for these pupils. Specialist teachers in various subjects ensure a broad and rich curriculum, with good attainment levels, particularly in reading, where the school meets or exceeds national averages. However, progress in writing and mathematics is not as strong, with reading being the area of focus during the inspection.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with secure systems in place. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding protocols, and there is a strong culture of vigilance regarding pupil well-being. Pupils feel safe and confident that their concerns will be addressed promptly.
The inspection highlighted the need for improvement in mathematics, particularly in problem-solving and reasoning. While a new teaching approach has been introduced, consistency across year groups is lacking. Some teachers do not adequately identify individual starting points for pupils, particularly the most able, which can hinder their progress. In writing, the school has made it a focus, with good-quality displays and increased opportunities for longer writing tasks. However, progress and standards are not yet consistent across all year groups.
Middle leadership has improved significantly since the last inspection, with leaders demonstrating knowledge and confidence in their roles. They effectively track and monitor progress in their subject areas and engage in work scrutiny with senior leaders. The commitment to developing leadership from within the school is evident, contributing to the overall improvements achieved.
In the early years, the school provides a rich learning environment that is fully inclusive, ensuring that support for children with special educational needs is robust. The culture of safeguarding is strong, with all staff prioritizing the well-being of children. The learning environment is well-resourced, allowing for a mix of activities that promote engagement and safety.
Next steps for the school include ensuring that pupils achieve a deeper understanding in mathematics through consistent opportunities for problem-solving and reasoning, as well as continuing to improve progress in writing across subjects and year groups. The inspection findings indicate a clear path for ongoing development, with a focus on maintaining the good quality of education and fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all pupils.
