Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Beis Yaakov Primary School on 15 May 2019, following its previous judgment of good in March 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, under the headteacher Mrs. Ellie Bialoglowski, has effectively utilized the governing body's knowledge and experience to identify and address areas for improvement since the last inspection. The school has a clear understanding of its strengths and areas needing further development, with improvement plans based on detailed analyses of performance data and external reviews.
The leadership team has made significant strides in reviewing the staffing structure and ensuring collaboration between secular and non-secular staff. They have high expectations for all pupils and regularly monitor progress to hold teachers accountable. Subject leaders for literacy and mathematics have worked closely with teachers to identify pupils who may not be sufficiently challenged, leading to enhanced expectations and support for staff. Professional development opportunities have been successful in improving staff subject knowledge, particularly in reading, writing, and mathematics.
Parents and carers have expressed overwhelming positivity about the school's values, leadership, and staff through Ofsted's online questionnaire. They appreciate the supportive environment created by the school, where pupils respect one another and learn collaboratively. Pupils articulate the importance of respect and demonstrate a clear understanding of cultural influences shaping their heritage and that of others.
The curriculum at Beis Yaakov Primary School is broad and balanced, fostering a love for learning among pupils, who attend regularly. The school provides various opportunities for pupils to engage with different cultures and professions, enhancing their understanding of the world. The curriculum also emphasizes health and safety, with pupils feeling secure and trusting the adults in their school environment.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a well-trained safeguarding team working collaboratively across departments to ensure all arrangements are fit for purpose. Governors actively participate in ensuring the school meets its safeguarding duties, contributing to a culture of care throughout the school. Systems for early help and support are robust, with immediate follow-up on any concerns.
The inspection focused on specific aspects of school life, including how the needs of the most able pupils are met, particularly in mathematics, and the reasons behind the strong reading performance at key stage one. Leaders have high expectations for respect and tolerance, integrating Torah values with British values throughout the school experience. The curriculum supports pupils in participating positively in modern British life, with opportunities for democratic engagement and understanding the rule of law.
The teaching of phonics is highly effective, with well-trained staff providing ample opportunities for pupils to practice and consolidate their skills. The school has maintained a high proportion of pupils achieving the expected standard in the phonics screening check, reflecting strong early reading instruction. Recent improvements to the library and the introduction of high-quality texts have further enhanced pupils' reading experiences.
In mathematics, leaders have implemented a new curriculum approach and provided training to ensure high-quality teaching. Teachers are applying their training effectively, promoting mathematical reasoning and problem-solving. However, there is recognition that the most able pupils are not consistently challenged, with some tasks not sufficiently deepening their understanding.
Pupils enjoy their learning and appreciate the recent changes to the library and literacy lessons. However, some pupils feel that mathematics work can be too easy at times, indicating a need for greater challenge for the most able, particularly in mathematics and writing.
Moving forward, leaders and governors are tasked with ensuring that current improvements are embedded, particularly in challenging the most able pupils in mathematics and writing, to achieve higher standards. The inspection findings highlight the school's strengths while also identifying areas for continued development to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
