Wiznitz Cheder School, London

What it's like to be a pupil at Wiznitz Cheder School

There are significant weaknesses in the secular curriculum for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who face other barriers to learning. In some subjects, leaders have not sequenced the curriculum content coherently. Therefore, pupils experience gaps and inconsistencies in their learning and do not achieve well from their starting points. Pupils are not prepared for their next steps academically. The school has processes to identify pupils' barriers to learning. However, leaders and teachers have not identified pupils' needs and barriers precisely enough. Teaching approaches do not routinely reduce barriers. Teachers do not consistently design activities that take into account pupils' starting points. As a result, pupils with SEND and other pupils who are disadvantaged have significant gaps in their knowledge and skills. Pupils are taught about the importance of respect. Despite this, there are few opportunities for pupils to learn about faiths and cultures different to their own. There is a range of extra-curricular activities for pupils to learn about their faith. However, pupils have limited opportunities to broaden their experiences and to develop their interests. Pupils are not well prepared for life in diverse Britain. The proprietor body and school leaders lack robust oversight of the school to ensure that the independent school standards are consistently met. Pupils are proud of their school. In lessons, they are motivated and enjoy their learning. Teachers have high expectations for pupils' behaviour. Pupils learn in calm classrooms. They play and socialise well. Bullying is rare. If it were to occur, leaders would take appropriate action to prevent it from escalating. Pupils feel safe at this school and attend regularly. Nurturing relationships exist between staff and pupils. This creates a positive ethos where pupils feel valued and belong. Pupils appreciate their teachers, who listen and help them if they have a worry.

What Ofsted says the school should do next

• The proprietor body must ensure that staff have the training, skills and knowledge so that teaching approaches meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those with other barriers to learning effectively.
• Leaders must ensure that staff receive training so they have the subject knowledge to implement the curriculum and address gaps in pupils' knowledge and understanding so that pupils develop secure learning across all secular subjects.
• Leaders must ensure that there are effective processes in place to swiftly address gaps in what pupils know and remember across the secular curriculum so that pupils develop the foundational skills in reading, writing and mathematics and achieve well.
• Leaders must review the personal development programme so that pupils have a secure understanding of cultures and faiths different to their own and ensure that pupils gain a wide set of experiences to prepare them for life in modern Britain.
• The proprietor body must ensure that leaders have oversight of the curriculum and teaching so that they are able to hold school leaders to account so that the independent school standards are consistently met.
• The proprietor body must ensure that leaders have the expertise to implement plans for improvement which focus precisely on the improving the curriculum and teaching and address weaknesses in pupils' personal development.

Wiznitz Cheder provides a safe, calm and welcoming environment where pupils are respectful and well-behaved. Staff are well-supported and the school has strong connections with the local community. However, parents should be aware that there are significant concerns about the quality of teaching in core subjects like reading, writing and maths, with many pupils not making enough progress.

Safeguarding standards are met with an open culture where safety is everyone's responsibility and concerns are actively identified and managed.

Visits to local parks and places of interest, visits to local residential homes, fundraising for the community, faith-based extra-curricular activities

Train Stations

Bus Stops