The new guidelines for inspecting Jewish studies in schools have finally been published by Pikuach, the Board of Deputies-run service.

The 80-page handbook was due to launch in spring but was delayed because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The main difference in approach will be giving more emphasis to children’s “personal and spiritual development”.

As the introduction to the publication explains, “In order to flourish in a Jewish society, our children need to find an emotional connection to their learning, and recognise its personal relevance.

“If they do not find this, everything they learn will remain detached from their lives.”

Pikuach, which conducts seven to eight inspections of Jewish schools every year, suspended visits in March because of the pandemic.

Ofsted plans to resume inspections in September but without grading schools.