Family & Education
Ofsted: Simon Marks close to outstanding
Hackney primary told it could achieve top grade at next full inspection
February 20, 2023 11:55
Hackney primary told it could achieve top grade at next full inspection
February 20, 2023 11:55Simon Marks Jewish Primary in Stoke Newington has been told by Ofsted that it is close to being recognised as an outstanding school.
The state-aided primary, which was graded good at its last full inspection six years ago, received a routine check from inspectors last month.
They said there was sufficient “evidence of improved performance to suggest that the school could be judged outstanding if we were to carry out a graded inspection now”.
The school will receive a graded inspection next time, likely to be in a year or two.
Ofsted noted a well thought-out curriculum, the good use of assessment by teachers and high expectations in early years.
Pupils with special educational needs or disabilities “study the same curriculum content as others. Staff know how to adapt materials so that these pupils can learn and remember new skills and knowledge. They use advice from specialist professionals to help pupils with SEND enjoy and achieve well in each subject.”
The curriculum had been designed to spark “curiosity and understanding of other cultures”, there was a strong emphasis on performing arts and pupils influenced their school community.
“For example, they have made sure that monitors have been installed in classrooms to check on air quality. School councillors helped reorganise and choose new books for the school library.”
Around half the school’s pupils are from other faiths.