2023 Ofsted Inspection

We are extremely proud to share our latest Ofsted report with you. The report is a testament to the excellent quality of work in our school and the achievements of children at Alma Primary. Ofsted inspectors were with us for two days, visiting lessons, meeting school staff and leaders, children, parents/carers and governors, as well as examining documentation. 

As a result of their visit the inspection team judged the school to be GOOD in all five OFSTED categories. 

Amongst the comments in the report, the inspectors noted that:

• ‘relationships between pupils and staff are positive and nurturing’ and that children ‘arrive at school with a smile on their face’ 
• ‘teachers model learning effectively’ and ‘staff have the subject knowledge they need to deliver the curriculum effectively’.
• older pupils ‘debate philosophical issues’ which they saw helped children ‘to develop their own ideas and confidence when speaking in front of others.’
• There are a vast range of opportunities that are offered to children at Alma, which ‘help pupils to develop their talents and pursue their interests.’

Reading is a core focus for all inspections and the Ofsted team were impressed with the emphasis that leaders place on this, which helps our children to develop a ‘love for reading’. In particular, they noted the benefits of children visiting ‘the school library regularly’, and seeing ‘older pupils read to younger pupils’

From their discussion with staff, leaders and governors the inspectors concluded that ‘Safeguarding is everyone’s priority here’, so our ‘families and pupils receive the support they need’.

They were also impressed with the ways in which ‘Pupils… promote kindness around the school’ and that ‘Leaders want pupils to become responsible and respectful citizens, to play their part in developing a ‘world built on kindness’.

This is a fantastic achievement for everyone in our school and the entire Alma community. My thanks to everyone who has supported us to achieve this, in particular our outstanding staff team, our governors and volunteers who do so much for us, and our families who make our school so special.

You can download the full Ofsted Inspection report here.

To find out more about sending your child to Alma Primary please visit our ‘Open days’ page, here.

 

2022 Pikuach Inspection

The quality of Jewish learning and spirituality at Alma Primary was inspected by pikuach on 22nd and 23rd of June 2022 under Section 48 of the Education Act, 2005. We were visited by a team of two pikuach inspectors, led by Esther Colman. The inspectors joined lessons, spoke to children, parents, governors and staff and looked at a range of evidence including children’s work. At the end of the inspection the pikuach team concluded that ‘Alma Primary is an outstanding school where pupils display the embodiment of the school’s vision’, where ‘strong teaching promotes purposeful learning and high expectations’ and where children ‘enjoy their Jewish Learning and are very proud of their school’. The inspection report notes that the ‘positive atmosphere established in Jewish Learning lessons, enables pupils to rise to the challenge, contribute their own ideas, whilst listening and learning from their peers’, that spiritual development ‘is woven into the school life, providing opportunities for reflection, and resulting in pupils developing respect for others’ and that ‘All pupils, irrespective of faith participate fully, and feel included in the prayer life of the school’, enabling them to articulate ‘feelings of happiness and gratitude.

In common with Ofsted, pikuach judge schools from Grade 1 (Outstanding) to Grade 4 (Inadequate). The pikuach team graded Alma Primary as a school which is Outstanding, where the quality of Jewish Personal and Spiritual Development, as well as the Leadership and Management of the school are Outstanding and where the Quality of Jewish Education is Good. Following the difficulties of recent years that we have all faced, we are pleased that the pikuach team has seen the exceptional work being done at Alma and have reflected this in their report, which you can read in full here.