Kisharon Noé School has achieved a ‘good’ rating, and won praise for high expectations and pupil focus from Ofsted in its first inspection since becoming a free school and moving to Parson Street, Hendon in 2020.

The school at the Wohl Campus is one of the most advanced of its kind for pupils with SEND or complex needs and is a flagship for the charity’s mission of ensuring equal opportunities for people with learning disabilities. With specialist and experienced staff, the school strives to enable pupils to develop skills to live as independently as possible – aided by the most advanced educational resources in environmentally sensitive surroundings.

Headteacher Dr Emily Haddock said: “Our pupils are so fortunate to have a staff team that care endlessly about their education and welfare. The team’s dedication shone through to Ofsted and is evident to our school community every day. It was amazing for Ofsted to recognise so clearly that they can see the difference that our amazing team makes to the lives of our children. This is also recognised by a lot of our families.”

Ofsted inspectors said school leaders had created an innovative and ambitious curriculum, with the school’s Kodesh curriculum woven carefully with other subjects. They saw how pupils like this because it helps them to connect the two areas together in a meaningful way.

Deputy Headteacher Adina Collins added: “We are so proud that Ofsted recognised our curriculum’s innovative and ambitious approach to delivering Kodesh. It was amazing to have Ofsted recognise the value of Kodesh not only as a key part of the school’s wider offer but also how the Jewish ethos underpins the whole school curriculum, and is embedded into everything that the children learn. This is a true reflection of how Jewish values shine through and are applied to the everyday lives of Jewish people living in modern Britain.”

The children were commended too. Inspectors noted pupils are proud to be part of such a happy and inclusive community. They are well prepared for the next stages of their education and pupils are safe and very well cared for.

The report noted: “Many parents and carers expressed high levels of praise for the school’s work. They can see the difference the school is making to their children’s lives.”

Staff won praise for tailoring learning and working impressively as a team to meet pupils’ sensory, speech and physical needs. The report said: “Leaders, including Trustees, put pupils at the heart of all decision-making. They do whatever it takes to help pupils to do well in their learning and in their personal development. Leaders have made important and significant changes to the school’s work. These changes are making a positive difference to pupils’ all-round development.”