Morasha Jewish Primary School Consultation 14 September 2012

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1 CONSULTATION DOCUMENT Outline proposal for Morasha Jewish Primary School to become a Voluntary Aided Primary School 1. Introduction The Governors of Morasha Jewish Primary School are proposing that the school move from the independent sector to become a Voluntary Aided school, maintained by the London Borough of Barnet. The process for bringing an independent school into the maintained sector is set out in Government guidance. One of the early steps is carrying out a consultation exercise to elicit views from interested parties. We are seeking the views of your organisation and this document contains key information about the proposed school. An opportunity to visit the school and to discuss the proposals in more detail will take place at the school on 24 October 2012 at 8pm. To reserve a place or for more information, please consultation@morashajps.org.uk. Annex A lists those being consulted. Following this consultation, and taking into account views expressed, a full proposal will be published which will go through a further six week representation period after which it will be considered by the London Borough of Barnet. 2. Objectives Our objective is for the existing co-educational, one-form entry school at 37 Moss Hall Grove, London N12 8PE and Finchley Synagogue, Kinloss Gardens, London N3 3DU to move to 37 Moss Hall Grove, London N12 8PE and 31 Stanhope Road, Barnet, London, N12 9DX and to enter the maintained sector by becoming a Voluntary Aided primary school. The school will cater for up to 210 children between the ages of The school, which opened in September 2008, currently has 113 pupils across five school year groups. The school will provide access for mainstream Orthodox Jewish children to Jewish and secular education within the maintained sector in response to considerable demand for such education within the London Borough of Barnet and neighbouring authorities. The intention is to enhance the quality of education currently provided to pupils at the existing independent Morasha Jewish Primary School and to increase the diversity of provision within Barnet s maintained sector to better reflect the religious, ethnic and cultural diversity of its population. Subject to the approval of the proposals by Barnet Council, it is proposed that the school would become maintained in April Is there a need for a new Voluntary Aided school? In response to a shortage of primary school provision for mainstream Orthodox Jewish families in the Finchley area, Morasha Jewish Primary School was opened in 2008 by the Finchley Jewish Primary School Trust and a group of concerned parents who were not able to get their children into Orthodox, independent or maintained Jewish primary schools in Barnet or the neighbouring Local Authorities. 1

2 School places in Orthodox Jewish primary schools in the London Borough of Barnet and neighbouring authorities have, for some years, been stretched to their limit. Local demand is expected to continue to increase, due to the ongoing growth of the Finchley Orthodox Jewish community. At present, there are many pupils who attend the independent Morasha Jewish Primary School because of the shortage of suitable places within the maintained sector. Morasha Jewish Primary School itself has been oversubscribed for the last 2 years, and the proportion of sibling applications to the reception class for September 2012 was already over 40% and for September 2013, the anticipated number of siblings is 50% of all available places. The existing Jewish schools within the maintained sector in the Finchley area cannot meet the requirements of the members of the observant modern orthodox community. The opening of a new maintained Modern Orthodox Jewish primary school will provide additional parental choice and diversity for parents in Barnet. 4. Demand for Orthodox school places in the London Borough of Barnet The Orthodox Jewish community in the London Borough of Barnet and neighbouring local authorities has grown significantly over the last 10 years. In particular, the Modern Orthodox Jewish community in Finchley has grown significantly. For example, the number of children aged 3 and under who are listed as members of Finchley synagogue is 205; this accounts for more than one quarter (27%) of the total number of children aged 0 to 18 who are synagogue members. The net result has been an increase in demand for a local school. The lack of maintained primary school places has led to the establishment of a number of independent and free primary schools over the last three years in and around the Finchley area. 5. Effects on other schools in Barnet? If the full proposal is approved, Morasha Jewish Primary School will: take its place alongside other local schools as part of the local educational system; not take significant numbers of children away from other Barnet schools; receive the same funding as other local maintained schools. If the school is successful in its bid to become Voluntary Aided, Barnet s central government funding will be automatically adjusted for the extra pupils. Establishment of Morasha Jewish Primary School will not reduce funding or resources in other Barnet schools. We believe that the proposed new school can only enrich the diversity of education already available locally. 6. Why should the school become Voluntary Aided? It has always been the intention of the school to enter the maintained sector and it was set up to mirror the curriculum, practice and policies of Voluntary Aided primary schools. The Government is supportive of schools set up in response to what local people say they want and need in order to improve education for children in their community. 2

3 We believe that: the standards of education will be improved by entering the maintained sector. This will contribute to increased quality of opportunity and greater choices for pupils in later life; a move to Voluntary Aided status will enable the school to access more funding for learning resources, greater access to in-service training and professional development; and general advice and support from the Local Authority and other Barnet Schools; moving into the maintained sector will provide additional parental choice and diversity of school provision for Orthodox Jewish parents in Barnet, by making this type of education available to all who seek it, without the financial burden; the school would be strengthened by the additional resources made available within the aided system; the school would benefit from the experiences and skills of staff at other maintained schools in Barnet. 7. Information about the school Morasha Jewish Primary School is a co-educational, one-form entry school situated at Moss Hall Grove, Finchley, London, N12 8PE and Finchley Synagogue, Kinloss Gardens, Finchley, London, N3 3DP with plans to move into a permanent site in early The permanent school will be located at 31 Stanhope Road, Finchley, London, N12 9DX and some classes will remain at 37 Moss Hall Grove, Finchley, London, N12 8PE. Morasha opened in September 2008 and now has five classes - Reception, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4 - with a total roll of 113 pupils. The school has been oversubscribed for the past two years. Each year, as the school grows an additional cohort is added to the school. When the school has its full complement of 7 cohorts of children, the roll will be 210 children between the ages of 4 and 11, with 30 children in each year. In its last Ofsted inspection, Morasha Jewish Primary School received a positive report which judged overall effectiveness for the school as good and commented that the pupils outstanding spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is due to the very wide range of opportunities to contribute to activities which promote their self knowledge, self esteem and self-confidence. Ofsted also said that pupils behaviour is outstanding and they say they feel safe. We expect the standards of educational provision to continue to rise in the new Voluntary Aided primary school. The school is a venture of the Finchley Jewish Primary School Trust whose sole aim is to advance education (including religious, social and physical) by promoting the School and furthering the education of children attending the School by promoting high standards of academic excellence The trustees collectively have extensive experience as lay leaders and governors of schools. Morasha Jewish Primary School was granted planning consent to redevelop the Stanhope Road site on 11 July 2012 and we hope to open the new accommodation in early This will meet and exceed the sufficiency and suitability requirements as set out in legislation. The Stanhope Road site will be wholly owned by the trustees of the Finchley Jewish Primary School Trust. 3

4 a) Ethos and religious character of the school The maintained Morasha Jewish Primary School will be a vibrant, inclusive, modern-orthodox Jewish primary committed to Torah values, Ivrit (Modern Hebrew) and fostering a strong positive attitude towards Israel. The teaching of Judaism is a fundamental element of the school. In an integrated environment of both secular and Jewish academic excellence, our school nurtures and encourages all of its pupils to achieve their full potential and become tolerant and respectful global citizens. We work in partnership with families and the community to develop pupils to become responsible, committed members of the Jewish community and society at large. Academic Ethos We provide a broad and balanced curriculum which aims to develop individual children s progress and strives to achieve the highest possible academic standards The National Curriculum forms the basis of our curriculum which is enhanced through relevant links to Jewish studies We integrate Limmudei Chol (secular studies) and Limmudei Kodesh (Jewish studies) to enhance the relevance of their connection for the child We encourage children of all abilities to reach their full potential We provide equal opportunities in all aspects of the curriculum within the context of a highly motivated and academic atmosphere We respond to the needs of the whole child spiritually, emotionally, physically, socially and intellectually Our school creates awareness in our children of their responsibilities to one another, their teachers, and the wider community Jewish Ethos We provide a modern-orthodox Jewish environment for our children that demonstrates a commitment to Torah values with a strong positive attitude towards Israel We foster a strong Jewish identity We instil in our children respect for and tolerance of all people We teach Ivrit (Modern Hebrew) as a living language Our Jewish learning, traditions and culture are under the auspices of the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth Community Ethos We are a modern orthodox Jewish community school open to all those who wish their children to be educated in a modern orthodox environment We foster good relationships with parents, governors and the wider community Family values are an integral part of the school's ethos We actively encourage parental involvement and facilitate a variety of family-based learning opportunities We are committed to lifelong learning Our pupils are made aware of the wider community and the world around them b) Curriculum The proposed new school will follow the new 2012 Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guidance and the National Curriculum. The school will: 4

5 Be fully committed to providing a broad and balanced curriculum; implement best practice in literacy and numeracy; be committed to equal opportunities for boys and girls; implement national and local policies in relation to pupils with special educational needs; proactively engage in community projects. c) Admissions to the school The proposed admission criteria for the school are outlined in full in Annex B and will comply with all statutory requirements while recognising the ethos of the school. In brief, the policy gives priority to children with special educational needs (SEN), Jewish children in public care, children with siblings who are currently at the school and children of families who regularly attend and participate at Finchley Synagogue (Kinloss). It is proposed that all pupils registered at the independent Morasha Jewish Primary School will transfer to the new maintained school unless their parents choose to place them elsewhere. d) Special Educational Needs The school is aware of the responsibilities to provide education appropriate to the needs of a wide range of children, including those with special educational needs (SEN). The school already provides support for pupils with SEN mainly by in-class support or individual and small group activities where needed. Parents are fully involved in the regular reviews of pupils with SEN. 5

6 Annex A: Consultation to become Voluntary Aided Letters to: Parents of existing pupils Chairs of Governors of maintained primary schools in the London Borough of Barnet (LBB) (89 schools) Chairs of Governors of all maintained secondary schools in LBB (22 schools) Chairs of Governors of all primary and secondary schools within a 2 mile and 3 mile radius of the sites in other Boroughs respectively Chair of Governors of all Jewish maintained and independent primary and secondary schools in LBB and neighbouring local authorities Local Authorities likely to be affected by the proposals where there may be cross border movement of pupils (Brent, Enfield, Haringey, Hertfordshire) Nursery providers and other early years settings in Barnet Trade Unions who may represent staff at the existing independent school and who also represent staff at other schools who may be affected by the proposal The local Church of England and Roman Catholic dioceses. MPs for the relevant local constituencies All LBB councillors LBB Director of Adult Social Care and the Director of Children's Services A range of Jewish organisations: Chief Rabbi s office, Board of Deputies, Jewish Leadership Council, United Synagogue, Federation of Synagogues, Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations, local synagogues, UJIA, Jewish Care and Norwood. Open meetings for: Parents of existing pupils and future pupils leaders/governors of Barnet/Enfield/Haringey primary schools Conversations and correspondence with: MP for Finchley & Golders Green Councillors for Finchley Ward Members of Cabinet LBB officers 6

7 Annex B: Proposed admissions criteria for Morasha Jewish Primary School when it enters the Maintained Sector (NB criteria are subject to change and may be amended as part of the statutory proposals process) Admissions Policy and Procedures for Morasha Jewish Primary School This is the comprehensive admissions policy and procedure for entry into Morasha Jewish Primary School ( Morasha ). Morasha was set up to serve the local community of Finchley United Synagogue ( Kinloss ) which is located at Kinloss Gardens, London, N3 3DU. Priority for admission is given to those who regularly attend Kinloss and whose family is able to demonstrate commitment to halachic Jewish observances and practices and the ethos of Morasha as verified by way of a form to be completed by the Rabbi of the Synagogue at which the family are regular attendees. The decision as to whether or not an applicant qualifies for priority consideration will be based on the information provided by the applicant on the school s Supplementary Information Form ( SIF ). In this policy, those who qualify for such priority are referred to as Priority Children and, in the event of any dispute as to whether a child is a Priority Child, the ruling of the Admissions Committee of Morasha will be final. Admissions 1. The school has a published admissions number of 30 children each year. If only one place is available at Morasha and the next child who qualifies for a place is one of multiple birth siblings, Morasha will go over the published admission number to support the family. 2. In the event that the school is oversubscribed priority will be given as follows. a. Looked After Priority Children and Priority Children who were adopted (or subject to residence orders or special guardianship orders) immediately following having been looked after. 1 b. Priority Children with siblings who are currently at Morasha. For these purposes siblings shall include half-siblings, step-siblings and adopted siblings who are Priority Children and who are living at the same address. c. Priority Children of families who regularly attend and participate at Kinloss; d. Priority Children of families who regularly attend and participate at other Orthodox synagogues in Barnet; e. Other Priority Children f. Other Looked After Children and children who were adopted (or subject to residence orders or special guardianship orders) immediately following having been looked after. g. Other children 1 A child looked after is a child in the care of a local authority or provided with accommodation by that authority in accordance with Section 22 of the Children Act An adopted child is defined by Section 46 of Adoption and Children Act A residence order is defined by Section 8 of the Children Act A special guardianship order is defined by Section 14A of the Children Act

8 3. If in any category there are more qualifying applicants than there are available places, priority will be given according to the proximity of the child s home to the main entrance of Kinloss at Kinloss Gardens, London, N3 3DU. Distance is measured in a straight line between the address point for the child s home, supplied by the Post Office, to the main entrance of Kinloss using the London Borough of Barnet s computerised geographical information system. If there are two families who live in the same block of flats then those closest to the front door will have priority. If all criteria and measures are equal then a random ballot will be the tie breaker. Where a child lives with parents with shared responsibility, each for a part of the week, the address used will be the address where the child spends the major part of the week. 4. Verification of commitment to halachic Jewish observance and practice and the ethos of Morasha will be obtained from the Rabbi of the synagogue where the applicant family regularly attends. Evidence will be sought of active Orthodox synagogue worship and observance of halachic Jewish laws and practice. Verification of attendance and participation at Kinloss should be obtained from a Rabbi of Kinloss. Admissions Procedure 1. All applications for places at the school must be submitted on the Barnet CAF form which should be returned to the local authority where the child lives. If the applicant seeks consideration for priority admission, the applicant should also complete the SIF. The SIF must be sent to the school at the same time as the CAF is completed. 2. The closing date for all applications to the reception class is in accordance with the London Borough of Barnet Coordinated Admissions Scheme (1st September to 31st August) in which the child will attain 4 years of age. Late applications will be dealt with in accordance with the London Borough of Barnet Coordinated Admissions Scheme. 3. Parents will be notified by London Borough of Barnet in accordance with its Coordinated Admissions Scheme. Parents must indicate in writing within 10 days their intention to take up a place. Waiting List When all available places have been filled, children not allocated places will be placed on a waiting list ranked in descending order according to the published admissions criteria. The waiting list will remain in operation from the day the original places are awarded and will be open until the end of the academic year. Those who wish to remain on the waiting list after this period will be asked annually if they wish to remain on the waiting list, if they still meet the criteria of the SIF. In-year applications and applications for places in years other than Reception These will be considered in accordance with the above oversubscription criteria in accordance with the London Borough of Barnet Coordinated Admissions Scheme. Applications must be made directly to the London Borough of Barnet. 8

9 Special Needs Children with a statement of special educational needs that names the school will be admitted. This is a separate process to the normal admission procedure. Incorrect or Misleading Applications If the information given in the application form is not accurate or up to date, your child may lose priority. In such a case, the Governors will have discretion to refuse the offer of a place. The Governors reserve the right to withdraw the offer of a place where it is found that the place was offered on the basis of fraudulent or misleading information given at any time during the application process. Appeal Procedure If a place is not offered, parents will be advised as to their right to appeal to an Independent Appeal Panel convened by the Governors of Morasha for this purpose and will be advised on the process for appeal. Fair Access Protocol The Governors of Morasha acknowledge that the Admission Forum or the London Borough of Barnet may require the school to admit a child exceptionally, either outside the normal admissions arrangements or in excess of the published admission list, in order to protect the interests of vulnerable children and those with challenging behaviour. The Governors of Morasha have been informed that these pupils will be shared between schools in ways that are fair, objective and transparent. 9

10 Annex C: Location of Maintained Primary Schools in London Borough of Barnet Morasha JPS Stanhope Road site Morasha JPS Moss Hall Road site See next page for list of Voluntary Aided primary schools in the London Borough of Barnet. The Jewish schools are highlighted in italics. Source: A Guide to Primary Education in Barnet 2012, London Borough of Barnet, page 26 *Please note that the map does not include Rimon Jewish Primary School, a new Free School in Golders Green which was not operational at the time A Guide to Primary Education in Barnet 2012 went to print. 10

11 List of Primary Schools in London Borough of Barnet 1. Akiva Jewish VA Primary 2. All Saints C of E VA Primary 3. All Saints C of E VA Primary 4. The Annunciation Catholic VA Junior 5. The Annunciation Catholic VA Infant 6. Barnfield Community Primary 7. Beis Yaakov Jewish Girls VA Primary 8. Bell Lane Community Primary 9. Blessed Dominic Catholic VA Primary 10. Broadfields Community Primary 11. Brookland Community Junior 12. Brookland Community Infant 13. Brunswick Park Community Primary 14. Chalgrove Community Primary 15. Childs Hill Community Primary 16. Christ Church C of E VA Primary 17. Church Hill Community Primary 18. Claremont Community Primary 19. Colindale Community Library 20. Coppetts Wood Community Primary 21. Courtland Community Primary 22. Cromer Road Community Primary 23. Danegrove Community Primary 24. Deansbrook Community Junior 25. Deansbrook Community Infant 26. Dollis Foundation Junior 27. Dollis Community Infant 28. Edgware Community Junior 29. Edgware Community Infant 30. Beit Shvidler VA Primary 31. Etz Chaim Jewish Primary 32. Fairway Community Primary 33. Foulds Community Primary 34. Frith Manor Community Primary 35. Garden Suburb Community Junior 36. Garden Suburb Community Infant 37. Goldbeaters Community Primary 38. Grasvenor Avenue Community Infant 39. Hasmonean Primary Jewish VA 40. Hollickwood Foundation Primary 41. Holly Park Community Primary 42. Holy Trinity C of E VA Primary 43. The Hyde Community Primary 44. Independent Jewish Day School VA Primary 45. Livingstone Community Primary 46. Manorside Community Primary 47. Martin Community Primary 48. Mathilda Marks Kennedy Jewish VA Primary 49. Menorah Primary Jewish VA 50. Menorah Foundation Jewish VA Primary 51. Monken Hadley C of E VA Primary 52. Monkfrith Community Primary 53. Moss Hall Community Junior 54. Moss Hall Community Infant 55. Northside Community Primary 56. The Orion Community Primary 57. Osidge Foundation Primary 58. Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic VA Primary 59. Pardes House Jewish Boys VA Primary 60. Parkfield Community Primary 61. Queenswell Community Junior 62. Queenswell Community Infant 63. Rosh Pinah Jewish VA Primary 64. Sacred Heart Catholic VA Primary 65. St Agnes Catholic VA Primary 66. St Andrew s C of E VA Primary 67. St Catherine s Catholic VA Primary 68. St John s C of E VA Primary 69. St John s C of E VA Primary 70. St Joseph s Catholic VA Junior 71. St Joseph s Catholic VA Infant 72. St Mary s & St John s C of E VA Primary 73. St Mary s C of E VA Primary 74. St Mary s C of E VA Primary 75. St Paul s C of E VA Primary 76. St Paul s C of E VA Primary 77. St Theresa s Catholic VA Primary 78. St Vincent s Catholic VA Primary 79. Summerside Community Primary 80. Sunnyfields Community Primary 81. Trent C of E VA Primary 82. Tudor Community Primary 83. Underhill Community Junior 84. Underhill Community Infant 85. Wessex Gardens Community Primary 86. Whitings Hill Community Primary 87. Woodcroft Community Primary 88. Woodridge Community Primary 11 of 11