Broadhurst School

Broadhurst School, located in a residential area of north-west London, is a co-educational day nursery and pre-preparatory school that caters to children aged 2 to 5. Founded in 1958 by Mrs. Mary Berkery, the school has undergone restructuring since its last inspection and now comprises eight pre-Nursery classes for children aged 2 to 3 and three Nursery classes for children aged 3 to 5. The school aims to provide a nurturing and secure environment where each child can develop individually, fostering curiosity and encouraging active learning.

The student body is diverse, with children coming from various cultural, religious, and linguistic backgrounds, primarily residing within a five-mile radius of the school. The school assesses that the children’s abilities upon entry are generally in line with expected developmental stages for their age. Currently, five children are identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities, which include speech and language needs. Additionally, 25 children are recognized as having English as an additional language, receiving support from classroom teachers and through one-to-one sessions. The school also implements a one-to-one program to challenge more able children.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate conducted a focused compliance inspection combined with an educational quality inspection. The inspection aimed to evaluate the school’s adherence to the Independent School Standards and the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework. The findings indicated that the school meets all the required standards, with no further action needed as a result of the inspection.

In terms of educational quality, the school provides a well-documented curriculum supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work. Teaching practices enable pupils to make good progress, and effective behavior management is in place. The assessment framework confirms that pupils are making good progress, and the standards related to the quality of education are met.

The school actively promotes principles and values that facilitate the personal development of pupils as responsible and tolerant citizens. The standards relating to spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development are also met. The school has established arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils, ensuring that health and safety requirements are met, including fire safety and first aid provisions. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils and keeps accurate admission and attendance registers.

Broadhurst School conducts appropriate checks to ensure the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors, maintaining a register as required. The premises are equipped with suitable facilities, including toilets and changing areas, and are maintained to a standard that meets health and safety requirements. The school provides adequate outdoor space for physical education and play.

A range of information is published and made available to parents, including details about the school’s ethos, curriculum, and arrangements for admission, behavior, and health and safety. The school has a clear complaints procedure that is effectively implemented, allowing parental complaints to be handled through a structured process.

Leadership and management at Broadhurst School demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively. The proprietor ensures that the leadership team actively promotes the well-being of pupils and consistently meets the required standards.

The educational quality inspection revealed that the quality of the children’s academic and other achievements is excellent. Children make significant progress relative to their starting points, displaying outstanding levels of communication and enthusiasm for learning. They exhibit high levels of independence and competence in mathematical skills, acquiring a solid understanding of numbers.

The personal development of the children is also rated as excellent. They are self-confident, resilient, and well-behaved, treating each other with respect and kindness. The school fosters excellent social skills, with children demonstrating a strong understanding of right and wrong. They are accepting of all members of the school community and enjoy celebrating each other’s backgrounds and cultures.

The school is advised to broaden older children’s exposure to a wider range of extra-curricular activities to foster an early interest in sports and the arts. While children participate well in the wider curriculum, there is limited provision of extra-curricular activities throughout the year, which could enhance their early experiences and skills.

The inspection evidence indicates that children are developing a secure self-understanding and confidence during their time at the school. They are active learners, eager to participate in activities and demonstrate persistence when tackling challenges. Children exhibit excellent behavioral understanding, following instructions and demonstrating respect for resources and others.

Social skills are notably strong, with children sharing equipment and working together harmoniously. They show a sophisticated level of turn-taking and patience, contributing to a calm and settled atmosphere within the school. The proprietor has facilitated a vision to create a nurturing environment, which is reflected in the school’s atmosphere and the children’s behavior.

Children are encouraged to make choices in their learning, selecting activities independently and navigating their learning environments confidently. They exhibit a clear understanding of how to keep safe and healthy, demonstrating knowledge of personal hygiene and healthy food choices. The school promotes physical activity, and children engage enthusiastically in movement sessions.

The spiritual development of children is fostered through discussions about different religions and festivals, enhancing their understanding of the diverse world in which they live. Children demonstrate curiosity about the natural world and engage in hands-on learning experiences, such as observing the hatching of chicks.

Overall, Broadhurst School provides a high-quality educational experience, meeting all regulatory compliance standards and excelling in the personal and academic development of its pupils. The school’s commitment to fostering a nurturing environment, promoting diversity, and encouraging independent learning is evident in the positive outcomes for its students.