Grange Park Preparatory School
13 The Chine, Grange Park, London, N21 2EA
Pupils
123
Ages
3 - 11
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Miss Flavia Rizzo
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£1,690 to £3,743
ISC Associations
IAPS
Religion
All Faiths
Bursaries
Available
About Grange Park Preparatory School
Grange Park Preparatory School, based in London, offers a nurturing and inclusive environment for children aged three to eleven. This co-educational primary school embraces an all faiths ethos, ensuring that students from diverse religious backgrounds feel welcomed and respected. The school provides day boarding, which allows students to benefit from a structured and supportive daily routine while returning home in the evenings.
The school prides itself on its small class sizes, which enable personalised attention and tailored instruction. This approach ensures that each child’s individual needs are met, fostering both academic and personal growth. The curriculum is broad and balanced, covering core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, alongside a rich array of creative and physical education opportunities. Art, Music, and Physical Education are integral parts of the school day, encouraging students to develop a well-rounded skill set.
One of the standout features of the school is its commitment to fostering a love of learning from an early age. The dedicated teaching staff employ innovative teaching methods and a variety of resources to engage students and make learning enjoyable. The school’s emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills prepares students well for the next stages of their education.
The wellbeing of students is a top priority at the school. The pastoral care system is robust, with staff members trained to support the emotional and social development of each child. Regular wellbeing activities and initiatives are integrated into the school day, promoting a positive and healthy school culture. The school also has a Head of Learning Support who works closely with students requiring additional assistance, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to succeed.
Extra-curricular activities play a significant role in the life of the school. A wide range of clubs and activities are available, from sports teams to drama clubs, providing students with the chance to explore their interests and talents outside the classroom. These activities not only enhance the school experience but also help in building confidence and teamwork skills.
The school’s facilities are well-maintained and equipped to support a variety of learning experiences. Classrooms are bright and welcoming, with modern technology integrated to enhance teaching and learning. Outdoor spaces are utilised for both play and learning, providing a stimulating environment for students to explore and engage with the natural world.
Parental involvement is encouraged and valued at the school. Regular communication between the school and families ensures that parents are kept informed about their child’s progress and school events. Parent-teacher meetings, workshops, and social events help to build a strong school community, fostering a collaborative approach to education.
In terms of academic performance, the school has a strong track record. Students consistently achieve high standards, with many progressing to well-regarded secondary schools. The school’s focus on developing a solid academic foundation, combined with its emphasis on personal development, ensures that students are well-prepared for future challenges.
Overall, the school offers a supportive and enriching environment for young learners. Its commitment to academic excellence, personal development, and wellbeing makes it a highly regarded choice for families in the area. The school’s inclusive ethos and dedication to fostering a love of learning ensure that students are not only well-educated but also well-rounded individuals.
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ISI Review
Grange Park Preparatory School, established in 1924 by sisters Mary and Louise Billings, has undergone significant changes over the years, including a name change in 1979 and a transition to coeducation in 2018. The school operates as a day school for girls aged 4 to 11, with a nursery for children aged 3 introduced in 2015. As a charitable trust, it is governed by a board of governors, and a new head was appointed in January 2017. At the time of the inspection, the school had 133 pupils enrolled, including 43 in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and 90 in the junior classes. The school reported that five pupils had special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with one having an education, health, and care (EHC) plan. Additionally, ten pupils were identified as having English as an additional language, all receiving appropriate support.
The purpose of the inspection was to assess the school's compliance with the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 and the Early Years Statutory Framework. The focus areas included safeguarding, health and safety, risk assessment, staff suitability, and the quality of leadership and management. The inspection findings indicated that the school met the standards for safeguarding, with an appropriate policy in place that aligns with the guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. The designated safeguarding lead and deputy lead effectively managed safeguarding concerns, and all staff received regular training on safeguarding issues, including online safety and preventing radicalization.
However, the school did not meet the health and safety regulations due to an outdated policy that had not been rigorously implemented. While senior staff had received suitable training, the monitoring of health and safety procedures by governors was deemed ineffective. Issues identified in previous inspections, such as electrical installations and fire risk assessments, had not been adequately addressed. The school was advised to take prompt action to eliminate identified health and safety issues and to ensure that responsibilities and timelines for addressing these matters were clearly defined.
In terms of risk assessment, the school met the regulations, with staff trained to conduct thorough assessments for trips and activities. The suitability of staff was also compliant, with the single central register of appointments showing that all required checks were completed before employment. The school provided parents with necessary information regarding safeguarding and maintained a suitable complaints policy, ensuring that all complaints were taken seriously and addressed appropriately.
The quality of education provided by the school was found to be satisfactory. The curriculum was broad and balanced, catering for the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND. Teaching staff demonstrated good subject knowledge and effectively engaged pupils in their learning. The school utilized standardized tests to track pupil performance and provided regular reports to parents regarding their children's progress.
The personal, social, health, and economic (PSHE) program was well-structured, promoting the development of informed and responsible citizens. The school actively promoted British values, fostering an environment of tolerance and respect. Pupils were encouraged to support one another, particularly older pupils assisting younger ones during playtime and in the dining hall.
The safeguarding policy was effectively implemented, with staff trained to recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns. The school maintained accurate records of recruitment checks and ensured that safeguarding arrangements were regularly reviewed. The leadership and management of the school demonstrated good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively and promoting the well-being of pupils.
Despite the positive aspects, the school was found lacking in certain areas of leadership and management, particularly regarding health and safety. The governors were urged to ensure that leaders had the necessary skills and knowledge to consistently meet the independent school standards and actively promote pupil well-being.
In summary, Grange Park Preparatory School has a rich history and a commitment to providing quality education. While the school meets many of the required standards, there are areas for improvement, particularly in health and safety management and proactive leadership. The school is encouraged to address these issues promptly to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all pupils. The inspection highlighted the importance of maintaining rigorous standards in safeguarding and health and safety, ensuring that all pupils can thrive in a secure and nurturing educational setting.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024