Vita Et Pax School

Vita et Pax Preparatory School, located in Southgate, London, is an independent co-educational day school that serves children aged 3 to 11. The school is committed to providing a child-centered education within a supportive environment that nurtures the unique character of each pupil. With a Christian ethos, the school emphasizes care and respect for diversity, aiming to foster a strong partnership with parents to ensure that pupils are safe, academically confident, and well-cared for physically, socially, and emotionally.

The school has a total enrollment of 95 pupils, including 27 children in the early years, which consists of one Nursery class and one Reception class. Among the student body, 25 pupils have been identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities, with five of these having an education, health, and care plan. The school does not have any pupils for whom English is an additional language.

The recent inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate took place from November 21 to 23, 2023. The inspection team comprised three inspectors who visited the school for two and a half days, accompanied by a shadow inspector. The inspection activities included observing lessons, registration periods, assemblies, and a sample of extra-curricular activities. The team also engaged in discussions with the proprietor, headteacher, school leaders, staff, and pupils, and scrutinized samples of pupils' work and various school policies and documentation.

The inspection findings highlighted that the proprietor and senior leaders ensure that the education provided aligns with the school’s core values and aims, which are well-known and embedded within the school culture. The leadership promotes a child-centered approach that enables pupils to develop into confident, capable, and caring individuals. The curriculum is effectively planned and well-taught, with clear expectations for individual pupils. Teachers take into account pupils’ prior learning and areas for development, ensuring that teaching builds on their existing knowledge.

Pupils at Vita et Pax Preparatory School are described as happy, motivated, and actively engaged in their learning. They demonstrate attentiveness and focus during lessons, and the positive relationships with staff encourage them to challenge themselves and show resilience. The school has a suitable policy for promoting good behavior, which is understood and consistently implemented by staff and pupils. However, the inspection noted that records of persistent or unacceptable behavior are not effectively monitored to identify trends and plan for improvement.

The personal, social, health, and economic (PSHE) curriculum provides valuable learning experiences that prepare pupils for the opportunities and responsibilities of life in British society and beyond. While risk assessments are in place for many aspects of the school’s provision, the implementation of some risk management strategies, particularly regarding the transportation of pupils, requires improvement.

The inspection report indicated that while the school meets several standards related to the quality of education, training, and recreation, there are areas for action, particularly concerning leadership and management, as well as safeguarding. The governors must ensure that leadership demonstrates the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfill their responsibilities effectively, thereby consistently meeting the required standards. Additionally, the safeguarding policy must be up-to-date and reflect current statutory guidance, with suitable records in place to promote pupil wellbeing.

The report also emphasized the need for an effective system to track and monitor behavior, enabling the identification of patterns and the development of appropriate strategies. The leadership in early years is noted for actively promoting the wellbeing of children, with staff possessing the necessary skills and knowledge to meet their needs. The curriculum in early years is tailored to individual needs, ensuring that children make good progress.

In terms of safeguarding, the inspection found that while some suitable arrangements are in place, there are systematic weaknesses in procedures. The safeguarding policy did not initially reflect the most recent statutory guidance, and record-keeping lacked rigor, undermining the culture of safeguarding. The proprietor does not regularly monitor the procedures implemented by school leaders, leading to a lack of systematic oversight.

Despite these challenges, the school has established appropriate relationships with external agencies and ensures that staff are trained to identify and respond to safeguarding concerns. The inspection team noted that staff are knowledgeable about safeguarding procedures and understand the relevant guidance, including online safety and the risks of radicalization and extremism.

Overall, the inspection report indicates that while Vita et Pax Preparatory School meets many of the relevant standards, there are critical areas that require attention, particularly in leadership, management, and safeguarding. The school is encouraged to develop a strategic, comprehensive, and inclusive approach to identifying and managing risks to pupil wellbeing, ensuring that all necessary records are accurately maintained. The commitment to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for pupils is evident, and with the implementation of the recommended actions, the school can continue to enhance its educational provision and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all its pupils.