The Shrubbery School

The Shrubbery School, an independent co-educational preparatory day school, has been operating since 1930 and serves pupils aged 3 to 11. The school is divided into three sections: the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), infants for Years 1 and 2, and juniors for Years 3 to 6. The school is overseen by a proprietor who acquired it in July 2021, and the headmistress has been in her position since September 2020. The school was previously inspected by Ofsted in May 2018, and this inspection marks the first by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). The inspection took into account the challenges faced by schools during the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions imposed by government guidance.

The Shrubbery School aims to provide a high-quality learning environment where pupils feel happy, secure, and productive. The school emphasizes traditional values and fosters strong relationships among teachers, pupils, and parents. It strives to instill a love of learning, equipping pupils with the skills and self-confidence necessary for their future endeavors. Most pupils live close to the school, and the school's assessment data indicates that their abilities are broadly average compared to national standards. The school has identified 23 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including dyslexia and dyspraxia, all of whom receive additional support. Additionally, 15 pupils are identified as having English as an additional language, and the curriculum is modified for 18 more able pupils and 12 pupils with special talents in sports.

The ISI inspection, conducted from March 30 to April 1, 2022, focused on the school's compliance with the Independent School Standards and the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework. The inspection found that the school meets all the standards and requirements, with no further action required. The quality of education provided is deemed good, with effective teaching that enables pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and resources, ensuring a breadth of material is covered. The school also provides relationships education, having consulted parents and published a written policy in line with statutory guidance.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. The school has established arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils, adhering to current statutory guidance. Good behavior is encouraged, and measures are in place to prevent bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, including fire safety, and first aid provisions are available. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils and keeps accurate admission and attendance registers, along with a strategic approach to risk assessment. A disability access plan is also in place.

The 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 toilet and changing facilities, and the overall environment is maintained to a standard that meets health and safety regulations. Acoustics, lighting, and water provision are adequate, and there is suitable outdoor space for physical education and play.

A range of information is published and made available to parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education. This includes details about the proprietor, the school's ethos, curriculum, admission arrangements, behavior policies, health and safety measures, first aid provisions, and the complaints procedure. The safeguarding policy is accessible on the school’s website, and the school provides annual reports on individual pupil progress to parents.

The school has established a three-stage process for handling parental complaints, which includes informal discussions, formal complaints, and a hearing before an independent panel. Each stage has clear timelines, and records are kept of all complaints and actions taken, regardless of the outcome. The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, effectively fulfilling their responsibilities and promoting the well-being of pupils.

The inspection evidence included lesson observations, discussions with pupils, staff, and the proprietor, as well as examinations of pupils' work and extracurricular activities. Inspectors also visited facilities for younger pupils and reviewed the responses of parents, staff, and pupils to pre-inspection questionnaires. The overall findings indicate that The Shrubbery School meets the required standards and provides a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils. The school’s commitment to quality education, pupil welfare, and effective management is evident throughout the inspection report, highlighting its dedication to fostering a positive learning experience for all students.