Westville House School

Westville House School, located in Ilkley, Yorkshire, is a co-educational day school catering for pupils aged two to eleven years. The school operates as a charitable trust overseen by a board of governors, with a new headteacher appointed in September 2023. The school has a total of 131 pupils, including 43 in the early years, which consists of one Nursery and one Reception class. Among the pupils, 14 have been identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and one pupil has an education, health, and care (EHC) plan. Additionally, one pupil speaks English as an additional language.

The school’s mission emphasizes delivering educational excellence to maximize each child's potential, promoting a family ethos and values, and nurturing well-rounded, happy children prepared for life beyond Westville. The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) conducted an inspection from November 7 to 9, 2023, assessing the school’s compliance with the Independent School Standards and other regulatory requirements.

The inspection findings highlight that leaders and managers at all levels prioritize the school’s mission of promoting family values and nurturing happy children. Governors provide appropriate support to school leaders, who understand how to implement strategies to achieve these objectives. Staff training is prioritized to ensure that the school’s ambitious plans are realized. Respect and tolerance for others are evident throughout the school, with pupils reporting that they feel safe and secure. They believe that everyone is treated equally and fairly by both teachers and peers.

The curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils are taught a wide range of subjects, with the majority of lessons enabling pupils of all ages and abilities to make good progress. However, in some lessons, teachers do not challenge pupils sufficiently, which limits their learning potential. Effective support for pupils with SEND allows them to make progress, although there are instances where feedback from teachers lacks the detail necessary for pupils to improve their work effectively.

Pupils have access to a diverse array of extracurricular and sports programs, which help them develop various individual and collective skills, including teamwork and leadership. The personal, social, health, and economic education (PSHEE) program effectively teaches fundamental British values, contributing positively to the warm and friendly atmosphere within the school. Behavior is generally good, and pupils enjoy being together, although a newly introduced behavior monitoring system is not yet fully embedded.

Leaders ensure that pupil supervision and risk management are highly effective, taking all necessary actions to promote the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of pupils. The school has a robust system of rewards and sanctions that positively influences pupils' understanding of moral values. PSHEE lessons, assemblies, and form periods help pupils appreciate the importance of supporting others in both the school and the wider community.

The safeguarding arrangements in place are appropriate and effective, with staff receiving the necessary training to respond to concerns about pupils’ safety and well-being. The safeguarding policy is accessible to current and prospective parents on the school’s website, and all staff working with pupils have undergone proper checks during the recruitment process.

The inspection concluded that the school meets all relevant standards related to leadership and management, the quality of education, pupils' physical and mental health and emotional well-being, social and economic education, and safeguarding. However, the inspectors recommended that the school ensure all teaching maintains consistently high expectations, providing sufficient challenge and detailed feedback to support pupil progress. Additionally, the recently introduced behavior monitoring systems should be fully embedded to allow leaders to track issues and identify themes effectively across the school.

In terms of leadership and management, senior leaders demonstrate an effective and up-to-date understanding of the school’s ongoing work and progress. They keep the school’s aims central to their strategic decision-making, and after a period of leadership change, they communicate and implement policies and procedures effectively. This clarity helps staff and pupils understand expectations and contribute positively to school life. The school premises are well-maintained and secure, with effective links to local authority agencies concerning the welfare of young people.

The quality of education provided is commendable, with leaders planning the curriculum effectively to cover a range of subjects. Pupils are encouraged to develop skills in numeracy, literacy, science, and the creative and performing arts. The provision of specialist subject teaching contributes positively to pupils’ progress, and pupils are encouraged to use a wide vocabulary in their independent work. The early years curriculum is well-structured, allowing children to make good progress from their starting points.

Teachers in the early years promote independence among children, who are encouraged to manage their belongings and engage in activities that develop their communication skills. While there is some highly effective teaching throughout the school, there are instances where lessons lack challenge, preventing pupils from reaching their full potential. Standardized assessments enable leaders to track progress and set appropriate targets, although feedback to pupils sometimes lacks the necessary detail for improvement.

The school’s extracurricular program offers a variety of activities that promote pupil well-being, including trips and outings that enhance their experiences. The PSHEE program effectively teaches fundamental British values, with displays, trips, and visiting speakers enriching this provision. As a result, pupils demonstrate high levels of openness, tolerance, and respect for others.

Pupils participate in a wide range of physical education and personal development activities, learning about the importance of physical health through competitive sports and other participatory activities. The school’s inclusive approach to sports is appreciated by pupils and parents alike, leading to high levels of participation. The physical development of children in the early years is nurtured through opportunities for exploration and play, both indoors and outdoors.

The school fosters a culture of responsibility within society, evident in pupils’ enthusiastic fundraising for national charities. Leaders actively promote fundamental British values through the PSHEE program, providing opportunities for pupils to engage with life beyond the school. This includes studying democracy and discussing current affairs, which enhances pupils’ understanding of modern British society.

In summary, Westville House School is committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for its pupils, promoting their academic, social, and emotional development. The school meets all relevant standards and is well-regarded by pupils, parents, and staff. The recommendations from the inspection will further enhance the quality of education and support provided to pupils, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future endeavors.