Caversham Preparatory School

Caversham Preparatory School is an independent co-educational day school located in Caversham, Reading, Berkshire. Founded in 1993, the school has been under the current proprietors since 2009. It serves children aged 3 to 11 and is divided into three sections: the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for Nursery and Reception, Infants for Years 1 and 2, and Juniors for Years 3 to 6. The school aims to create a nurturing environment that promotes kindness, tolerance, and mutual support, enabling pupils to achieve their full potential both academically and personally. The majority of pupils come from professional and business families in the local area, and the school reports that their abilities are above average compared to national standards. A small number of pupils have special educational needs, and the school provides appropriate support for them.

The recent focused compliance and educational quality inspection conducted in January 2023 found that Caversham Preparatory School meets all the standards set out in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection assessed various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils, welfare, health and safety, suitability of staff, premises, provision of information, handling of complaints, and quality of leadership and management.

The quality of education provided at the school is commendable. The school's assessment framework indicates that teaching enables pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, covering a broad range of subjects. Pupils receive relationships education, and the school has consulted parents to ensure that its policy aligns with statutory guidance. The standards related to the quality of education are met, demonstrating that the school provides a comprehensive and effective educational experience.

In terms of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, the school actively promotes principles and values that help pupils become responsible and tolerant citizens. The inspection confirmed that the relevant standards in this area are also met. The school fosters an environment where pupils can develop a strong sense of self and an understanding of their role in society.

The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized at Caversham Preparatory School. The school has established arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils, ensuring that good behavior is encouraged and bullying is effectively prevented. Health and safety requirements are met, including fire safety provisions, and first aid is adequately provided. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils and keeps accurate admission and attendance registers. A disability access plan is also in place, ensuring that the school is accessible to all pupils.

The inspection found that the school makes appropriate checks to ensure the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors, maintaining a register as required. The premises and accommodation provided for pupils are suitable, with adequate toilet and changing facilities, as well as appropriate medical and therapy accommodations. The school is well-maintained, with suitable outdoor space for physical education and play.

Caversham Preparatory School provides a range of information to parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education, including details about the school's ethos, curriculum, admission arrangements, behavior policies, and health and safety provisions. The school has a clear complaints procedure in place, which is effectively managed through a three-stage process, ensuring that parental concerns are addressed appropriately.

The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively. The proprietor ensures that the leadership team promotes the well-being of pupils and maintains high standards across all areas of the school.

The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and English as an additional language, make rapid progress over time. They excel in mathematics, demonstrating confidence in calculations and problem-solving across subjects. Pupils also exhibit strong communication skills and achieve high levels of attainment in literacy. Their positive attitudes towards learning enable them to work independently, although there is room for improvement in fostering their initiative.

The personal development of pupils is also rated as excellent. They display high levels of self-confidence and self-esteem, effectively verbalizing their thoughts and feelings. Pupils demonstrate a mature understanding of kindness and actively support one another in a collaborative atmosphere. They possess a strong awareness of physical and mental health, reflecting the school's commitment to promoting well-being.

The school is advised to strengthen pupils' ability to use their initiative and become more independent in their learning. Overall, the quality of pupils' academic and personal achievements is excellent, with the majority attaining results above average in standardized assessments. The school effectively tracks pupil progress through regular assessments, tailoring teaching to meet individual needs.

Caversham Preparatory School fosters a culture of respect and kindness, where pupils develop strong relationships and a sense of belonging. The school encourages pupils to engage in community activities and charitable initiatives, promoting social awareness and responsibility. Pupils appreciate the importance of diversity and demonstrate mutual respect for one another, contributing to a harmonious school environment.

In conclusion, Caversham Preparatory School provides a high-quality educational experience that meets regulatory standards and promotes the holistic development of its pupils. The school is committed to nurturing a supportive and inclusive environment where every child can thrive academically and personally. The positive feedback from parents and the successful outcomes for pupils reflect the effectiveness of the school's leadership and the dedication of its staff.