Firs School

The Firs School, an independent co-educational day school located in Chester, was founded in 1945 and has been operating as a limited company since 2009. The school is overseen by Firs Education Ltd, which has two directors from the founding Longman family, supported by an advisory board of governors. The school caters to children aged two to eleven, divided into three sections: the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for ages two to five, infants for Years 1 and 2, and juniors for Years 3 to 6. The current headteacher, Miss Rosemary Evans, has been in position since September 2019. The inspection conducted in May 2022 took into account the challenges faced by schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Firs School aims to provide a secure, stimulating, and caring environment that celebrates childhood and fosters a partnership between children, parents, and staff. The school is committed to ensuring that every child progresses educationally, socially, and emotionally to their full potential while upholding the values of the Christian faith and respecting all beliefs. The pupil population is diverse, with students coming from various locations, primarily around Chester. The school reports that the overall ability of its pupils is average compared to national standards, with 28 pupils identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and 18 pupils speaking English as an additional language (EAL). The school provides additional support for these pupils and modifies the curriculum for the most able students.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) conducted a focused compliance inspection combined with an educational quality inspection. The inspection assessed the school's adherence to the Independent School Standards and the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework. The key findings indicated that the school meets all relevant standards, with no further action required. The quality of education provided is good, with effective teaching enabling pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and covers the required breadth of material, supported by appropriate resources and assessment frameworks.

The school promotes the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. Arrangements are in place to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils, with good behavior encouraged and bullying effectively prevented. The school maintains suitable facilities, including adequate toilet and changing facilities, and ensures that health and safety requirements are met. The school also makes appropriate checks to ensure the suitability of staff and maintains a register as required.

The quality of leadership and management is strong, with the proprietor ensuring that the leadership team demonstrates good skills and knowledge. The school effectively handles parental complaints through a structured process, maintaining clear records of actions taken. The educational quality inspection highlighted that pupils' academic achievements are good, with strong progress made by those with SEND and EAL. Pupils display excellent attitudes towards their studies, collaborating effectively in group work and demonstrating high levels of concentration.

Pupils' personal development is excellent, with strong social skills and a well-developed moral code. They show respect for diversity and engage positively with their peers. The school encourages pupils to take on responsibilities, such as acting as buddies for younger students and participating in community service projects. Pupils demonstrate a strong understanding of personal safety and health, with a well-rounded approach to physical and mental well-being.

The inspection evidence included observations of lessons, discussions with pupils and staff, and examination of pupils' work. Inspectors noted that pupils' communication skills are good, with many displaying confidence in speaking and presenting. Writing skills are age-appropriate, with pupils using correct punctuation and grammar. Numeracy skills are also strong, with pupils effectively manipulating numbers and solving problems.

Overall, the Firs School provides a nurturing environment that supports the academic and personal development of its pupils. The school meets all regulatory compliance standards and demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement in educational quality. The leadership team effectively promotes a positive school culture, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for their future educational journeys. The school’s achievements in various extracurricular activities, including sports and the arts, further enhance the overall educational experience for its pupils. The strong emphasis on values such as respect, tolerance, and community engagement contributes to the development of well-rounded individuals who are equipped to thrive in a diverse society.