The New School

The New School is an independent co-educational day school located in Exminster, Exeter, Devon, catering for pupils aged between three and seven years. Founded in 1992, the school has been under the governance of its proprietor, who previously served as the headmistress until 2019. The current headmistress, Ms. Elizabeth Brown, has been in her position for five months. The school aims to foster enthusiastic, lifelong learners by building confidence and instilling a love of learning within a warm, familial atmosphere. It seeks to lay strong educational foundations to prepare pupils for entry into academically selective independent schools.

The student body comprises 64 pupils, with 39 in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and 25 in Key Stage 1 (KS1). The pupils come from diverse professional and farming backgrounds, predominantly from white British families residing within a 10-mile radius of the school. The school’s assessments indicate that the pupils' abilities are above average, with five pupils identified as having English as an additional language (EAL), whose needs are supported by their classroom teachers.

The regulatory compliance inspection is conducted by the Department for Education (DfE), which oversees independent schools and ensures they meet the Independent School Standards. The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) is responsible for inspecting schools that are members of the Independent Schools Council (ISC). The inspection process evaluates whether schools comply with the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, as well as the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework. The inspection also assesses the school’s accessibility plan under the Equality Act 2010 and compliance with the ban on corporal punishment.

The recent inspection of The New School, conducted on January 29 and 30, 2020, concluded that the school meets all the standards outlined in the regulations, with no further action required. The inspection report is divided into several parts, each addressing different aspects of the school’s operations and educational quality.

In terms of the quality of education provided, the school employs its own framework for determining pupil attainment, rather than relying on the national framework. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, ensuring a broad range of material is covered. Teaching practices enable pupils to make good progress, with effective behavior management and suitable resources in place. The assessment framework for evaluating pupil performance is also deemed appropriate.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible, tolerant, and law-abiding citizens. The school’s principles and values contribute positively to the personal development of its pupils.

Regarding the welfare, health, and safety of pupils, the school has established arrangements to safeguard and promote pupil welfare, adhering to current statutory guidance. Good behavior is encouraged, and measures are in place to prevent bullying. Health and safety requirements, including fire safety, are met, and provisions for first aid are adequately maintained. The school ensures proper supervision of pupils, maintains admission and attendance registers, and adopts 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 and accommodation provided for pupils meet the necessary standards, including suitable toilet and changing facilities, as well as adequate outdoor space for physical education and play. The school’s facilities are maintained to a standard that aligns with health and safety requirements, ensuring appropriate acoustics and lighting.

In terms of information provision, the school publishes a range of information for parents, inspectors, and the DfE. 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 handling of parental complaints is structured through a three-stage process, which includes informal, formal, and a hearing before an independent panel. Each stage has clear timelines, and the panel can make findings and recommendations communicated to the complainant. Records of complaints and actions taken are maintained appropriately.

The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively to ensure that all standards are consistently met. The proprietor actively promotes the well-being of pupils, contributing to a positive school environment.

The inspection evidence gathered included lesson observations, formal interviews with pupils, and examinations of pupils’ work samples. Inspectors engaged in discussions with staff and the proprietor, observed extracurricular activities, and attended assemblies. They also reviewed pre-inspection questionnaires completed by parents and staff, as well as curriculum documentation provided by the school.

Overall, The New School has demonstrated compliance with all relevant standards and regulations, ensuring a high-quality educational experience for its pupils. The school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching environment is evident in its practices and policies, contributing to the personal and academic development of its students. The positive findings from the inspection reflect the school’s dedication to maintaining high standards in education, welfare, and management.