Woodlands School

Woodlands Preparatory School, located on the outskirts of Great Warley village, is an independent coeducational day school catering for children aged two to eleven years. The school is owned by Mr. Jack Lewis and his family, who maintain regular communication with the headteacher, Mrs. Kirsty Kernaghan, through the Director of Operations. The school is divided into two sections: the lower school for pupils in Lower Kindergarten to Reception and the upper school for those in Years 1 to 6. Since the last inspection, the school has appointed a new headteacher and changed its registered status to admit younger children.

The school aims to combine traditional educational values with progressive ideas, fostering curiosity, independence, and a love of learning. It seeks to develop socially responsible citizens and lifelong learners in a safe and nurturing environment. The pupil demographic reflects local professional families with diverse backgrounds. Data from standardized tests indicate that pupils entering Reception have above-average abilities compared to national benchmarks. The school supports seven pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, providing additional assistance as required. One pupil has an education, health, and care plan, while another speaks English as an additional language but does not need extra support. The school is committed to challenging all pupils, particularly those who are more able.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) conducted a compliance-only inspection in June 2023, focusing on the school's adherence to the Independent School Standards and relevant statutory frameworks. The inspection confirmed that Woodlands Preparatory School meets all applicable standards, with no further action required. The school’s framework for assessment indicates that teaching enables pupils to make good progress, supported by a documented curriculum that covers the required breadth of material. Effective behavior management and suitable resources are in place, ensuring a conducive learning environment.

The school provides relationships education and has consulted parents to publish a written policy statement that aligns with statutory guidance. The standards related to the quality of education are met, demonstrating the school's commitment to delivering a comprehensive educational experience. The principles and values promoted within the school facilitate the personal development of pupils as responsible, tolerant, and law-abiding citizens, fulfilling the requirements for spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development.

In terms of welfare, health, and safety, the school has established arrangements to safeguard and promote the well-being of pupils, 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 first aid provisions are available. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils, keeps accurate admission and attendance registers, and employs a strategic approach to risk assessment. A disability access plan is also in place, ensuring inclusivity for all pupils.

The school conducts appropriate checks to ensure the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors, maintaining a register as required. This compliance with standards regarding the suitability of individuals in contact with pupils is confirmed. The premises and accommodation provided by the school meet the necessary standards, including suitable toilet and changing facilities, adequate maintenance for health and safety, appropriate acoustics and lighting, and sufficient outdoor space for physical education and play.

Woodlands Preparatory School publishes a range of information for 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 readily available on the school’s website, ensuring transparency and accessibility of information.

The school effectively handles parental complaints through a structured three-stage process, which includes informal discussions, formal complaints, 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, ensuring accountability and responsiveness to parental concerns.

Leadership and management at Woodlands Preparatory School demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively. The proprietor ensures that the leadership team actively promotes the well-being of pupils and consistently meets the required standards. The quality of leadership and management is confirmed to be in line with the standards set forth.

The inspection evidence included lesson observations, discussions with pupils, and examination of pupils' work samples. Inspectors engaged with staff and the proprietor, observed extracurricular activities, and attended meetings and assemblies. They also reviewed the responses from parents, staff, and pupils to pre-inspection questionnaires, as well as curriculum documentation provided by the school.

Overall, Woodlands Preparatory School has shown a strong commitment to providing a high-quality educational experience while ensuring compliance with all relevant standards and regulations. The school’s focus on fostering a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils is evident in its practices and policies, making it a commendable institution for early education. The positive findings from the inspection reflect the school’s dedication to continuous improvement and the well-being of its students.