Ursuline Preparatory School

Ursuline Preparatory School, located in Warley, Essex, is a co-educational day school catering for children aged three to eleven. The school operates under a charitable trust overseen by a board of trustees and governors. It comprises a preparatory school and an early years setting, all housed within the same building. The school has a total enrollment of 160 pupils, including 40 children in the early years, which consists of two nursery classes and one reception class. The school is non-selective and follows a Catholic ethos, aiming to create a respectful and caring atmosphere where children can develop their gifts and talents to their full potential.

The recent inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate took place from October 31 to November 2, 2023. A team of three inspectors visited the school for two and a half days, engaging in various activities such as lesson observations, discussions with pupils and staff, meetings with governors and senior leaders, and reviewing school policies and procedures. The inspection also included an examination of samples of pupils' work and consideration of responses from pre-inspection surveys completed by pupils, parents, and staff.

The inspection findings indicate that the school meets all relevant statutory Independent School Standards. Senior leaders and governors demonstrate a strong understanding of their responsibilities, actively promoting pupils' wellbeing and implementing effective strategies to ensure this is prioritized throughout the school. They are well-informed about the progress levels of pupils, although there is room for improvement in evaluating the impact of supportive strategies for those requiring additional assistance. The governors and trustees possess relevant experience and skills, enabling them to manage risks effectively and plan for emerging needs.

The curriculum provided by the school is appropriate, with most lessons being taught well. Pupils show good progress in English and mathematics, and the leadership team oversees the monitoring of teaching and learning effectively. However, there are instances where teachers do not fully utilize the available time in lessons, which can hinder consistent progress for all pupils. Pupils exhibit enthusiasm for learning and are actively engaged in their lessons. The leadership within the early years foundation stage is particularly effective, promoting children's wellbeing and ensuring they engage in a fulfilling curriculum that supports their progress across all areas.

The school's Catholic ethos fosters pupils' spiritual understanding, and staff build warm and caring relationships with pupils, understanding their individual needs. Senior leaders maintain visibility and effective communication with pupils, parents, and carers. A wide range of sporting activities is provided, promoting physical health and wellbeing. The school has established effective procedures for promoting positive behavior, and pupils demonstrate a clear understanding of right and wrong. They actively participate in fundraising and awareness-raising for various charities, and younger children learn the importance of teamwork with the support of adults.

Safeguarding arrangements are robust, with leaders knowledgeable about their roles and responsibilities. Staff receive regular training and updates, contributing to a culture of safeguarding within the school. Pupils feel safe and happy, and they are educated on how to stay safe online. The school has effective policies and procedures in place to ensure the welfare of all pupils.

The inspection report highlights several areas for improvement. Leaders and managers are encouraged to strengthen their analysis and evaluation of assessment data to monitor the effectiveness of additional support and progress across different cohorts. Additionally, it is recommended that teachers make better use of lesson time to ensure consistent opportunities for pupil progress.

In terms of leadership and management, the school demonstrates effective and visible leadership that actively promotes pupil wellbeing. Policies are clearly understood and implemented by staff, and governors ensure that leaders possess the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill their responsibilities. The school conducts regular self-evaluation and reviews, which support the formulation of a comprehensive development plan. Senior leaders ensure that pupils are well-prepared for the next steps in their education, with a range of activities and regular communication with parents regarding their children's progress.

The quality of education, training, and recreation at Ursuline Preparatory School is commendable. Leaders effectively plan the curriculum to prepare pupils for future educational steps, and teachers deliver engaging lessons that promote good progress. Pupils demonstrate secure knowledge and skills across the curriculum, achieving positive results in national curriculum tests. They collaborate confidently with peers and apply their understanding to homework assignments. Feedback from teachers helps pupils improve their work, and the school employs a traffic light system to tailor support based on individual understanding.

Information and communication technology is integrated into the curriculum, enhancing pupils' learning experiences. Pupils confidently use various applications and engage in coding challenges. Music education is also prioritized, with pupils learning to play instruments and participating in performances. The school offers a comprehensive program of extracurricular activities, promoting participation in sports, creative arts, and other enriching experiences.

In the early years, children make good progress across all areas of the curriculum, engaging in well-planned activities. Staff effectively support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, utilizing well-resourced classrooms and outdoor areas to foster learning. Children demonstrate articulate communication skills and a strong grasp of early numeracy and literacy.

Pupils' physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing are prioritized within the school's curriculum. The Catholic ethos encourages reflection and consideration of others' needs, and pupils develop self-confidence and leadership skills through various roles within the school. The personal, social, and health education curriculum promotes mental health awareness, and pupils understand the importance of looking after their wellbeing.

The school fosters a strong sense of community and respect for diversity. Pupils learn about different faiths and cultures, and they actively participate in charity fundraising initiatives. The school encourages pupils to recognize and celebrate their differences, promoting mutual respect and understanding.

Overall, Ursuline Preparatory School provides a nurturing and supportive environment for pupils, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future educational journeys. The school meets all relevant standards and demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement in leadership, teaching, and pupil wellbeing. The inspection report serves as a testament to the school's dedication to fostering a positive learning experience for all its pupils.