Lorenden Preparatory School

Lorenden Preparatory School is an independent coeducational day school located in Faversham, Kent, catering for pupils aged 3 to 11. Established in 1993, the school became part of the Methodist Independent Schools Trust in 2015, with governance overseen by Kent College, Canterbury. The school is organized into three departments: Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for children aged 3 to 5, Pre-Prep for pupils aged 5 to 7, and Prep for those aged 7 to 11. Since the last inspection, a new headteacher has been appointed, who has been in position since September 2016.

The school aims to create a nurturing environment that fosters good manners, kindness, and perseverance, helping pupils develop into self-disciplined and thoughtful individuals. It seeks to prepare students socially, physically, and intellectually for the next phase of their education. The pupil demographic primarily consists of children from white British families, with a range of professional backgrounds, living within a 15-mile radius of the school. Nationally standardized test data indicates that the pupils' abilities are above average, with a small number identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) confirmed that Lorenden Preparatory School meets the standards set out in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection assessed various aspects, including the quality of education, spiritual and moral development, welfare and safety, staff suitability, premises, information provision, complaints handling, and leadership quality. The findings indicated that the school effectively promotes good behavior, safeguards pupils, and maintains a safe environment. The school has a strategic approach to risk assessment and has implemented a disability access plan.

In terms of educational quality, the school employs its own framework for assessing pupil attainment, which is documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work. The curriculum covers a broad range of subjects, enabling pupils to make good progress. The teaching methods employed are effective, and the school has a suitable framework for assessing pupil performance. The standards related to the quality of education are met, and the school promotes the personal development of pupils as responsible and tolerant citizens.

The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with arrangements in place to safeguard and promote their well-being. The school has effective measures to prevent bullying and meets health and safety requirements, including fire safety and first aid provisions. The school maintains accurate admission and attendance registers and ensures proper supervision of pupils.

The inspection also evaluated the suitability of staff, confirming that appropriate checks are made to ensure that all staff, supply staff, and proprietors are suitable to work with children. The school maintains a register as required. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils, including adequate toilet and changing facilities, and outdoor space for physical education and play.

Information is effectively provided to parents, including details about the school's ethos, curriculum, admission arrangements, behavior policies, and the complaints procedure. The school handles parental complaints through a clear three-stage process, ensuring that records are kept appropriately.

The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively. The proprietor ensures that the standards are consistently met and actively promotes the well-being of pupils.

The educational quality inspection highlighted that the quality of pupils' academic and other achievements is excellent. Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, develop strong study skills, and display well-developed skills and knowledge across various subjects, particularly in literacy and numeracy. The personal development of pupils is also excellent, with a strong sense of social responsibility and an appreciation for their own and others' cultures.

The school encourages pupils to consolidate their skills and knowledge across all areas of learning. The quality of teaching is high, with teachers providing tailored support to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND. Pupils are well-prepared for the next stage of their education, with many successfully gaining places at competitive senior schools.

Pupils demonstrate substantial self-confidence and resilience, learning to recognize their strengths and weaknesses. They are encouraged to take responsibility for their behavior and show kindness and consideration towards others. The school fosters a culture of good behavior, with a clear code of courtesy and a reward system in place.

Social development is also a key focus, with pupils collaborating effectively and demonstrating excellent social awareness. They take on responsibilities enthusiastically, contributing to the welfare of their peers and engaging in community activities. The school promotes values of democracy, respect, and tolerance, ensuring that pupils understand the importance of these principles.

Pupils are aware of how to stay safe and maintain a healthy lifestyle, receiving training in e-safety and understanding the importance of hygiene and physical health. The school provides numerous opportunities for physical exercise and outdoor learning, contributing to the overall well-being of pupils.

In summary, Lorenden Preparatory School provides a high-quality education in a nurturing environment, meeting the needs of its pupils effectively. The school promotes academic excellence, personal development, and social responsibility, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for their future educational journeys.