Belmont Grosvenor School

Belmont Grosvenor School, located in Birstwith on the outskirts of Harrogate, North Yorkshire, is an independent co-educational day school that caters to children aged 0 to 11. Established through the amalgamation of two preparatory schools, the main building dates back to 1850. The school operates as a charitable trust and is managed by a board of governors. The current headmaster, Mr. Nathan Sadler, was appointed in September 2022. The school aims to nurture and challenge children, ensuring their happiness and well-being while fostering effective communication, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. The majority of pupils come from families with diverse professional backgrounds, primarily residing within a ten-mile radius. The school has identified 29 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with 16 receiving additional support for various learning difficulties.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate conducted a regulatory compliance inspection in September 2022, focusing on the school's adherence to the Independent School Standards and the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework. The inspection confirmed that the school meets all required standards, with no further action needed. The quality of education provided is deemed good, with effective teaching enabling pupils to make significant progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans, covering a broad range of subjects. The school also provides relationships education, having consulted parents and published a policy in line with statutory guidance.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. The school has established arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils, ensuring good behavior and preventing bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, including fire safety and first aid provisions. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils and keeps accurate admission and attendance records, along with a strategic approach to risk assessment.

The suitability of staff is ensured through appropriate checks, and a register is maintained as required. The premises are well-equipped, providing suitable facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs, and are maintained to a high standard. The school has adequate outdoor space for physical education and play. A range of information is published and made available to parents, including details about the school's ethos, curriculum, and policies regarding admissions, behavior, and health and safety. The complaints procedure is effectively managed through a three-stage process, ensuring that parental concerns are addressed appropriately.

Leadership and management at Belmont Grosvenor School demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling responsibilities effectively to ensure that standards are consistently met. The leadership team actively promotes the well-being of pupils and maintains high expectations for staff performance. The quality and standards of the Early Years Foundation Stage provision are outstanding, with highly qualified leaders ensuring that the curriculum is carefully planned to achieve the best outcomes for all children, including those with special educational needs. Staff exhibit a deep understanding of child development, enabling children to make at least good progress from their starting points.

Children's personal and emotional development is well-supported, with staff demonstrating excellent knowledge of safeguarding and welfare requirements. The leadership team is committed to continuous improvement, ensuring that all children receive the best possible support and care. The curriculum is well-balanced and coherently planned, providing excellent opportunities for children to develop their communication, language, physical skills, and personal, social, and emotional development. Regular monitoring and evaluation of the curriculum ensure that learning intentions are met for each child, with detailed planning that considers individual learning needs and interests.

Staff maintain high expectations for children's achievements and engage with them during routine activities to support and extend their language and social skills. Children are encouraged to explore and discover in a natural environment, with opportunities for problem-solving and creative play. The setting promotes a calm and purposeful atmosphere conducive to focus and concentration, allowing children to engage deeply in their learning experiences.

Behaviour and attitudes among children are outstanding, with a strong emphasis on enjoyment in learning and effective use of resources. Children demonstrate curiosity and creativity, making links in their learning and following their own ideas. They are taught to be kind and considerate, with staff providing high-quality support that encourages excellent behaviour. The partnership with parents is highly effective, promoting children's attendance and engagement in their learning.

Personal development is also outstanding, with effective care practices supporting children's emotional security and character development. Strong relationships between children and adults are built on secure attachments, ensuring that children's unique needs are met. Children are encouraged to take risks and engage in adventurous activities, developing confidence and resilience. Staff prioritize healthy lifestyles, providing nutritious meals and regular access to outdoor learning areas for physical activity.

Leadership and management within the Early Years Foundation Stage are good, with strong direction from the leadership team that inspires staff to deliver high-quality care and teaching. Staff performance is monitored through annual appraisals and regular meetings, ensuring that professional development is prioritized. The setting has strong links with parents, who feel well-informed about their child's progress and are encouraged to contribute to their learning.

Governors provide oversight of the school's management, although their interaction with the Early Years Foundation Stage provision could be enhanced. The school complies with statutory duties related to safeguarding and health and safety, ensuring that children are kept safe and supported in their development. Overall, the inspection concluded that Belmont Grosvenor School meets all regulatory requirements and provides a high standard of education and care for its pupils. Recommendations for further improvement include enhancing the provision of natural resources for play and ensuring effective governance oversight of the Early Years Foundation Stage.