Great Walstead School

Great Walstead School, established in 1925, is a co-educational preparatory day school located on the outskirts of Haywards Heath, West Sussex. Originally founded in East Croydon, the school has evolved into a charitable company overseen by its governors. The school caters to children aged 2 to 13 and currently has 333 pupils enrolled, including 54 in the Early Years Foundation Stage, 204 in the junior school, and 75 in the senior school. The school provides wrap-around care for younger pupils, extending from breakfast to early evening.

The vision of Great Walstead School is to foster independent and engaged learners who view challenges as opportunities, all grounded in Christian values and a sense of social responsibility. The school attracts pupils from families with professional backgrounds within commuting distance of Haywards Heath. Data indicates that pupils entering the school generally demonstrate above-average abilities compared to national benchmarks. The school supports 84 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with 62 receiving additional support, although none have an education, health, and care plan. Notably, no pupils speak English as an additional language, and the needs of more able pupils are adequately met within lessons.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate conducted a regulatory compliance inspection in December 2022, focusing on the school's adherence to the Independent School Standards. The inspection confirmed that Great Walstead School meets all the required standards, with no further action necessary following the evaluation. The inspection process included observations of lessons, discussions with pupils, staff, and governors, as well as an examination of pupils' work and relevant documentation.

The quality of education provided at Great Walstead School is commendable. The school's assessment framework indicates that teaching enables pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, ensuring a breadth of material is covered. Effective behavior management strategies are in place, and suitable resources support the teaching process. The school provides relationships education in the junior school and relationships and sex education in the senior school, adhering to statutory guidance and consulting parents on its policies.

In terms of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, the school actively promotes principles and values that facilitate the personal development of pupils as responsible and tolerant citizens. The standards related to this aspect of education are met, ensuring that pupils are equipped to engage positively with their communities.

The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized at Great Walstead School. 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 first aid provisions are adequately addressed. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils and keeps accurate admission and attendance registers, demonstrating a strategic approach to risk assessment. A disability access plan is also in place, ensuring inclusivity for all pupils.

The suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors is rigorously checked, with appropriate records maintained as required. This ensures that all individuals in contact with pupils are suitable for their roles. The school provides suitable toilet and changing facilities, as well as accommodations for pupils' medical and therapy needs. The premises are well-maintained, with adequate acoustics, lighting, and water provision. Outdoor spaces are available for physical education and play, contributing to a well-rounded educational environment.

Great Walstead School effectively communicates a range of information to parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education. This includes details about the school's ethos, curriculum, admission arrangements, behavior policies, health and safety measures, and the complaints procedure. The safeguarding policy is readily accessible on the school's website, ensuring transparency and accountability.

The school has established a three-stage process for handling parental complaints, which includes informal discussions, formal procedures, 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 that the school addresses concerns effectively.

Leadership and management at Great Walstead 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.

In summary, Great Walstead School has successfully met all regulatory compliance standards during the inspection. The school provides a high-quality education, promotes the personal development of pupils, ensures their welfare and safety, and maintains effective communication with parents and stakeholders. The leadership and management of the school are committed to fostering an environment where pupils can thrive academically and personally, grounded in strong values and a sense of community. The positive findings from the inspection reflect the school's dedication to providing an excellent educational experience for its pupils.