Chafyn Grove School

Chafyn Grove School, an independent co-educational day and boarding institution founded in 1876, operates as a charitable trust governed by a board of governors. The school has undergone significant developments since its last inspection, including enhancements to its library, wellbeing hub, and performance hall, as well as the introduction of Spanish across all year groups. The school caters to children aged 3 to 13, offering a range of boarding options from one night a week to full boarding, with separate accommodations for male and female pupils.

The school's mission is to create an environment that encourages pupils to discover their strengths and learn from their weaknesses. It aims to provide a balanced and diverse range of opportunities, emphasizing values such as courage, compassion, and curiosity, which are supported by strong relationships between pupils and teachers. The student body is diverse, with pupils coming from various professional backgrounds, primarily residing within a 20-mile radius of the school. The school has a small number of European boarders and supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, including those with dyslexia, mild autism, and dyspraxia.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate conducted a focused compliance inspection alongside an educational quality inspection. The findings indicated that the school meets the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools. The inspection confirmed that the school has effective measures in place for safeguarding, promoting pupil welfare, and ensuring health and safety. The school maintains appropriate supervision of pupils, and there is a strategic approach to risk assessment.

The quality of education provided at Chafyn Grove School is deemed good. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, enabling pupils to make good progress. The teaching is effective, with a focus on behavior management and suitable resources. Pupils receive comprehensive relationships education, and the school has consulted parents regarding its policies. The assessment framework in place confirms that pupils are making good progress, and boarders have access to a suitable program of activities.

Pupils demonstrate strong personal development, exhibiting responsible and tolerant behavior. The school actively promotes principles and values that support pupils in becoming law-abiding citizens. Boarders' opinions are valued, and they are encouraged to develop positive relationships with peers and staff. The school has effective systems in place for managing behavior and promoting good conduct.

The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with arrangements in place to safeguard their well-being. The school meets health and safety requirements, including fire safety, and provides first aid provisions. An appropriate induction process for new boarders is implemented, ensuring their medical and health care needs are met. The school has a disability access plan and maintains suitable accommodation for pupils' needs.

The suitability of staff is rigorously checked, with appropriate records maintained. The school ensures that visitors to boarding accommodations are supervised, and guardianship arrangements are effectively managed. The premises are well-maintained, providing adequate facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs, as well as suitable outdoor spaces for physical education and play.

Chafyn Grove School provides a wealth of information to parents and stakeholders, including details about the school's ethos, curriculum, and policies regarding admissions, behavior, and health and safety. The school has a clear complaints procedure, which is effectively implemented, ensuring that parental concerns are addressed appropriately.

Leadership and management at the school are effective, with the proprietor ensuring that standards are consistently met. The leadership team actively promotes pupil well-being and maintains the required policies and records. The quality of leadership in the school is strong, contributing to the overall positive environment for learning.

The educational quality inspection highlighted that the quality of pupils' academic achievements is good. Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning and attain well in various subjects, including sports, music, and drama. They develop strong communication skills and are encouraged to take risks in their learning. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in providing consistent feedback to maximize progress in certain subjects.

Pupils' personal development is also rated as good. They demonstrate excellent social skills and feel safe and secure within the school environment. The school fosters a culture of well-being, and pupils understand how to keep themselves safe, including online safety. Opportunities for younger pupils to take on leadership roles are recognized as an area for further development.

The school is advised to enhance its marking policy and assessment strategy to ensure pupils can maximize their progress. Additionally, providing more opportunities for younger pupils to develop leadership skills and ensuring that all boarders feel respected and treated well are recommended improvements.

Overall, Chafyn Grove School provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, promoting both academic success and personal development. The school is committed to continuous improvement and strives to meet the diverse needs of its student body while fostering a strong sense of community and respect among all members.