Broughton Manor Preparatory School

Broughton Manor Preparatory School, located in Milton Keynes, is a co-educational day school that has been operational since 1989. Initially established as a nursery, the school has expanded to include various educational stages, catering for children from two months to eleven years old. The school is overseen by a sole proprietor through Milton Keynes Preparatory Schools Limited, supported by an advisory governing body. The management team has undergone restructuring since the last inspection, including the appointment of two joint heads in 2020, and there have been significant developments in the school’s facilities.

The school aims to create a happy environment prioritizing the welfare of its pupils while extending their potential to the fullest. It strives for academic excellence by providing high educational standards within a broad curriculum and ensuring that all pupils engage in enjoyable activities. The school emphasizes teaching self-respect and respect for others, preparing pupils for their future educational journeys.

The pupil demographic is diverse, with students coming from various cultural and professional backgrounds in the Milton Keynes area. Nationally standardized test data indicates that the pupils' abilities are generally above average compared to peers taking similar tests. The school has identified 28 pupils with special educational needs or disabilities, primarily dyslexia or other processing needs, and provides additional support for these students. Additionally, 32 pupils speak English as an additional language, and more able pupils are given differentiated tasks to nurture their talents.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate conducted a compliance-only inspection in June 2022, assessing the school’s adherence to the Independent School Standards and the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework. The inspection concluded that the school meets all applicable standards, with no further action required. The quality of education provided is deemed good, with effective teaching enabling pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and resources, ensuring a breadth of material is covered.

The school promotes spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, actively fostering responsible and tolerant citizenship among pupils. Arrangements are in place to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils, with good behavior encouraged and bullying effectively prevented. 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.

The suitability of staff is ensured through appropriate checks, and a register is maintained as required. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils’ medical and therapy needs, and outdoor spaces for physical education and play. The school publishes a range of information for parents, including details about the curriculum, admission arrangements, and the complaints procedure. Complaints are handled effectively through a structured process, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Leadership and management at Broughton Manor Preparatory School demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling responsibilities effectively to meet the standards consistently. The leadership promotes the well-being of pupils and ensures that the school environment is conducive to learning. The overall effectiveness of the Early Years Foundation Stage provision is rated as good, with significant improvements noted since the previous inspection. The outdoor provision has been developed successfully, offering a wide range of resources and activities accessible to all children.

Relationships among children, parents, and staff reflect a warm and respectful culture, fostering a safe and secure environment for learning. Leaders and practitioners meticulously plan the curriculum to meet the developmental needs of all children, including those with special educational needs and English as an additional language. Staff are skilled in facilitating activities that engage children, ensuring they make excellent progress relative to their starting points.

The quality of education in the early years is outstanding, with leaders ensuring that curriculum intentions are met and implemented consistently. Staff maintain high expectations for each child, providing sufficient challenges to help them reach their potential. Children are encouraged to explore and learn independently, developing their skills across various areas of learning. Their behavior and attitudes are exemplary, demonstrating confidence and curiosity in their activities.

Personal development is also outstanding, with the curriculum effectively promoting emotional security and character development. The setting fosters secure attachments through well-established key-person relationships, encouraging independence and resilience among children. Staff are attentive to children’s needs, ensuring that dietary requirements are met and personal hygiene practices are consistently upheld.

Governance at the school ensures that resources are adequate and that safeguarding duties are fulfilled effectively. However, there have been inconsistencies in understanding statutory requirements, particularly regarding notifications to Ofsted. This was rectified during the inspection, demonstrating the school’s commitment to compliance.

The inspection report recommends improvements in governance oversight to enhance understanding of statutory requirements and to schedule regular supervision sessions for staff to facilitate consistent development and review of the curriculum. Overall, Broughton Manor Preparatory School is recognized for its commitment to providing a high-quality educational experience, ensuring that all pupils are well-prepared for their future educational endeavors. The school’s focus on creating a nurturing environment, promoting academic excellence, and supporting the personal development of its pupils is evident throughout its practices and policies.