Annan School

Annan School is a family-run institution located in Uckfield, East Sussex, that embraces the Froebelian philosophy of learning. The school is managed by its two directors, Mr. Mark Hunter and Mrs. Deborah Hunter, and offers education for children aged 2 to 11 years. With a current enrollment of 88 pupils, the school has five distinct classes catering for different age groups, including a Kindergarten, Reception and Year 1, Year 2, Years 3 and 4, and Years 5 and 6. Since the last inspection, the school has made significant improvements, including the addition of a multi-purpose hall, an infant house for Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) children, and a fully equipped room for creative activities and woodwork. The school has also expanded its provision to accept children from the age of two.

Annan School aims to foster self-belief and help each child reach their unique potential. The school values and celebrates individual achievements, recognizing that children learn in diverse ways. It strives to create a nurturing environment where learners develop confidence, enjoy learning, and make significant progress. The pupil demographic primarily consists of children from white British families, with a broad range of professional backgrounds, living within a 10-mile radius of the school. The school's assessments indicate that the overall ability of its pupils is broadly average, with 14 pupils identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including dyslexia and dyspraxia. The school provides additional support for these pupils, and one pupil has an education, health, and care (EHC) plan.

The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) confirmed that Annan School meets the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection evaluated various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils, welfare, health and safety, staff suitability, premises and accommodation, information provision, complaints handling, and leadership and management quality. The inspection concluded that the school meets all relevant standards, with no further action required.

The quality of education provided at Annan School is commendable. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, covering the required breadth of material. Teaching practices enable pupils to make good progress, and effective behavior management is in place. The school employs its own framework for assessing pupil attainment, which is distinct from the national framework. The standards related to the quality of education are met, ensuring that pupils receive a comprehensive and engaging educational experience.

In terms of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, the school actively promotes principles and values that help pupils become responsible and tolerant citizens. The standards in this area are also met, reflecting the school's commitment to fostering a well-rounded education. The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with arrangements in place to safeguard and promote their well-being. The school meets health and safety requirements, including fire safety, and provides adequate supervision and first aid provisions.

Annan School ensures the suitability of its staff through appropriate checks and maintains a register as required. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs, as well as adequate outdoor space for physical education and play. The school effectively communicates a range of information to parents, including details about the curriculum, admissions, behavior policies, and the complaints procedure. Complaints are handled through a structured process, ensuring that parental concerns are addressed effectively.

The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively. The proprietors actively promote the well-being of pupils, ensuring that the school's standards are consistently met. The educational quality inspection highlighted that the pupils' academic achievements are good, with enthusiastic and engaged learners benefiting from a creative curriculum that allows them to explore their interests. Pupils make excellent progress in core subjects, and their communication skills are well-developed.

The personal development of pupils is also excellent, with a nurturing environment fostering confidence and self-discipline. Pupils exhibit a strong sense of empathy and responsibility towards one another, and their aesthetic and cultural awareness is well-developed. The school encourages pupils to take initiative in their learning, promoting a growth mindset and allowing them to express their ideas and interests.

While the school has made strides in supporting more able pupils, there is a recommendation to further enhance their progress by ensuring that teaching provides sufficient challenge across all lessons. Additionally, there is a need to emphasize science and humanities subjects to improve pupils' knowledge and understanding in these areas.

Overall, Annan School provides a rich and varied curriculum that supports the academic and personal development of its pupils. The school fosters a positive learning environment where children feel valued and encouraged to explore their interests. The commitment to the Froebelian philosophy is evident in the school's approach to education, emphasizing the importance of play, creativity, and real-life experiences in learning. The school community is characterized by mutual respect, collaboration, and a strong sense of belonging, contributing to the overall success and well-being of its pupils.