Celebrating Our latest ISI Report
We are delighted to share our Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) school inspection report with you. This is the culmination of five years of hard work from the staff team, building on the success of the last report in November 2019, whilst navigating some significant challenges.
ISI inspections now look to determine whether schools meet the standards in five key areas. They survey parents, staff and older pupils; carry out interviews with Governors, senior leaders, staff and pupils; and carry out learning walks, data scrutiny, lesson observations and work scrutiny. Of note, the Reporting Inspector said he had rarely, if ever, seen such a positive parent survey!
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT, AND GOVERNANCE
The inspection team recognised that the senior team have high expectations that permeate all aspects of school life, and that the wellbeing and happiness of children is central to the work of a cohesive staff team.
QUALITY OF EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECREATION
The inspection team acknowledged that the children make at least expected progress, and in many cases better than expected progress, including those pupils with SEND. This is due to careful planning of lessons and skillful delivery by knowledgeable staff.
PUPIL’S PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH AND EMOTIONAL WELLBEING
The inspection team noted that our children display high levels of self-control and respect in their behaviour towards others due to high expectations and a consultative and empathetic approach to behaviour management; with staff acting as influential role models in demonstrating courtesy and warmth.
PUPIL’S SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC EDUCATION AND CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY
The inspection team identified that our embedded culture and values enable children to understand right from wrong and take pride in their diverse and inclusive community; and that this in turn bolsters their social confidence and creates resilient learners, undaunted by failure and keen to do better.
SAFEGUARDING
The inspection team found that the safeguarding arrangements were appropriate and robustly implemented, and that children feel safe and secure at the school.
RECOMMENDED NEXT STEPS
All schools receive at least one area for development. At KES Prep we are always looking at ways to make our curriculum as real world ready as possible, and to encourage our children to think critically and problem solve. It was, therefore, a gift when the Reporting Inspector asked if we had a particular recommendation in mind that might help us achieve our school development objectives. We suggested the development of inquiry-based learning because we know that this approach, already embedded in our Early Years and Pre-Prep, facilitates creativity, critical thinking and deep understanding – all whilst making learning collaborative and engaging. Our recommended next step – to increase opportunities for older pupils to develop their skills in independent critical enquiry – is something we can’t wait to start exploring.
We hope that you enjoy reading the inspection report here.
If you have any queries about the report, you would be very welcome to make an individual appointment or to send in any questions by email to registrar@stroud-kes.org.uk.
