The Fulham Prep School Ltd

School material change inspection report

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Fulham Prep School 200 Greyhound Road, London W14 9SD

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a)–(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 3–3(j), 4  Leaders and governors are implementing a strategic plan to develop the school’s curriculum with a view to eventually teaching up to A level. This material change request is the next step in achieving that aim, by extending the curriculum to the end of GCSE.  Appropriate teacher appointments have been made for the subjects offered at GCSE and include a new deputy headteacher position from May 2017, who has responsibility for overseeing the proposed GCSE curriculum. Those new appointments have been made to ensure that those teaching up to GCSE have the relevant skills and experience to teach those courses. Current staff, who teach up to Year 9, demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of their subjects and teaching skills to prepare pupils effectively for GCSE study.

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Main inspection findings

 The curriculum is likely to continue to offer pupils ample opportunities to develop their academic, personal and social knowledge, understanding and skills. New curriculum plans align to GCSE examination board specifications so that pupils’ learning leads to achievement of the qualifications. The school’s investment in learning resources throughout the school supports pupils’ learning well.  The curriculum policy and schemes of work take account of pupils’ needs, including those who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities. Pupils’ starting points are well understood by leaders, and teachers plan activities that stretch pupils’ learning. A suitable assessment system is in place that tracks pupils’ progress and provides useful information that teachers use well, including to plan lessons and report pupils’ progress to parents and carers.  Pupils are likely to continue benefiting from a wide range of opportunities to consider

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Main inspection findings

the values and attitudes of a wide range of people. Through personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education lessons and enterprise sessions, pupils have the chance to develop teamwork and leadership skills, and learn about life in modern Britain.  Pupils in Year 9 have received effective impartial careers advice and guidance as part of their preparation for Year 10. As a result, pupils could talk confidently to the inspector about why they had chosen their option subjects for GCSE, and how they will build on their prior learning.  Leaders have ensured that all of the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed material change is approved and implemented. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5–5(d)(iii)  Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is likely to continue to be a strength of the school if the material change is approved. Pupils receive a wide range

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Main inspection findings

of opportunities to learn about people from different backgrounds, with varying beliefs and lifestyles, and with respect and tolerance towards the protected characteristics. Pupils reported that a strong point of the school is the tight-knit community feel and spirit of collaboration that exists.  The PSHE curriculum, alongside regular school events, such as drama productions, provides pupils with opportunities to express themselves and explore complex topics. The curriculum weaves in opportunities for pupils to learn about politics, society and contemporary challenges. These feed into projects, such as reviewing the fall-out from the nearby Grenfell Tower fire, and through to enterprise schemes to raise money for charity.  Pupils in Year 9 reported to the inspector how much they enjoy the diversity that exists within the school, and how they see it as a strength of their school. Those pupils told the inspector that they look out for each other, regardless of their different

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Main inspection findings

backgrounds and beliefs.  Leaders have ensured that all of the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed material change is approved and implemented. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7–7(b), 32(1), 32(1)(c)  Since the last inspection, leaders have ensured that the culture of safeguarding reported in September 2017 continues to be a strong feature of the school. Robust systems are in place that skilled and knowledgeable staff use to keep children safe and support their welfare needs. Records are well maintained and reflect staff’s effective use of the procedures that are in place to identify and respond to any emerging concerns.  Staff liaise well with external agencies so that pupils’ more complex needs are dealt with sensitively and effectively. Pupils reported to the inspector that they feel safe and happy at school because of the environment that they and their teachers create.

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Main inspection findings

Pupils could identify ‘go to’ adults in the school, should they have any concerns.  Appropriate pre-employment checks are conducted on staff, in line with the latest statutory guidance. The school’s safeguarding policy is up to date and comprehensive, paying due regard to the principles detailed in ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ (September 2016).  The safeguarding policy is published on the school’s website.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards inspected in this part are likely to be met if the proposed material change is approved and implemented. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)(a)–(c)  The governors and proprietor have an effective strategy in place to anticipate the challenges associated with expanding the school’s age range. They are dealing with these challenges well in advance of the anticipated start date of the material change.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have planned the curriculum carefully so that the proposed addition of GCSE courses contribute effectively to pupils’ development and preparation for life after school.  Leaders have ensured that all of the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed material change is approved and implemented.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is likely to meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements that are relevant to the material change.

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School details

This inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £16,869 to £19,749

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School details

Email address prepadmin@fulhamprep.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 19–21 September 2017

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 4 to 14 4 to 16 4 to 16

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 701 720 720

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 701 720

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 114 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan 1 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan 1 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 87 94

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 10 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable Not applicable

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Information about this school

 The school was last inspected in September 2017 when it was judged to be good.  There are currently 246 pupils in the pre-prep phase (Reception to Year 2), 444 pupils in the preparatory phase (Years 3 to 8) and 11 pupils in the senior phase (currently Year 9).  Leaders anticipate moving the senior phase into new premises in September 2019. They are located at 39 Broomhouse Lane, London SW6 3DP.  The school offers the following off-site activities: – Tennis at Putney Lawn Tennis Club, Balmuir Gardens, London SW15 6NG. – Squash at Queens’ Club, 43 Fairholme Road, London SW14 9JZ. – Swimming at Fulham Pools, Virgin Active, Normand Park, 197 Lillie Road, London SW6 7ST. – Community service activities at St Andrew’s Church, Greyhound Road, London W14 9SA.

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Information about this inspection

 This material change inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to consider the school’s application to extend the age range of pupils taught at the school from 4–14 to 4–16, so that the school can teach to the end of pupils’ GCSE courses. Some GCSE programmes have already begun in Year 9 in core subjects, including English, mathematics and science.  The inspector met with leaders, governors and staff, including the designated safeguarding leader, to discuss the implications and preparations for the proposed material change.  The inspector visited a Year 9 lesson, discussed pupils’ learning with them and scrutinised their workbooks. The inspector also toured the school to view teaching spaces, including specialist classrooms, such as science laboratories, and music and art rooms.  The inspector scrutinised documentation, including the school’s curriculum policy and plans for GCSE subjects, and policies and procedures, including those relating to

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Information about this inspection

safeguarding and the single central record.

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Inspection team

Matt Tiplin, lead inspector Ofsted Inspector guidance ‘Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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