Schools & FE · Independent school inspection
The Fulham Prep School Ltd
Summary
What we read, and from where
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- Inspection date verified
21 Apr 2022
- Inspectors verified
Andrea Bedeau
- Postcode verified
W14 9SD
- Name on report verified
The Fulham Prep School Ltd
- URN verified
131165
Deep dive
What this report says
In plain English
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Tone of the report
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How the report reads, start to finish
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Strengths
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No standout praise found.
Concerns
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No strong criticism found.
Next steps
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- 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. p.4
- Age range of pupils 4 to 18 3 to 18 3 to 18 p.5
- Number of pupils on the school roll 652 Not applicable Not applicable p.5
- Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 652 870 p.5
- Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 149 150 p.6
- Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 Not applicable p.6
- Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with an education, health and care plan 0 Not applicable p.6
- Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 63 92 p.6
What the report dwells on
Topics by how often they come up, coloured by how they are described. Open one for an example.
Leadership & governance28
“Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum that covers a broad range of subjects.” p.1Health & safety9
“Leaders have an effective risk assessment policy in place.” p.2Teaching & assessment7
“Leaders have an effective risk assessment policy in place.” p.2Records & policies7
“Leaders have an effective risk assessment policy in place.” p.2
Anatomy of the report
How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.
- Pages
- 8
- Words of findings
- 1,063
- shorter than usual (typical 1813)
- Reading level
- Hard
- Flesch 48, typical 49
- Average sentence
- 13 words
- Next steps
- 8
- typical 8
- Hedged sentences
- 0%
- “some”, “not always”, “most”…
Where the words go
Full report text
School material change inspection report
p.1
Main inspection findings
Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)–2A(3) Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum that covers a broad range of subjects. Leaders think about what important knowledge pupils need to know and remember in different subjects. They plan learning effectively from early years onwards, so that pupils build on what they have learned before. Leaders have devised plans for the provision for three-year-olds, so that children gain foundational knowledge to prepare them for what they will learn in Reception Year. The personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) programme starts in early years. Age-appropriate teaching about relationships currently starts in Reception Year. Pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe, including when online. The curriculum policy, plans and schemes of work are made available for parents and carers through the school’s intranet. Paragraph 3–4
p.1
Main inspection findings
Leaders make sure that teachers have appropriate qualifications to teach the curriculum. This includes additional qualifications to teach in early years. Leaders provide opportunities for staff to work with leaders in other schools to design the curriculum. Leaders check that pupils learn the intended knowledge and use this information to plan what happens next. Leaders communicate information on how pupils are learning with parents. The standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change is implemented. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5–5(d)(iii) Pupils are taught to respect those from different cultures and religions. This helps to prepare them for adult life in modern Britain. The PSHE programme includes opportunities for pupils to learn about equality, including the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010. Pupils are
p.1
Main inspection findings
taught about different types of discrimination and how to report any concerns that may arise. Leaders plan to adjust the curriculum in place so that it includes content appropriate for three-year-olds. Leaders organise wider curriculum opportunities. These include visits from external speakers. For example, pupils take part in workshops delivered by the NSPCC about abuse and consent. Leaders provide opportunities for pupils to support and mentor their peers. For instance, pupils can sit and talk to a friend or peer on ‘buddy benches’ in the playground if they need support. Pupils have opportunities to take part in fundraising events for charities and organisations. For example, pupils raised funds to build a library for a school in South Africa. The standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change is implemented.
p.2
Main inspection findings
Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 6–7(b) All staff receive appropriate safeguarding training. Staff are trained to identify signs that may indicate that a pupil needs help or support. Leaders seek advice from external professionals where necessary to safeguard pupils’ welfare. Leaders train staff to use resources such as toys, pictures and stories to help pupils communicate if they are worried about anything. This includes children in Reception Year and any children who may be enrolled in the provision for three-year-olds. Paragraph 9–10 The behaviour policy is published on the school’s website. Leaders consider what rewards and sanctions are appropriate for children in Reception Year and those who may join the unit for three-year-olds. Leaders keep up-to-date records of incidents and sanctions. These include any incidents of bullying. Leaders meet regularly to talk about whether actions taken are appropriate and proportionate.
p.2
Main inspection findings
Paragraph 11–16(b) Leaders make sure that health and safety policies are up to date and implemented well. Leaders carry out regular safety checks. These include checks on emergency lighting, fire alarms, portable firefighting equipment and fire-door maintenance. Leaders commission external experts to carry out risk assessments and checks. A fire risk assessment is scheduled to take place in July 2022. Leaders act swiftly to implement any suggested recommendations or requirements. Leaders deploy staff appropriately, in compliance with the staff–child ratios set out in the ‘Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage’. Leaders have an effective risk assessment policy in place. They successfully identify risks and set out appropriate actions to mitigate these. These include identifying any potential risks and hazards on trips. The standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change is implemented.
p.2
Main inspection findings
Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 28(1)–28(2)(b) The proposed area for three-year-olds is modern and well designed. There is an adequate supply of hot water, which does not pose a scalding risk. Cold drinking water is accessible and clearly labelled within the school. The indoor and outdoor spaces are of a high standard, with suitable toilet facilities. The standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change is implemented.
p.3
Main inspection findings
Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1) and 32(1)(c)) Leaders have drawn up and implemented a comprehensive safeguarding policy. The policy includes relevant statutory information and is published on the school’s website. The standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change is implemented.
p.3
Main inspection findings
Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools All paragraphs Governors and senior leaders have strong knowledge and skills to carry out their roles. Governors have extensive experience and training to support and challenge leaders well. Governors arranged for school leaders to work with leaders in other schools to set up the facility for three-year-olds. Leaders plan for this collaborative work to continue in order to monitor the effectiveness of the provision once opened. Governors carry out regular, in-depth reviews of safeguarding and relationships and sex education. This is to check that systems and structures are effective and to check on pupils’ well-being. The standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change is implemented.
p.3
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.
p.4
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.
p.5
School details
Proprietor Fulham Prep School Holdings Limited
p.5
School details
Annual fees (day pupils) £18,420 to £21,567
p.5
School details
Date of previous standard inspection 3 to 5 March 2020
p.5
recommendation
Age range of pupils 4 to 18 3 to 18 3 to 18
p.5
recommendation
Number of pupils on the school roll 652 Not applicable Not applicable
p.5
School’s current position School’s proposal
Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 652 870
p.5
School’s current position School’s proposal
Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 149 150
p.6
School’s current position School’s proposal
Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 Not applicable
p.6
School’s current position School’s proposal
Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with an education, health and care plan 0 Not applicable
p.6
School’s current position School’s proposal
Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 63 92
p.6
School’s current position School’s proposal
Number of part-time teaching staff 10 17
p.6
School’s current position School’s proposal
Number of staff in the welfare provision 2 20
p.6
Information about this school
The school’s most recent standard inspection was carried out in March 2020. A material change inspection was conducted in February 2021 in response to the school’s request to change premises and increase the number of school places. The school does not have a provision for two-year-olds and does not make use of any alternative provision. The school operates from three sites. Nursery-age children to Year 2 are based at the Pre-Prep site at 47A Fulham High Street, London SW6 3JJ. Year 3 to Year 8 pupils are educated at the Prep site located at 200 Greyhound Road, London W14 9SD. From Year 9, pupils learn at the Senior site situated at 1–3 Chesilton Road, London SW6 5AA.
p.6
Information about this inspection
The inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education because leaders seek to change the age range of the school from four to 18 to three to 18. The inspection was carried out to check whether the school is likely to meet the independent school standards if the request is approved. This was the first material change inspection in respect of this particular material change request. The inspector visited the school site and checked whether the premises and accommodation are appropriate. The inspector also held meeting with headteachers, representatives of the governing body and leaders responsible for safeguarding and pupil welfare. The inspector checked information and documentation, including that related to the curriculum, and looked at samples of pupils’ work. The inspector also spoke with other members of school staff.
p.7
Inspection team
Andrea Bedeau, lead inspector Her Majesty’s 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 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .
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Inspection team
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Inspection team
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p.8
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.
p.8
Inspection team
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p.8
Inspection team
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p.8
Inspection team
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