Pre-Prep Reflections Week 33 June 2024
Dear parents,
ISI inspection
This week we were visited by a team of four inspectors from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). They were in school from Tuesday to Thursday to carry out a routine inspection, which we have been waiting for since the summer term of last year, so we were well prepared. The inspectors observed lessons, assemblies, clubs and playtimes, had lunch with the children, met with staff, pupils and governors, scrutinised a wide range of pupils’ work and reviewed several policies, documents and records.
The ISI inspection framework has changed recently, and so this is our first experience as a school of the F23 framework, although I have fortunately inspected other schools in this new way. There are some significant changes to the structure and the feedback report, not least the removal of the single word judgements for the sections of the report. In addition, the whole basis of inspection has now moved to be focused on pupil wellbeing, which I think we can all agree is a positive step forward.
Thank you to those of you who completed the parent survey – we really appreciate your support. The inspection was rigorous and demanding on staff, but a positive experience overall and a mammoth team effort. It was great to be able to show off what we do and the children certainly enjoyed their various meetings and chats with the inspectors! The verbal feedback from the ISI team yesterday afternoon was very pleasing and we look forward to sharing the report with you when it is published in a few weeks. We hope to have it before the end of the school year.
Ruffles update
Further to last week’s health update, Ruffles returned to the vet on Monday this week and was taken in for a procedure under general anaesthetic. The infection in her paw, which may have been caused by a grass seed, had started to spread up the leg, but is now under control. She has been recovering well at home all week but popped in to see the children yesterday afternoon and show them her shaved leg! I hope she will be well enough to return to school full-time very soon.
Next week
On Tuesday, we are looking forward to our teddy bear house picnics. Year 2 children will be travelling over to Exeter School to have a joint house picnic lunch with Form One, while the rest of the pre-prep children will remain in school for a house picnic in the grounds. We would like the children to bring a teddy into school on this day to join them at the picnic, if they would like to. Please ensure the teddy fits into your child’s bag. We hope it will be an enjoyable experience and a chance for the children to spend more time in their houses. Let’s hope for some nice weather!
I look forward to seeing you at Exeter School tomorrow afternoon for the Family Society summer fete between 1-4pm, if you are able to come along.
Finally, I hope all the dads have a very Happy Father’s Day on Sunday!
