April Open Morning

A Letter from the Lawson Family

Dear Parents

It gives me a great deal of pleasure to send you our ISI Inspection Report. We have been judged as Compliant and Double Excellent in the two over-arching judgements of Academic and other Achievements and Pupils’ Personal Development.

There are many lovely comments to read and I hope you will take time to do so. I have included a few, below.

Ian and I thank all of the staff for their hard work during the inspection showcasing what we do so well at Caversham Prep. We also thank you all for the very positive comments that you made in the Parent Questionnaire. But of course it was your children who were the stars of the show.

Our excellent results at each Key Stage and Senior School entry are measured over a period of time, but the teaching and learning and the children’s comments, behaviour and enthusiasm for their school was measured over the three inspection days and the inspection team were blown away by what they saw and heard. We could not be more proud.

As it says at the end of the report the inspectors gathered evidence from lesson observations including going to games at Queen Anne’s and Forest School up in Balmore Park. They talked to groups of children and staff, trawled through the children’s work, analysed the pupil, staff and parent questionnaires, talked to the Head Teacher and Deputy Head Teacher, analysed published exam data and sampled all the paperwork that is kept in a school – and there is a lot! They popped in to Breakfast club, had lunch with the children and observed aftercare and clubs. They read Governors meeting minutes and met with Ian and I. Two inspectors spent a whole day on Compliance checks leaving no training certificate, risk assessment, safe-guarding and health and safety audit or staff reference unturned. They even spoke to our gardener!

They wrote:

Pupils have a heart for humankind, with a mature capacity to think beyond their own immediate lives. Core values of respect and kindness permeate the school. “People choose kindness here”.

The pupils are excellent mathematicians. All pupils are highly articulate and have strong communication skills.
Pupils appreciate the strong ‘I Can’ culture and sense of family which underpins their desire to do their best at all times.

The school provides a family environment where children build confidence and enjoy learning in order to achieve their potential. They are aware of the schools high academic and social expectations of them, yet they feel comfortable in making mistakes in order to learn.

Teaching is tailored to individual needs and technology greatly enhances pupils learning.

Pupils are successful in achieving a place at the senior school of their choice and a number are awarded academic, sports, drama and music scholarships.

The children in the EYFS demonstrate a love of learning and thirst for knowledge which amplifies and matures into scholarship, especially in English and mathematics at the top of the school.

Pupils have excellent performance skills in singing and drama. Pupils of all ages sing beautifully. play musical instruments competently, and recite words with real talent, enjoyment and empathy.

Excellent staff-to-pupil ratios ensure every pupil has the opportunity to shine.

The pupils see the school as a harmonious and engaging community where everyone is respected and treated as unique individuals. Without exception the pupils all feel safe and appreciated within the school’s family environment.

We believe that the inspection team captured the essence of Caversham Prep through the children’s lens. These “articulate children” cumulatively told it how it is to complete strangers, and we are all very proud of them.

Yours Sincerely

Jacqueline Lawson

March 2023