At Avon House Preparatory School, we believe that each pupil is an individual who needs to have opportunities to fulfil his or her potential. We aim to make the School a happy place for all pupils to learn and grow spiritually, morally, socially and culturally (in line with our SMSC Policy) as well as academically. We aim to create a culture which celebrates diversity and builds on the strengths of each pupil.
At Avon House Preparatory School we aim to support the abilities, personal qualities and talents of all our pupils. We aim to ensure that all pupils receive an education appropriate to their abilities and provide teaching which makes learning challenging and enjoyable.
Intervention groups outside the classroom are provided for pupils who need extension activities and help to further develop skills to achieve a higher level of the curriculum.
In the Prep Department, pupils have opportunities to compete against other schools in general knowledge, science and maths quizzes. These are prepared weekly by subject specific groups before an event. Paaupils are selected for these teams by inter-house events and recommendations from class teachers.
Those deemed talented in sport represent the School in teams against other schools and our sports co-ordinators encourage these pupils to engage in these activities in clubs outside School and in some cases pupils move on to represent the Borough and beyond.
We recognise that all SEND pupils have a right to receive a broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum; a curriculum that sometimes needs to be adapted according to the diverse needs, interests and talents of the pupils. In order to achieve this, we believe that early identification of need is important so provision can be implemented to address it. The Inclusion Lead takes an active role in supporting interventions for pupils across the school and additional support of teaching assistants are available in each classroom. Pupils of Avon House also have access to supplementary support including a School Counsellor and a Speech and Language Therapist. Avon House also has close links with the neighbouring Sheila Ferrari Dyslexic Centre, where the school can access advice and children can access additional support.
We strive to be a fully inclusive School where all pupils are welcome including those with SEND. We are happy to consider admitting children with EHCPs, if we feel we are able to meet the needs of the child.
We are proud that we have pupils from a variety of cultures and backgrounds, and we value and respect all the languages and faiths within our diverse community. We recognise that the acquisition of multiple languages enhances both brain power and life experiences. To celebrate this, we name a ‘Language of the Month’ where pupils may learn some key words/phrases, as well as some interesting facts about the chosen language. We believe it is important for all pupils to be given the access and knowledge, not only to learn a new language, but also to gain an understanding of other countries and cultures.
CReSTeD is the Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Pupils. Avon House Preparatory School is registered under the Withdrawal System. This refers to a school where SpLD pupils are withdrawn from appropriately selected lessons, for specialist tuition from a teacher with a nationally recognised qualification in teaching SpLD pupils. There is on-going communication between mainstream and specialist teachers.
Avon House Preparatory is the only school in Essex that has the CReSTeD kitemark.
Some comments from our most recent CReSTeD inspection included:
‘The organisation of the provision is excellent. Pupils have appropriate support to develop the skills to make progress within the school.’
‘Parents speak highly of the school and the progress their children are making. They commented on the confidence they have seen in their children and the development of the willingness to take on challenges. They commented that their children enjoy school.’
