Heathcote Preparatory School & Nursery

Heathcote Preparatory School and Nursery is an independent, non-denominational school for boys and girls aged 2-11 in the lovely village of Danbury, Essex. The small village of Danbury is situated in the borough of Chelmsford and is a lovely, leafy rural community. The school was founded in 1935 by the Heath family and was sold in 2009 to the Prowting Trust. In 2019 the school was sold to the Heather Partnership. Since this time, we have received award winning recognition by Pearson and the Independent Schools Association for a silver national NQT of the year, highly commended awards for the whole school and our digital innovation (alongside Microsoft recognition for innovative educators across the school and a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert) and most recently 2021-22 the ISA Junior School of the Year. We are so proud of everything our school community achieves.

Small classes of up to 20 pupils ensure that children receive high quality and dedicated teaching and learning by specialist, experienced teachers. The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum to ensure all children's talents and passions are catered for, including a wide range of extra-curricular activities such as dance, fencing, tennis and Minecraft club. As well as an academic focus, such as preparation for 11 + and senior school entrance exams, Heathcote offers a holistic education with plenty of opportunities for creative and practical subjects such as music, drama, art, computing, sports and outdoor learning. Heathcote nursery accepts children from 2 years old. The open plan nursery setting offers a bright airy space with an emphasis on learning through play. Phonics, numeracy, computing and French all form part of the nursery curriculum, helping children make the transition from Pre-school to Reception.

Headteacher

MrsSamantha Scott

Values and vision

Our vision is that each child will flourish and thrive in an exceptionally warm and friendly place to learn, where every child feels valued and recognised for their own unique gifts and talents. Every child will develop and celebrate their love of learning without boundaries, ensuring that they fulfil their potential. Each child will be curious, appreciative and respectful towards the world around them and engage with their community. Every member of our staff will have the opportunity to explore and develop their practice whilst engaging pupils to strive for our pursuit of excellence. Family contribution is an essential element of the Heathcote community, as they are a critical support in their child’s learning journey.

Every pupil will recognise their own self-worth and through their school journey build character, confidence and compassion as well as an excellent academic foundation. Determination, resilience and endurance will be instilled to all our community. Myself and my staff will diligently plan and make high quality provision for our teaching and learning, striving to ensure that excellence really is at the heart of all we do.

Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI report 2019):

Pupils’ attitudes to learning are excellent. As a result, they persevere and are resilient and confident learners who involve themselves fully in all they do.

All groups of pupils demonstrate excellent communication skills overall as they progress through the school.

Pupils display excellent thinking and research skills in relation to their age.

Pupils demonstrate very strong self-confidence through trying things out for themselves and learning from mistakes.

Decision making among all pupils is excellent. Pupils are socially mature and readily take on responsibilities.

Pupils are highly successful in gaining places at local independent and state grammar schools.

There is a positive ‘can do’ mentality throughout the school.

Throughout the school, differences [are] effectively invisible with pupils simply enjoying being with each other.

Pupils’ kind, considerate and responsible behaviour in the classroom and at break times demonstrates how leaders’ successful embedding of the school’s values programme permeates everything they do.

Pupils leave with a strong awareness of their strengths and are well prepared for the next stage of education.

Children in the EYFS make rapid progress because their interests and aptitudes are quickly identified resulting in a programme of well-planned activities.

Most children exceed expected levels of development at the end of the Reception year.

Most children in EYFS are able to read at a level above their chronological age.

Progress in reading and writing is rapid from EYFS onward.

The younger pupils display above average ability in mathematical tasks.