'Wellies on' nursery school remains good

INSPECTORS say a nursery in Oldbury Court is still good, after making their first visit for six years.

Ofsted visited Little Hayes Nursery School last November - the first time it had been inspected since 2016, and following recent changes to the regulator's guidelines.

The inspection team said there was no change to their overall judgement as a result of their short visit. But they recommended a longer inspection take place next time, as "the evidence gathered suggests that the inspection grade might not be as high if a (full) graded inspection were carried out now."

Inspectors Julie Carrington and Emma Jelley highlighted the warm relationships that formed between children and staff, the effective routines and "many high-quality resources" set out for children to use, indoors and out.

The report said: "Every day is a ‘wellies on’ day; children are excited and curious to explore outside whatever the weather.

"Staff help children play alongside and with each other, so that they learn how to become friends. "Staff encourage children to try things out for themselves, but they are always there to provide a helping hand."

The inspectors said children learned to be independent, how to listen and take turns and look after themselves, and were safe and well cared-for.

They said staff and parental partnerships are effective, and parents are "very positive about the school".

But they said some children were not taught the depth of knowledge they need in some areas, which holds them back in their learning and development.

The inspectors said interim executive head teacher Jet Davis is "tightening operations to further improve curriculum quality and care practices", adding: "She is explicit in sharing her reasons for leading the necessary changes with staff.

"She has high expectations of what children should learn.

"There have been recent changes to the organisation of the school day. Staff are starting to implement a better balance between child-initiated play, pre-arranged activities and deliberate teaching."

A "substantial" staff training programme to provide all staff with expert subject knowledge has not yet been completed and there are "some weaknesses in the delivery of the curriculum", including in maths, the report said.

Little Hayes is a council-maintained nursery, with 92 children aged two to five on its roll.

In a joint statement on the report, Ms Davis and chair of governors Jill Gettrup said: "The inspectors identified many positive attributes of the school alongside some areas for development.

"They identified our commitment to building relationships that support children and families.

"At Little Hayes Nursery School we are in the process of implementing an ambitious professional development programme for all staff and leaders.

"The Ofsted Inspectors have reported that although leaders and governors have an accurate understanding of the areas for development, implementation is at an early stage.

"Governors will also continue to develop their role in order to provide effective support and challenge to leaders and staff."

They said the nursery school welcomed expressions of interest from anyone interested in joining the governing body, with support and training on offer.