Rowland Hill Nursery School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

This is a joyful place. Laughter and cries of glee can be heard all day as children delight in their learning.

Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the school. They typically commented on how happy their children are and how much they learn. Children demonstrate positive attitudes and high levels of confidence.

Leaders and staff have high expectations of all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Children rise to these expectations. Children's behaviour is exemplary.

They know the rules and make sure they and their friends follow them.

Leaders are passionate about giving children memorable... experiences. They ensure that a wide range of activities, including visits to places of interest such as the Henry Moore Foundation, are accessible to all.

Adults create a nurturing, safe environment where children can thrive. Children appreciate the strong professional relationships that underpin this wonderful place. They said that it is very rare for anyone to be unkind.

They would tell an adult if it ever did happen. Adults deal with any issues that may arise very quickly.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Leaders have designed the curriculum carefully.

Children are well prepared to start the Reception Year. Leaders' curricular thinking is ambitious and broad. Through the curriculum all children experience a deep and broad set of experiences.

Adults focus on developing children's key skills in the first few weeks when they join the school. They teach children to listen, follow instructions and observe routines. Children use resources successfully and respectfully.

They look after the school's environment and build key knowledge and skills very quickly.

Leaders identify what they want children to know and remember across the curriculum. Staff plan learning skilfully using children's own interests.

For example, story times build on what children have learned in different areas of the curriculum. This helps children to work independently. Children with SEND achieve exceptionally well.

Leaders ensure that they adapt the curriculum for these children. This helps children with SEND to access the same content as their peers. Staff are particularly adept at developing children's language and communication.

They model high standards of spoken English and use signs and gestures to support children's understanding.

Staff promote a love of books highly effectively. They ensure children have regular story sessions.

Staff encourage children to extend their vocabulary. They consider carefully which books to source to foster children's interests.

Staff have a deep understanding of how young children learn and develop.

Effective assessment is a cornerstone of the school's success. Staff meet at the end of every day to review children's achievement and interests. This informs planning for the next day.

All children, even the very youngest, have exceptional attitudes to learning. They show high levels of curiosity and interest for extended periods. This is particularly impressive at this early stage of the year.

Children follow routines well. For example, they wash up their plates after snack time and put resources away neatly.

Leaders have a strong focus on children's character development.

Teachers choose stories carefully which help children to wrestle with moral dilemmas. Leaders make sure children access high-quality art and music. These experiences prepare children well for the next stages of their education.

Staff encourage children to talk about their feelings. Children are taught how to treat each other kindly and to resolve conflicts. Leaders provide many opportunities for children to take responsibility.

For example, the school council reclaimed a local green space by planting trees with the support of a local football club.

Staff are proud to work at the school. They said everyone was supportive of each other.

Staff appreciate how leaders take their workload into account. They value the professional development they receive which hones their expertise. Staff are motivated to continually improve what they do.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders have established tight protocols around safeguarding and the vetting of staff.

Staff receive in-depth training and regular updates.

They have a comprehensive understanding of safeguarding issues and how to report them. Excellent working relationships in the Nursery mean that staff have the full confidence of parents. Leaders offer families support, including from the most appropriate external agencies.

Leaders ensure that the curriculum helps children to understand how to stay safe. For example, children are taught to use tools safely. They know to say 'stop, I don't like it' if anything upsets them.

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