Ofsted inspectors visited this nursery school and issued the following verdict
“This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff and the wonderful children and families we serve”
Hylton Red House Nursery School headteacher Catherine Barnett said her staff are “thrilled” after the setting received a glowing Ofsted report after its latest inspection.
No one-word overall judgement is now given to schools and nurseries with, instead, a traffic light report card given ranging from blue (exceptional), dark green (strong standard), light green (expected standard), amber (needs attention) to red which indicates urgent improvement is needed.
Inspectors judged Hylton Red House Nursery to be working at a strong standard for achievement, behaviour attitudes and establishing routines, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, and leadership and governance.
Children’s welfare and wellbeing was deemed to be at the expected standard.
After receiving the report, Ms Barnett said: “We are thrilled with the outcome of our inspection and proud that Ofsted recognised the many strengths of Hylton Red House Nursery School.
“As one of the first nurseries in the city to be inspected under the new framework, the outcome is particularly meaningful.
“This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff and the wonderful children and families we serve. Our children are at the heart of everything we do, and we are proud to make a difference every day.”
Inspectors highlighted how children “achieve well across all areas of learning” and develop a wide vocabulary, and commended the progress made by children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) with children receiving “thoughtful, well-matched support that enables them to take part and learn alongside their friends”.
The report also praised the children’s positive attitudes to learning.
Lead inspector Clare Wilkins was particularly fulsome in her praise of the nursery’s curriculum and the school’s leadership and governance.
She said: “Leaders have established a curriculum that is thoughtfully designed and clearly understood by staff. Children build knowledge and skills, across all areas of learning, over time. Activities are well sequenced and purposeful, and staff model new skills with clarity and precision.
“Teaching is highly effective and staff communicate with children in ways that genuinely strengthen learning.
“Leaders have an in-depth knowledge of the needs of the children and families who attend and a clear understanding of the challenges they face. Leaders maintain highly effective relationships with parents and the wider community.”
Inspectors also praised the inclusive nature of the nursery and Ms Barnett was particularly pleased that the report highlighted how parents say “they truly feel a part of the nursery family”.
The report also commended the nursery for the support afforded to staff, and the governors’ shared “commitment to high-quality care and learning, with a clear, shared focus on inclusion and disadvantage”.
Nursery manager Ashley Almond said: “We are incredibly proud that our commitment to children's resilience and emotional wellbeing was recognised during the inspection, with inspectors noting that 'staff are highly attentive'.
“Our inclusive curriculum and personalised support ensure that every child can thrive, and we were delighted that parents described our provision as 'phenomenal.”