Ofsted inspectors visited this school's nursery and gave the following verdict
“The report reflects the provision provided by the nursery staff which gives the children a really good start to their education journey”
The words of Southwick Community Primary School headteacher Christian Robson, after the school’s nursery, New Beginnings, received its latest Ofsted report.
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 deemed New Beginnings to be working at the expected standard in achievement, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, and leadership and governance. Ofsted judged the nursery to be performing at a strong standard in behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines, and children’s welfare and wellbeing.
Mr Robson said: “I’m particularly pleased with the two areas identified as being at a strong standard as you need these things in place for everything else to work and fall into place.
“The nursery really does give our children the best possible start and prepares them for starting primary school.”
Inspector Julie Campbell was fulsome in her praise of children’s behaviour in response to staff’s “high expectations” and “diligent work to establish routines”.
Ms Campbell added: “Children are happy and settled in the presence of caring and attentive staff. Staff provide cuddles, reassurance and consistent routines. This helps children to settle, feel secure and promotes their emotional wellbeing.
“Staff take a genuine interest in how children feel and how they can support children when they feel sad. This helps children to develop a very secure sense of emotional wellbeing and belonging.”
Inspectors also praised the nursery’s ambitious curriculum and identified how “children make good progress across all areas of the curriculum”.
Ms Campbell added: “Staff provide a stimulating environment for the children to explore, enabling children to carefully select their own activities and resources.
“All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) or from disadvantaged backgrounds, are eager to join in the exciting activities that the staff plan.
“Children with SEND receive the support they need to thrive.”
The report also highlighted how the nursery’s leaders are “passionate and knowledgeable with a clear vision” and noted that parents speak positively about the setting and “feel fully involved in their children's learning”.
Mr Robson said: “I would like to thank the whole team. The staff have been immense and always put in an amazing effort.”