Wolverhampton nursery rated ‘outstanding’ by education bosses
A nursery school in Wolverhampton has been rated ‘outstanding’ by education bosses following a recent inspection.
Eastfield Nursery School in Griffin Street, off Colliery Road – which falls within the East Park ward – was described as a place where children “bloom and grow” by Ofsted chiefs.
The establishment currently looks after 139 children aged from two to five, and offers a mix of part-time places of 15 hours per week and 30 hours for working parents.
In her report, Ofsted lead inspector Jo Evans said: “Children arrive happily each day with huge smiles, ready to enjoy the well-planned activities on offer. Adults look after children very well. There are warm and positive relationships throughout the school.
“Adults have high expectations of what all children – including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) – can achieve. Leaders ensure that there is a strong focus on language development. Children talk about how they are feeling and what they are learning with confidence. They also enjoy listening to and performing familiar rhymes and stories.
“The indoor and outside learning environment is superbly organised, which promotes children’s independence well. For example, children can find all the resources they need to investigate, explore and play. Children settle into school quickly and they behave exceptionally well. They get along well with each other and are happy to share and take turns.
“Parents speak highly of the school. They appreciate the care and support their children receive. Leaders promote a partnership between staff and parents to ensure that children have a successful experience at the school,” she added.
“Leaders have reviewed and revised the curriculum to meet the needs of all children. The ambitious curriculum sets out the knowledge and skills that children should gain as they progress through the school. Staff act promptly and work closely with parents and external agencies if they identify that any child needs extra help.
“Children with SEND are fully included in all aspects of school life. Leaders thread communication and language development throughout the curriculum. Adults are expert, enthusiastic storytellers who bring traditional and modern tales alive. They encourage children to join in with familiar stories – for example, by dressing up or using puppets. There are opportunities to sing songs and rhymes throughout the day.
“The children’s wider development is a priority. They learn about eating the right foods and keeping active. Leaders want children to learn about their wider community as well as the world beyond. Learning about the natural world is an important part of the curriculum.
“Also, the school has its own woodland oasis where children get a close look at living things. They enjoy trips to the countryside and a garden centre. Children learn about the cultural traditions of people in their community, and celebrate what makes people different from each other,” said the report.
