Chatham Place Nursery School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 2 June 2026

Children enjoy attending this close-knit nursery school. They arrive happily each morning, knowing that the school is a safe place where they feel settled and supported by caring staff. Children typically achieve well. Leaders have high expectations for their achievement, including for children who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They quickly identify and reduce any barriers to learning or wellbeing that children face. As a result, children are ready for their next steps, including their eventual move to primary school. Children develop positive attitudes towards their learning. For example, they confidently play indoors and outdoors. Children are curious to explore and search for bugs under logs in wooded areas. They enjoy listening to stories and learning new words. Children benefit from having ‘reading buddies’ with older peers from the linked primary school, which helps to foster their love of reading. Children behave well. They play kindly and cooperatively with others. Children share toys and take turns. They understand the school’s routines and generally follow them well. Children learn about different emotions and how they can manage their own feelings. They benefit from spaces that provide quiet and calmness when needed. Staff quickly address any rare incidents of unkindness or bullying. Children learn about the wider world through a range of rich experiences that enhance their learning of the curriculum. For example, they go on trips to farms, zoos and local parks. Children also visit nearby shops regularly. They receive dance and sports sessions from specialist coaches to develop their spatial awareness and large-muscle skills. Children are well prepared for the society in which they live.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that staff further develop the knowledge and skills that they need to deliver the curriculum consistently well, making full use of opportunities for children to practise and revisit important knowledge across all areas of learning.
• Leaders should support staff in checking how well children learn the intended curriculum, to identify and address any gaps in children’s vocabulary and knowledge as they arise.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)