Heath Lane Nursery School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 March 2023

Children enjoy attending Heath Lane Nursery School. They are happy and safe and develop trusting relationships with staff. This is because adults take time to listen carefully to what children have to say. Key worker staff get to know their children well. They check routinely what children know and can do. As a result, children develop the important skills that they need to be confident, independent learners. Children learn to negotiate obstacles and use the well-resourced outside space safely. They take part in a range of activities, such as growing vegetables, learning to whittle and making charcoal. This helps them to take risks while becoming increasingly aware of the physical world around them. Story time is an exciting event. Children are enthusiastic participants, through role play, and so become familiar with the stories. This means that they can retell them and learn to love them. Children understand that they are important. They learn about what makes 'me' special and unique. Children demonstrate good behaviour through their positive actions. They play together happily. Children learn how to share and take turns. They follow instructions from staff well and listen carefully. As a result, they settle into daily routines quickly.

What the school should improve

• Leaders' curriculum plans set out the important vocabulary they want children to learn for each area of learning. While most staff are skilled at teaching and modelling the planned vocabulary, a few do not have the necessary skills to do this well. Leaders should ensure that they support all staff to develop this expertise so that all children have frequent opportunities to practise and learn the important vocabulary they need to achieve well.

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