Hornsea Nursery School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 February 2026

Children flourish and thrive at this inspirational setting. Right from their first day in the school, children are immersed in a caring and nurturing environment. They are supported by warm, positive and trusting relationships with compassionate staff. This helps children to settle quickly and feel safe. Children know that staff will deal with any incidents of unkindness, including bullying. Leaders have meticulously designed every part of the school day to ensure it is adapted to meet children’s needs. Staff explicitly teach routines and ensure that they are part of every child’s learning experience, including toileting and eating. Staff speak gently and sensitively to children. This helps them to understand and manage their emotions. Staff identify children’s needs quickly, and they have a deep insight into children's backgrounds and interests. They make sure that everyone is involved in the rich early years offer. This includes children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). If they need it, children have dedicated time for sensory exploration. Activities such as the indoor sandpit offer sensory experiences that help children regulate and feel calm. Children quickly learn to follow rules and stay safe. They engage deeply and enthusiastically with the purposeful learning activities. Children with SEND, disadvantaged children and those who are known to social care succeed with the right, targeted support. Children are immersed in songs and rhymes from the beginning of the day. They are immersed in wellbeing activities that teach them to be kind and look after themselves and each other. This ensures that children are ready for life in modern Britain. Children are happy and settled. In the outdoor area, even in cold and wet weather, they take part confidently in a range of engaging activities, including woodwork and the mud kitchen. Children quickly learn to be independent and follow well-established routines. They move freely and access their learning without adult direction. Staff use their interactions and careful questioning to extend children’s thinking. Parents and carers value the support that their children receive to help them thrive.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure the school’s approach to child development responds to future challenges and changing cohorts so that children continue to achieve the best possible outcomes and are well prepared for their next steps.

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