Sir James Knott Memorial Nursery School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 June 2022

Sir James Knott Memorial Nursery School is a welcoming place to learn. Parents and carers value this school. It is a caring and safe place where staff commit to children's learning and well-being. All staff focus on helping every child to flourish and achieve well. Children settle into school quickly because they are well supported by adults. They enjoy spending time in the exciting outdoor area, where they make potions with eucalyptus leaves and climb in their boat and sing. They make tea together in china cups in the home corner. Children have regular opportunities to develop and explore new things. Each activity that teachers set up for children has a reason for being there. Children are safe and happy. They behave very well and know they should treat each other well. If children are unkind, adults help them to see how they can make things right. Leaders recognise that the COVID-19 pandemic has made some children more anxious. Leaders have introduced new approaches to address this. Children grasp the hand of an adult if they want to talk, or sing 'Incy wincy spider' if they are worried. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) have their needs met well. With additional teaching support, they access the same learning opportunities as their friends. Parents praise how much staff keep in touch with them and involve them in everything they do for their children.

What the school should improve

• Some adults are less effective than others at developing children's language skills. This means that some children do not get the help that they need. Leaders should ensure that all adults are effectively trained in how best to develop children's language skills. This will help children to build their vocabulary better over time.

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