St Thomas Centre Nursery School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 16 July 2024

Children make a good start to their education. They are happy and safe at school. They settle in quickly because staff are nurturing and attentive. Staff provide children with a range of interesting activities that help them to develop personal attributes such as collaboration, resilience and curiosity. The broad range of learning opportunities offered by the school help children to become confident and successful learners. The school focuses strongly on supporting children's emotional needs. Staff understand the complexities of early childhood development and the need to help young children manage their emotions. They read stories, such as 'The Colour Monster', to help children understand their feelings and express them. Children behave well. They learn from the staff to be kind, respectful and cooperate with others. They respond appropriately to adult requests and instructions, including at lunchtime. Most children become absorbed in the activities offered, especially when working with the artist-in-residence to explore different media in the studio classroom. The school extends children's personal development well through exciting trips, visitors and events. For example, children visit local supermarkets, farms and nature centres. They also gain an appreciation of other faiths and cultures through experiences such as celebrating Diwali and Chinese cookery.

What the school should improve

• On occasion, the level of staff interaction with some children is variable. This results in some children not being actively involved in some activities or not talking to an adult to develop their communication and language skills as fully as they should. The school should ensure that all staff have the expertise and skills needed to promote effective dialogue and interaction with all children consistently.
• Curriculum provision is less well developed in the outdoor learning environment. Some activities lack a focus, and the learning intention is unclear. The school should ensure that outdoor activities contribute to, and extend, children's early development in all areas of learning.

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