West Heath Nursery School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 5 June 2024

West Heath Nursery School is a welcoming place to learn. Children settle into school quickly because they are well supported by adults. The mission statement 'nurturing happy minds' is reflected in the ethos of the school. Staff focus on helping every child flourish and achieve. This includes those children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school is a caring and safe place where staff commit to children's well-being. Staff ensure that children have clear knowledge of keeping themselves safe. For example, children talk about the importance of holding hands, wearing hats in the sun and not talking to strangers. Children behave well because staff use consistent strategies to encourage children's positive behaviour. Children follow the rules that the school has implemented, for example walking in school and saying kind words. This helps classrooms to be calm spaces where children learn well. Children encounter a variety of experiences that enhance their wider development, such as forest school and woodwork. They enjoy spending time in the exciting outdoor area. Here, for example, they look for minibeasts and learn new vocabulary such as 'woodlice' and 'wriggle.' Children benefit from trips in the local community, such as to the shops and the farm.

What the school should improve

• Some aspects of the early years curriculum design are unclear. Staff do not always have the guidance they need to consistently ensure high-quality provision for all children. As a result, in some areas of learning, children do not build their knowledge, skills and vocabulary over time as well as they could. The school needs to continue to refine the design of the curriculum to ensure all staff perform at the highest level and children are enabled to secure their learning and deepen their understanding better.
• Some governors do not yet have enough knowledge of the strategic aspects of the school's work, including the effectiveness of the curriculum. This means that they are not able to support and challenge leaders effectively. The school needs to ensure that governors undertake appropriate training to develop a good understanding of their role and the impact of leaders' actions.

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