Acacia Nursery

Overview

Acacia Nursery provides an exceptional early years experience where children “adore coming to this nursery” and eagerly greet staff each morning. The report describes a “highly structured and highly ambitious” curriculum that supports children in developing “immensely positive attitudes to learning” and thriving in confidence. Leaders and staff work closely together to ensure every child, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, is fully engaged and supported.

Strengths

• Children build “close bonds with the staff” who know them well and skilfully support their growing vocabulary through activities like harvesting vegetables and cooking.
• The curriculum is carefully planned to break down learning into easily understood steps, with staff alert to gaps in understanding and providing extra practice where needed.
• There is a strong focus on communication and language, with daily sessions laying foundations for early reading and writing through practical activities like manipulating clay and play dough.
• Children’s learning is enriched by visits to galleries and museums, and they learn about caring for others through responsibilities like looking after the school’s tortoises.
• Staff feel valued and supported by leaders, who ensure they have the necessary training and knowledge to be “experts in promoting children’s development.”

Areas to improve

The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a “strong culture of safeguarding” where staff know how to identify and report worries and leaders follow up on concerns quickly.