Arellian Nursery School

Overview

Arellian Nursery School is described as a “haven of calm and creativity” where the vision is “realised in the warm, welcoming, inclusive nursery school environment.” The report highlights “highly effective practice” across the school, noting that staff are “passionate” and “dedicated” to meeting the diverse needs of children, many of whom have special educational needs or newcomer status.

Strengths

• A “comprehensive, high-quality and robust cycle of planning, observation and assessment” supports clear progression for each child.
• Staff use “highly effective strategies” and “skilful interactions” that nurture children’s personal, social and emotional development.
• The “voice of the child is highly valued and celebrated” through consistent child-led conversations and input into curriculum planning.
• “Strong partnerships and collaborative relationships with parents/carers, and the broader community” significantly enhance learning experiences.
• Children engage in “active and vigorous play” in the extensive outdoor area, developing gross motor skills and emotional wellbeing.

Areas to improve

• The vision statement is “under review to reflect the changing context and the diversity of the community it serves.”
• Staff have identified the need to focus on “improving further the children’s attention and listening skills and their speech and language development.”
• The school is reviewing short-term planning to ensure it is “curriculum-focused rather than activity-led.”

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for child protection align to the current statutory guidance.”