Cookham Nursery School

Overview

Cookham Nursery School continues to be an outstanding school, providing a "welcoming and vibrant" environment where children "flourish" due to the "caring and consistent approach" of staff. Leaders maintain "highest expectations" for achievement, ensuring every child is fully included and prepared for their next steps through an "ambitious and engaging curriculum."

Strengths

• Children "relish the wealth of captivating things" to do, finding learning "fun and irresistible" while developing independence and positive social skills.
• Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) "thrive" thanks to "bespoke ‘play plans’" and "close partnerships" with parents and external professionals.
• Language development is a "particular strength," with staff skilfully adapting activities to help children use "relevant and useful words" and discuss complex ideas.
• Physical development is "exceptionally well considered," allowing children to "take calculated risks" and build confidence through activities like woodwork.
• Staff morale is high, supported by "excellent training" and manageable workloads, fostering an "unmistakable sense of collaboration and teamwork."

Areas to improve

The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, underpinned by a "very strong" culture where staff act quickly on concerns and maintain "close relationship[s]" with other schools to build a complete picture of risk factors.