Etherley Lane Nursery School

Overview

Etherley Lane Nursery School has undergone "significant change" since its previous inspection, with leaders demonstrating "sheer determination" to secure high ambitions for all children. The report highlights that "children thrive" in an environment characterised by a "well-thought-out, broad and ambitious curriculum" and "exemplary" behaviour. Leaders have dramatically improved the culture and quality of education, ensuring children are well-prepared for their next stage of learning.

Strengths

• Children display "exemplary" behaviour, showing respect for others and listening immediately to adult instructions.
• Staff deliver a precise curriculum with "good subject knowledge," skilfully introducing new concepts such as early mathematics and language through engaging activities.
• Leaders and governors have improved the school culture in a "caring and supportive way," fostering staff confidence and effective professional development.
• Systems are in place to check understanding and provide extra support, including working with external agencies and families to improve attendance.
• Children benefit from wider opportunities, such as farm visits, which help them "make better sense of the world around them."

Areas to improve

• Support for some children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is "not as prompt as it needs to be," with plans lacking sufficient detail.
• Leaders must ensure strategies for SEND children are "clear on children’s plans, implemented quickly and regularly reviewed" to prevent slowed learning.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."