Gloucester Nursery School

Overview

Gloucester Nursery School is described as a “special place” with a “glowing, long-standing reputation” and a “nurturing ethos” that parents highly value. The school maintains high aspirations for all children, focusing on independence and resilience to ensure they are “well prepared for the next stage of their education.” Inspectors judged the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management as Good.

Strengths

• Staff create a “warm, caring environment” where children feel “happy, safe and secure” and learn to treat others with respect.
• The curriculum is “ambitious, broad and balanced,” with well-designed activities that help children make connections and deepen their understanding.
• Support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is a strength, providing “bespoke, individualised learning” for those needing high levels of support.
• Children benefit from clear routines, consistent expectations, and enrichment activities such as litter picks and visits to local amenities.
• Governors check closely on most aspects of the school’s work, and staff feel well supported in their roles.

Areas to improve

• The school must identify important words and phrases across the curriculum so staff can consistently teach key vocabulary to develop communication and language skills.
• The school must ensure all staff have the knowledge required to support disadvantaged children consistently, helping them overcome gaps in their learning.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.