Hardmoor Nursery & Early Years Centre - Part of the Learning Federation Partnership of Schools

Overview

Hardmoor Early Years Centre continues to be a good school, providing a "welcoming and inclusive" environment where children arrive with smiles and are eager to learn. Leaders and governors hold an "ambitious vision" that is effectively realised through a well-sequenced curriculum and high expectations, ensuring children become "independent, confident and resilient learners."

Strengths

• Children "relish being part of this welcoming and inclusive place," showing kindness, turn-taking, and superb behaviour.
• The curriculum is "well sequenced" and precisely identifies essential knowledge, with "carefully planned support" ensuring children with special educational needs access it successfully.
• Staff foster a love of reading and communication through stories, songs, and Makaton, while encouraging children to "take safe risks" in outdoor learning.
• Governors "challenge and hold leaders to account effectively," and staff appreciate the leadership’s care for their workload and well-being.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must develop staff’s teaching approach to "consistently help all children deepen their knowledge and understanding of the curriculum," as teaching does not always support communication and language development effectively enough.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with clear recruitment records, regular staff training, and vigilant leaders who make "timely and appropriate referrals" to protect children from harm.