Highters Heath Nursery School

Overview

Highters Heath Nursery School continues to be a good school, where children are "very happy" and "eager to learn." Leaders are "ambitious for all children," including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, fostering a supportive environment that prepares pupils well for their next steps in education.

Strengths

• Children benefit from "positive relationships" with staff, which enhance their "self-esteem, confidence and communication skills."
• The school has developed an "effective curriculum" that identifies key vocabulary and links to children’s existing knowledge and interests.
• Literacy is prioritised, with "books and a love of stories" at the core of the curriculum, supported by a lending library and parent workshops.
• Children with SEND are "well supported," with leaders accurately identifying needs and ensuring staff are trained to help these children "progress well."
• Staff feel "well supported by the headteacher" and confident that leaders consider their workload and well-being.

Areas to improve

• Some staff do not deliver the curriculum well enough to extend children’s speaking and listening skills; the school should support staff to "implement all aspects of the curriculum well."
• Governors lack sufficient information about the quality of provision and strategic aspects of the school’s work; they must undertake steps to develop a "good understanding of their role."

Safeguarding

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