Hillside Nursery School

Overview

Hillside Nursery School continues to be a good school, where children are eager to attend and feel safe and secure. Leaders have created an ambitious curriculum that prepares children well for their next steps in education, supported by nurturing relationships with staff.

Strengths

• Children settle quickly and benefit from "nurturing relationships" with staff who they trust to provide comfort.
• The curriculum is "well designed" in most areas, with staff delivering it consistently and explaining new ideas clearly.
• Staff effectively develop children’s language and vocabulary, using interactions to build confidence and reinforce learning.
• Children are "well prepared for their next steps in education," including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
• The outdoor area is highly engaging, featuring "interesting nooks and crannies" that children enjoy exploring regardless of weather.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must finalise curriculum content in a small number of areas where the knowledge and sequence are not yet clear, as this hinders some children’s achievement.
• Leaders should continue training staff to ensure they deliver the curriculum for two-year-olds with greater clarity and precision, as some adults lack confidence.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff being well trained, vigilant, and confident to report concerns to keep children safe.