Holy Cross Nursery School

Overview

Holy Cross Nursery School successfully realises its holistic, child-centred vision, consistently placing “Children First” through nurturing relationships and high-quality learning experiences. The report highlights a “well-embedded culture of self-evaluation” and strong partnerships with parents and the community, resulting in a welcoming environment where children develop personally, socially, and educationally.

Strengths

• Staff demonstrate a “wholly committed” approach to meeting individual needs, with “comprehensive and responsive” planning that ensures almost all children make “very good progress” across the curriculum.
• The “World Around Us” is a notable strength, with children engaging enthusiastically in activities such as planting and farm visits, using technology to articulate their learning confidently.
• Effective strategies support children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and English as an Additional Language (EAL), including the use of visual prompts, Makaton, and seamless transition partnerships with primary schools.
• Robust safeguarding arrangements and a “strong culture of celebration” significantly contribute to children’s wellbeing, self-esteem, and emotional regulation.
• Parents appreciate the “excellent communication” from staff and engage actively in workshops and community events, fostering strong home-school links.

Areas to improve

• The school should further develop observations of children’s learning and enjoyment during outdoor play to enhance the quality of staff interactions in this setting.

Safeguarding

The report states that safeguarding arrangements are “robust,” policies are understood and implemented effectively, and child protection arrangements align with current statutory guidance.