Knowles Nursery School

Overview

Knowles Nursery School continues to be a good school, where children are described as "happy and safe" and form "close bonds with staff." The report highlights an "ambitious and well sequenced" curriculum that prepares children well for primary school, supported by staff who have "high expectations for children’s learning."

Strengths

• Children settle quickly and behave well, understanding rules and sharing equipment fairly.
• The curriculum covers all seven areas of early learning, with leaders organising detailed exploration of topics such as World Space Week.
• Staff effectively support children with limited communication skills, using speech and sign language to help them express their needs.
• Leaders work closely with external agencies, such as speech and language therapists, to address the needs of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
• Children develop a love of books through daily story time and gain confidence in mathematical skills, such as counting objects.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure staff structure conversations to fully explore children’s understanding and address any misconceptions, as sometimes children "do not learn all they could."
• Leaders have identified a need to improve attendance so that all children can take full advantage of the curriculum.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff being "well trained" and "vigilant" in reporting concerns, while children learn how to stay safe in both physical and online environments.