Pembury House Nursery School

Overview

Pembury House Nursery School delivers an exceptional standard of education, particularly in supporting children who start with well below age-related expectations. The report highlights how precise, inclusive teaching and a strong focus on personal development enable rapid progress and secure foundations for future learning.

Strengths

• Children make "rapid and sustained progress" from low starting points, with gaps closing quickly for those with SEND or language barriers.
• The curriculum is "inclusive by design" and "highly responsive," using bespoke learning steps and small-group teaching to accelerate development.
• Inclusion is a "golden thread" shaping practice, ensuring children with complex barriers participate confidently alongside peers.
• Staff provide distinctive pastoral support, helping children manage feelings and build resilience through "calm interactions" and real-world risk experiences.
• Leaders demonstrate "deep professional thinking," fostering a culture of shared ownership and strong community engagement.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should continue work to ensure all children establish "positive habits of attendance at the earliest possible stage."

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an open culture where concerns are actively identified and managed to ensure pupils feel safe.