St Michael's Nursery School

Overview

The inspection was conducted during industrial action, meaning the ETI could not fully evaluate outcomes for learners or the quality of provision. Consequently, the report states it is “unable to assure fully the quality of education,” though it notes that leadership and management were evaluated as “Outstanding” based on available evidence.

Strengths

• Leadership and management are described as “Outstanding,” underpinned by “extensive, rigorous self-evaluation” and strategic staff development.
• Staff demonstrate “consistently high quality interactions” with children, skilfully developing curiosity and exploiting “spontaneous opportunities for learning.”
• Children show strong personal, social and emotional development, engaging in “sustained, concentrated, collaborative play” and beginning to “self-regulate.”
• The setting provides a “welcoming, inclusive learning environment” with well-established routines and a balance of free play and organised activities.
• Governors are “fully committed” and take an active role, while there are “very effective links” with local primary schools to support transitions.

Areas to improve

• The report identifies no specific areas for improvement, as the ETI was “unable to evaluate fully” outcomes for learners and the quality of provision due to the industrial action.

Safeguarding

The nursery provided evidence that safeguarding arrangements “reflect broadly the guidance from the Department of Education,” although the ETI was unable to fully evaluate their outworking across the nursery.