The Norwegian Kindergarten In London

Overview

The report describes a school where children are "happy" and "kept safe by the caring staff," who act as "strong role models." It highlights "exceptional" behaviour and personal development, noting that the school is a "calm, collaborative and purposeful place" where learning is central.

Strengths

• Children settle quickly and are supported to build "independence and resilience" from their first days.
• Staff interactions are "highly effective at developing both languages," enabling children to develop fluency in English and Norwegian.
• The school offers a "broad and extensive offer of activities" for personal development, including community visits and cultural celebrations.
• Staff are "well trained to support children with ‘in the moment’ interventions" that extend learning, including for those with special educational needs.
• The school works effectively with parents, seeking their views and holding regular events to support the relationship between home and school.

Areas to improve

• The curriculum in some areas lacks clarity regarding the knowledge children need at different stages, meaning "learning can be too focused on the activity, rather than the knowledge to be learned."
• The school should review its curriculum to ensure children are supported to "develop knowledge sequentially in each area of learning."

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective" and that the school meets the safeguarding and welfare requirements for the early years foundation stage.