Usworth Colliery Nursery School

Overview

Usworth Colliery Nursery School is judged as ‘Good’ overall, with ‘Outstanding’ behaviour and attitudes. Leaders have implemented a new, ambitious curriculum following a period of significant change, ensuring children are ‘well prepared for future learning’. Staff maintain high expectations, fostering a culture where children are ‘confident and enthusiastic learners’.

Strengths

• Children ‘behave exceptionally well’, forming ‘strong, nurturing relationships’ with staff and respecting differences.
• The curriculum is ‘ambitious for all children’, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with effective specialist support.
• ‘Understanding the world’ is a particular strength, with children demonstrating strong knowledge of nature and seasons through engaging outdoor activities.
• Staff skilfully model language during group sessions, helping children excitedly use new vocabulary and develop early writing skills.
• Leaders consider staff well-being, resulting in a positive culture where staff are ‘proud to work in the school’.

Areas to improve

• Staff must maximise interactions with children, as ‘opportunities to deepen children’s learning, through carefully structured conversations, are missed’ at times.
• Leaders and governors must fully evaluate the impact of the new curriculum to determine which aspects work well and which need refinement to ensure children are ready for Year 1.

Safeguarding

The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’.