South Bristol Nursery Celebrated as Community Heart by Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted praises Ilminster Avenue Nursery School for its inclusive environment and strong community ties following a recent inspection
Bristol, UK, Ilminster Avenue Nursery School, Ofsted, Community, Education Standards
Bristol: Ofsted recently checked out Ilminster Avenue Nursery School in Knowle West and found it to be a “friendly and inclusive” place. They’ve kept their ‘Good’ rating since 2019, which is pretty impressive.
The inspection on November 12 was ungraded, meaning they just looked at whether the school maintained its standards. With 159 kids enrolled, it’s clear the nursery is doing something right.
The inspector, Ben Jordan, had nice things to say about the staff. He noted how they build positive relationships with the kids, who respond well to the routines. The atmosphere is calm and focused, both inside and outside the classroom.
From just two years old, kids are developing their language and social skills, setting them up for future success. The nursery has high expectations, and it shows.
The report highlighted that the nursery is at the heart of the community. Kids get a warm welcome from the staff, which helps them settle in quickly. The staff really know how to meet each child’s needs.
Ofsted also praised the school leaders for bringing stability after some rocky times. They’re teaching an ambitious curriculum, making sure kids learn what they need to know at the right time.
Communication and language are key parts of the curriculum. Staff introduce stories, rhymes, and songs to spark kids’ interest in language. They also adapt learning for kids with special educational needs, which is great for inclusion.
As kids progress, the quality of adult interactions helps them build their vocabulary. However, some staff miss chances to engage kids in deeper discussions, which could help with their speech and language development.
Staff training is beneficial, giving them the skills to teach effectively. Most staff check in on what kids know, helping them build their knowledge. But sometimes, learning isn’t checked closely enough, which can leave gaps.
Behavior is generally good, with staff teaching kids the importance of sharing and listening. The school has solid systems to monitor attendance, which has improved things for many kids.
The personal development program is a big part of what the school does. Kids learn what it means to be part of the school community and develop problem-solving skills.
Governors have a clear vision for the school and provide support to help it improve. Staff appreciate the teamwork and the consideration given to their workload. Parents are happy with the care their kids receive, especially those with special needs.