Nell Gwynn Nursery School

Nell Gwynn Nursery School Inspection report

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100770 Unique Reference Number Southwark Local Authority 276382 Inspection number 7 °8 June 2006 Inspection dates Sue Vale Reporting inspector

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This inspection of the school was carried out under section 5 of the Education Act 2005.

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Nursery Type of school Maintained School category 3 °4 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll School

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The governing body Appropriate authority Mrs Abi Melotte Chair Miss Jeanne Peskett Not previously inspected Date of previous school inspection Meeting House Lane School address London SE15 2TT

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02072528265 Telephone number 02076350049 Fax number

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3 °4 Age group 7 °8 June 2006 Inspection dates 276382 Inspection number .

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This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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Further copies of this report are obtainable from the school. Under the Education Act 2005, the school must provide a copy of this report free of charge to certain categories of people. A charge not exceeding the full cost of reproduction may be made for any other copies supplied.

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Introduction

The inspection was carried out by an Additional Inspector.

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Description of the school

The nursery is situated in Central Peckham, in an area of high deprivation, low employment and high levels of crime. The area is part of the borough's regeneration programme, and at present there is high mobility as families are rehoused. The community has two settled Traveller sites, and these families regularly use the nursery. There are 36 different home languages and a relatively high percentage of children with learning difficulties and disabilities and statements of special eduactional needs. Attainment on entry is very low for the majority of children especially in speech and language development. The nursery has recently been designated as a children's centre.

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Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 3 of 7 Inspection Report: Nell Gwynn Nursery School, 7 °8 June 2006

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What the school should do to improve further

* Devise effective plans for developing relationships with partners as the nursery moves forward as a children's centre. * Improve the use of displays to stimulate more effective visual learning of reading, writing and number skills in order to develop children's numerical and reference skills further.

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Grade:

Teaching is good overall. Teachers and early years educators together plan well to meet the needs of all children and the learning environment is stimulating and exciting and encourages children to participate and try out new things. Staff make good daily observations of individual's interests, and carefully assess and evaluate how well they are doing. These assessments ensure that activities are matched to the children's abilities and interests, and provide good levels of challenge. However, there is no way of ensuring whether the activities adults plan to support individuals are then visited or used by the children. Adults are adept at developing and increasing children's vocabulary. They are particularly skilled in developing children's spoken language through good role modelling and repeating back what children say to them. Children make huge gains in their understanding because the exciting curriculum and outdoor areas inspire children to find out more. There is scope for staff to make

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Grade:

more use of displays such as number lines and alphabets to reinforce visual learning. Children with learning difficulties are very well supported as are those who are learning English as an additional language.

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Grade:

The curriculum is outstanding. It is well-planned, rich and varied and promotes relevant and practical activities both inside and outdoors. Hands-on activities make learning fun and children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning. Children with learning difficulties play a full part in the nursery's activities. There is very good provision for those children at an early stage of learning English and a high priority is given in the curriculum to the development of speaking and extending the children's vocabulary. The curriculum is interesting and fully caters for children's individual interests. It does much to foster independent learning and decision making. The quality of imaginative play is very good; adults interact very well with children and support them in learning how to take on 4 of 7 Inspection Report: Nell Gwynn Nursery School, 7 °8 June 2006 different roles. This is particularly effective for those children who are new to learning English

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Grade:

and for those who have underdeveloped language skills. There is effective use of information and communication technology. Creative development is strongly encouraged; children made great gains in designing and creating models, pictures and even 'fairy wings' for their imaginative play. Throughout the year children have many good opportunities to enhance their learning through visits to local places of interest, such as museums, art galleries and the theatre.

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Grade:

Children receive outstanding pastoral care. Parents are very positive in their comments about this aspect. One commented, 'I feel so grateful and thankful for the care my child has received.' The nursery is safe and secure and staff work closely with parents to ensure their children's well being. Effective arrangements are in place to safeguard children. There are robust systems for risk assessments and they are carried out regularly. Support for children with learning difficulties is very good. It is also good for the high percentage of children with English as an additional language. Child protection requirements are fully met. Vulnerable children are effectively looked after. There are very good links with the Travellers families who are regular visitors to the nursery. Everyone is included and valued. A healthy life style is encouraged and this has been supported through the encouragement of physical activity

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Grade:

5 of 7 Inspection Report: Nell Gwynn Nursery School, 7 °8 June 2006 .

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Grade:

in the guidance 'Complaints about school inspection', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. 6 of 7 Inspection Report: Nell Gwynn Nursery School, 7 °8 June 2006

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

Children I really enjoyed visiting your nursery. It is a lovely caring place to learn and a good start to your education. I really liked the outside areas and what you do in the gardens that you have. You and your teachers do lots of things really well;* You are very interested in learning and appear very happy at nursery.* You work hard and learn lots of interesting things.* You make good progress in speaking.* The adults at your nursery work very hard and make what you learn exciting.* You have lots of opportunities to try out new things.* Your physical development is very good.* Your headteacher and other staff are very good at what they do and look after you very well. I have asked the teachers to put up some more displays to help you with your letters and numbers. I have also asked the nursery to look at how they can develop the children's centre even further. With best wishes Sue Vale Lead Inspector

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

7 of 7 Inspection Report: Nell Gwynn Nursery School, 7 °8 June 2006

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