The Grove Nursery School

100771 Unique Reference Number Southwark Local Authority 276383 Inspection number 13 °14 June 2006 Inspection dates Wendy Simmons 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 Community 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 Mr Jeremy Brill Chair Ms Esther Hothersall Not previously inspected Date of previous school inspection Tower Mill Road School address Peckham London SE15 6BP

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02077016629 Telephone number 02077016629 Fax number

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3 °4 Age group 13 °14 June 2006 Inspection dates 276383 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 one Additional Inspector.

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Description of the school

This popular nursery school educates children from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The largest groups include Black African, White British and Caribbean children. Many children come from socially deprived backgrounds. However, following housing redevelopment, the population has become more balanced and stable, with an increasing proportion of children attending who come from more favourable social backgrounds. A high proportion speak English as an additional language and over 19 languages are represented in the school. The number of children with learning difficulties and disabilities is high. The school has recently moved into spacious new accommodation, following a period of great upheaval during rebuilding. The school is now almost ready to open as a 'Children's Centre' in September 2006. A comprehensive outreach programme, linked to 'Sure Start', helps children and families to access pre-school education and health services in partnership with the school.

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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: Grove Nursery School, 13 °14 June 2006

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What the school should do to improve further

* Improve the progress and achievement of the more able boys.

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Grade:

Teaching and learning are good. Adults have outstanding relationships with the children and plan enjoyable and well organised learning activities, which result in children being active and successful learners. Learning is generally well planned and assessed carefully, so that children make good progress, but some planning does not include how discussions and activities might be further extended for the most able learners. There is some inconsistency in how well adults ask questions and engage more able children in learning. Nonetheless, staff focus clearly on helping children to hear good models of spoken language and children have many opportunities to talk generally about what they are doing. These features enable children with learning difficulties to make good progress and also enhance the support given to those learning English as an additional language. High standards in reading reflect good teaching of basic skills and successful

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Grade:

The school provides a good curriculum. The building is well designed to support the curriculum. An exciting outside learning area is close to completion. Currently, physical activity has been limited because of building works, but provision of physical exercise and children's progress in physical development are satisfactory. Basic skills are effectively taught, such as reading, skills with computers, writing and mathematical work. Children are also helped to develop their creativity and imagination and they really enjoy learning and benefit from a good range of visits and exciting musical activities. This further aids their achievement, especially those who are learning English as an additional language. The curriculum is very well planned to help children to learn social skills, to adopt healthy and safe lifestyles and ensures that children with learning difficulties are supported in making good progress.

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Grade:

Care, guidance and support are outstanding. Staff know the children very well and demonstrate outstanding care. The school rigorously promotes activities that help children to adopt healthy 4 of 7 Inspection Report: Grove Nursery School, 13 °14 June 2006 lifestyles and care and respect for others. The school chef provides outstanding food to ensure that children have healthy meals. Children know that adults will help them if they are worried or need help. Vulnerable children are particularly well supported, for example, through the close links with support agencies. Very robust child protection procedures are in place and bullying is rare. Risk assessments are thorough and effective. Good systems help staff to assess how well pupils are progressing. Children behave well. They settle quickly into school because staff are very supportive. The school gives out very clear information and develops strong

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Grade:

partnerships with parents quickly. Parents confirm that this is a, 'very caring and nurturing environment' where, 'children are treated as individuals'.

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Grade:

5 of 7 Inspection Report: Grove Nursery School, 13 °14 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: Grove Nursery School, 13 °14 June 2006

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

Children You may remember that I came to your school to find out how well you are doing. Thank you for being so friendly.You really like Grove Nursery and are very happy at school, enjoying learning and being cared for so well by Esther (your headteacher) and all of the other grown ups. You are lucky children to be able to go to a good school which helps you to learn new things quickly and well. You are especially good at learning how to enjoy books, play with others, share things and take turns. So well done for this and keep it up! I especially like the way your parents and adults work together, to help you to do well at school. Esther and the other grown ups are very keen to make your school even better, so I have asked them to make sure that all of the boys are as busy as the girls, especially by helping them to talk more about what they are doing.I know that you are all looking forward to going to play

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

and learn in your new garden. I hope that it will soon be open and that it doesn't rain as much as it did when I came to visit you! Have a lovely summer at school and keep eating all that delicious healthy food that your school chef makes for you. Yours sincerely Wendy Simmons Lead Inspector 7 of 7 Inspection Report: Grove Nursery School, 13 °14 June 2006

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