Tachbrook Nursery School

Tachbrook Nursery School Inspection report

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101104 Unique Reference Number Westminster Local Authority 276450 Inspection number 21 °22 March 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 Community School category 3 °5 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll School

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The governing body Appropriate authority Ms Peggy King Chair Ms Tess Robson Not previously inspected Date of previous school inspection Aylesford Street School address London SW1V 3RT

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02076418725 Telephone number 02076418726 Fax number

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3 °5 Age group 21 °22 March 2006 Inspection dates 276450 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

Tachbrook Nursery is situated in the heart of Westminster in the middle of the Peabody Estate. Since the last inspection the proportion of children learning English as an additional language has more than doubled and is now well over half of the Nursery. There are twenty four different languages represented amongst the children. Attainment on entry is very varied with a small number of fluent articulate speakers and an increasing number of children requiring speech and language support. Due to a decline in numbers the Nursery has admitted children who are rising three. The school is part of a learning network along with other Westminster nurseries.

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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: Tachbrook Nursery School, 21 °22 March 2006

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What the school should do to improve further

* 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 very effective because teachers have high expectations of what children can achieve and very good knowledge of the early year's curriculum. They are clear about what they want children to learn and how to help them achieve to the best of their ability. Excellent observations of what individual children's interests are, and how well they are doing in their work are discussed twice daily. These discussions ensure that the planning of activities are immediately adapted to incorporate what adults know about children's abilities and interests and how they can challenge their learning further. This ensures that sessions are fully inclusive. Teachers adapt the curriculum and planned activities in order to challenge and stretch children in their learning. This twice daily review from all staff is an outstanding example of how using the interests, knowledge and understanding which the children have, can be used to rapidly

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Grade:

move them on in their learning. Because of consistently very good and in many instances outstanding teaching, pupils make very good progress over time. Teachers are adept at developing and increasing children's vocabulary. They are particularly skilled in developing children's imaginative play, and setting up problem solving activities which challenge children and stretch them in their achievement and learning. All children made huge gains in their understanding because adult's enthusiasm along with an exciting stimulating curriculum and outdoor area inspire children to ask questions and to find out more. There is scope however, for staff to make more use of displays such as number lines and alphabets to reinforce visual learning. Effective systems are in place to track children's progress. Teachers use assessment information well to match work to children's abilities, providing good support for those with learning

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Grade:

difficulties. More able children are equally well challenged.

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Grade:

The well-planned, rich and varied curriculum 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 are fully integrated. 4 of 7 Inspection Report: Tachbrook Nursery School, 21 °22 March 2006 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, relevant and inclusive and does much to develop children's independent learning and freedom of choice. The quality of imaginative play is outstanding. There is effective use of information and communication technology such as the use of the microscope linked to the lap top to have a closer examination of a centipede that the children

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Grade:

had dug up from the garden. Creative development is equally encouraged and children make great gains in designing and creating models and pictures. Throughout the year children have many opportunities to enhance their learning through visits to local places of interest, such as museums, art galleries and the local farm.

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Grade:

The nursery is safe and secure and staff work closely with parents to ensure their children's well being. Vulnerable children are effectively looked after. The headteacher has been trained in child protection procedures and more staff are booked to go on further training. Risk assessments are carried out regularly, both around the nursery and for when they go out on trips. Health and safety matters are dealt with effectively and quickly. Individual and small group work, planned to meet the individual interests of children enhances their personal, social and emotional development so that they become confident, independent and happy learners, who reach high standards.

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Grade:

5 of 7 Inspection Report: Tachbrook Nursery School, 21 °22 March 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: Tachbrook Nursery School, 21 °22 March 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 an excellent place to learn and a wonderful start to your education. I really liked the outside area and garden that you have. I know that you like your Nursery and I agree with you it is a very special place. You and your teachers do lots of things really well;* You are very good at working out how to solve problems* You work very hard and learn lots of interesting things* Your teachers also work very hard and make what you learn exciting* You are very good at finding out about things and how they work and about the world around you.* You are excellent in your imaginative play* Your headteacher and other staff are very good at what they do. I have asked the teachers to put up some more displays to help you with your letters and numbers. With best wishes Sue Vale Lead Inspector 7 of 7 Inspection Report: Tachbrook Nursery School, 21 °22 March 2006

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