Weston Way Nursery in Baldock: Read the full Ofsted report

Weston Way Nursery received an 'outstanding' report with perfect marks in each category. Particular praise was given to the activities children partake in and their commitment to supporting children with special educational needs.

Headteacher Kelly Nichol said: "Our inspection provided us with the opportunity to share our quality provision we offer our children during their nursery adventure with us."

Proud headteacher Kelly Nichol (Image: Weston Way Nursery School)

The full report is below:

What is it like to attend this school?

Weston Way Nursery provides a welcoming and nurturing environment for all children. The classrooms are well-designed and very appealing. Children happily take part in the well-planned activities. They know the routines well.

Children navigate the whole environment with high levels of independence, considering their age. Children learn to communicate very well. This is important. It means that children can express themselves and tell the staff their wants and needs. This helps ensure that children are safe, and well supported. They develop their skills and knowledge in an inclusive environment.

Children get along with each other exceptionally well. Staff have created well considered areas inside and outside. These areas foster creativity, spark interest, and allow for imaginative play.

Children enjoy playing and learning together (Image: Weston Way Nursery School)

Children are encouraged to problem-solve, which builds their resilience and confidence. Through the ‘play and grow’ sessions, children develop their understanding of the world around them.

Many children love to be in the nature area. They can build dens, find and use natural materials to play with and run in the trees and grass.

This supports their physical health and mental well-being. Children understand that keeping healthy is very important. Extra well-being sessions help children learn that moving their bodies can make them happier. 

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The Curriculum

The school has a well-designed curriculum that meets the diverse needs of all children. Children’s knowledge develops quickly and deeply due to the precise connections made between their different learning experiences.

The school’s focus on developing children’s communication and language is a strength. This helps children to communicate their likes and dislikes. This means staff get to know the children very well. Staff understand how best to provide appropriate support and care.

The school provides highly effective support to children so that they can communicate well. Staff identify the key words that children should know and use them regularly.

This helps children widen their vocabulary. Staff have high expectations and use complex words, such as incubation, that are relevant to children’s current learning.

Children also learn to use visuals and signals. This means that all children can communicate very well, which is essential when learning to build relationships and get along with others.

Reading

Children love to read, sing songs, and learn rhymes and poems. This helps them develop their wider vocabulary and learn numbers because many of the songs they sing involve counting.

Children have a love of reading. Children have ample opportunities to read. They often share books and role-play stories. Children learn the basics of phonics, by identifying the beginning sounds in words.

Staff encourage children to develop their mark-making skills and complete tasks that help them develop fine motor skills. This helps the children to be very well prepared for reading and writing in Reception.

SEND support

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported by skilled staff.

The school has close links with parents and, together, they gather valuable information about each child.

Children with SEND make strong progress with their learning. Children know and follow the school expectations. Children know that ‘we are kind,’ and ‘we put things back where they belong,’ are expectations to follow. Children learn to be very independent in the environment

Personal development

The school offers a wide personal development programme. Children benefit from the visitors who come to the school and participate in various trips.

For example, the farm comes to visit the children and the children visit the local library, further developing their knowledge of the world. They can also join the relevant and interesting after-school clubs.

Children of this age can sometimes find it hard to manage their emotions. With effective support from adults, children learn ways to do so confidently.

Staff ensure the children can recognise their feelings and understand that it is normal to feel them. Children also learn ways to help them feel better.

Trustees

Staff value the high-quality and effective training they receive. School leaders and the governors work collaboratively to provide clear and comprehensive direction for the school. Governors ensure that the school meets all statutory duties.

Inspectors also confirmed that there are no safeguarding issues at the nursery.