Two north Warwickshire maintained nurseries continue to provide outstanding education
Two local authority maintained nursery schools in the north of Warwickshire, inspected just over a month apart, are celebrating a double achievement after both retaining their ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating.
Atherstone and Bedworth Heath Nursery Schools, who have been joined together in a federation for the past four years, each received a one-day visit at the start of this year where inspectors determined that both deserved to keep their status as ‘outstanding’ schools. The achievement makes this the second consecutive ‘outstanding’ judgement for Atherstone Nursery after they received this first time around in 2014, and the third in a row for Bedworth Heath Nursery, with the school being rated as ‘outstanding’ for the past seven years.
During each of the one-day visits inspectors focused on leadership, children’s progress, governance and safeguarding, and held discussions with the schools’ leadership teams, governors and parents, as well as conducting lesson observations and reviewing a range of documentation including staff and parent questionnaire responses.
At the end of the one-day visits, the inspectors praised Acting Executive Headteacher, Nicci Burton, who is responsible for both schools, for her commitment to providing an outstanding education and excellent outcomes for all children. This passion was seen across the two leadership teams, with both reports commending staff for their dedication to giving every child, regardless of need, the opportunity to benefit from exceptional care and education.
As a federation the schools share a governing body, something that was highlighted in both reports as a key factor in bringing about further improvements, as well as ensuring both settings continue to be financially sustainable whilst still being able to offer the best education for every child.
During both visits the inspectors met with parents who were overwhelmingly supportive, saying their children are happy, safe and well-looked after at both schools. They also make ‘very strong progress’, and benefit from a curriculum that helps to build independence and an understanding of the world around them. One particular quote from a Bedworth Heath Nursery parent struck a chord with the inspector and summed up the views of many: ‘An absolutely exceptional school – I cannot put into words what they have done for me and my child. A very special place.’
Nicci Burton, Acting Executive Headteacher, said:
“I am extremely proud of all of the staff in the federation and their commitment to providing such high quality education and learning experiences for all of our children. Their shared passion to give children the best possible start in life, no matter what their starting point, is inspirational and this outcome is testament to their hard work and motivation to continually improve and enhance our provision. I am also thankful for the support of our local authority, governors, children, families, wider professionals and our local communities who have played a huge part in achieving this fantastic result. I would also like to thank Amanda King, substantive executive headteacher, for passing onto me such an outstanding and committed maintained nursery school federation.”
You can find out more about the nurseries on their websites:
https://www.bedworthheathnurseryschool.com/
https://www.atherstonenurseryschool.com/