Grangetown Nursery School Receives Positive Evaluation from Estyn

Grangetown Nursery School has received a glowing report from Estyn, highlighting the commitment to inclusivity, quality education, and community engagement taking place at the early years provision.

During a recent visit by His Majesty's Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales, inspectors praised the nursery school's dedication to fostering strong relationships among pupils, families, and the wider community.

Leaders have implemented a curriculum tailored to the unique needs of young children, offering engaging experiences both indoors and outdoors.

With an emphasis on providing a warm and inclusive environment, the school ensures that pupils feel a strong sense of belonging, contributing to their overall happiness and eagerness to participate in various learning experiences.

Staff were found to exhibit a profound understanding of child development, effectively supporting pupils' learning and growth. Leaders have implemented a curriculum tailored to the unique needs of young children, offering engaging experiences both indoors and outdoors. As a result, pupils, including those with additional learning needs and English as an additional language, demonstrate good progress in various skills, including communication, numeracy, and social interaction.

Nicola Brinning, Headteacher said: "It was great to read a report that was reflective of our practice and pedagogy. Estyn highlighted and captured the independence, richness, confidence and relationships of our youngest learners. This was all recognised and embedded within the beauty of our community."

Overall, a positive report Estyn have suggested one area for improvement and recommends that staff increase the modelling and usage of Welsh in daily interactions to enhance pupils' understanding of the language. The nursery school will develop an action plan to address this.

A Cardiff Council spokesperson said: "Estyn have recognised the positive work taking place at Grangetown Nursery School and the broad range of activities provided, helping to develop high levels of emotional, social and physical well-being in all children. 

"The celebration of the school's diverse community is clear, and leaders show consideration to the range of pupil's cultures, backgrounds and needs. Congratulations to staff, children and the wider school community."

At the time of inspection Grangetown Nursery School, had 78 pupils on roll. 23.7per cent of pupils are eligible for free school meals and 48.3per cent have English as an additional language.

Estyn's approach to inspection in schools and Pupil Referral Units across Wales no longer include summative gradings (e.g. ‘Excellent', ‘Good' or ‘Adequate') and now focus on how well providers are helping a child to learn.

The approach aligns with the personalisation of the new curriculum for Wales with inspections involving more in-person discussions, placing less emphasis on achievement data.

Estyn believe that the inspection approach will make it easier for providers to gain meaningful insights that help them to improve without the spotlight on a judgement.

To read the full report, follow this link: Grangetown Nursery School | Estyn (gov.wales)