Pembury School House Nursery

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The setting offers an exceptional, child-centred approach that nurtures every aspect of children's learning and development. The curriculum is holistic, ambitious and tailored to children's interests, promoting key life skills such as confidence, independence and communication. Staff use reflective practice to plan meaningful learning experiences based on close observations, key person knowledge and individual starting points. Language and communication are a priority, supported through strategies like rich adult-child interactions, storytelling, visual aids and daily routines. Children are encouraged to express themselves, ask questions and share ideas to develop strong reasoning, curiosity and understanding of the world around them.

Activities are purposefully designed to embed learning in real-life contexts, from discussing scientific concepts like how and why ice melts to learning about other cultures and languages, such as Spanish, which further enhances their language skills. The outdoor environment is a key strength, offering a wide range of opportunities including a secret garden, role play, planting and sensory exploration, all of which inspire creativity, collaboration and a love of learning.

Staff demonstrate a deep understanding of each child's individual needs and provide consistent, responsive support that leads to exceptional progress, especially for children with additional needs or low starting points. Children show exceptional behaviour and strong social skills, often helping one another without prompting and celebrating peers' successes. Staff are outstanding role models, and children mirror their respectful, caring behaviour in daily interactions. The setting values cultural diversity, celebrates festivals and maintains strong community links, including with local schools to support smooth transitions. Children are actively involved in learning how to stay safe. For example, they take part in daily risk assessments outdoors.

What does the early years setting do well and what does it need to do better?

• Leaders are reflective and forward-thinking, continuously evaluating the nursery to ensure every aspect of the provision remains highly effective. They swiftly identify areas for development and implement purposeful improvements. For example, they recognised that some children, particularly those who speak English as an additional language or with delayed speech, needed targeted support with communication and social interaction. In response, they provided staff with high-quality, focused training to deliver tailored interventions. As a result, children receive the support they need to fully access the curriculum and make strong progress.
• Staff build warm, trusting relationships so children feel safe, valued and ready to learn. They give regular encouragement, clearly teach routines and offer meaningful roles like 'helper of the day' to build independence. Staff ask open-ended questions to spark thinking and support communication. They plan activities based on children's interest, for example playing games like hide and seek to build cooperation, motivation and social skills.
• Parents speak highly of the setting, describing it as warm, nurturing and child-centred. They value the strong relationships staff build from the outset and the personalised support each child receives. Parents appreciate how swiftly staff identify individual needs and adapt the curriculum accordingly. Ongoing, responsive communication ensures families feel listened to, with routines and resources adapted following their feedback. Many describe the setting as 'amazing' and 'life-changing', highlighting the team's ability to provide tailored care in a safe, supportive environment.
• Staff describe leaders as inspiring and visionary, with a clear, shared commitment to continuous improvement. Professional development is prioritised through targeted training and support, helping staff feel confident and well-equipped in their roles. Well-being is exceptionally well supported, with staff feeling listened to and valued as their ideas are actively considered and implemented. This fosters a highly positive, motivated and collaborative team culture.
• Staff consistently model kindness and respect, creating a nurturing environment where children learn to help, share and celebrate one another. Through calm, consistent support, children develop emotional understanding and confidence. Daily 'Together Time' provides valuable opportunities for reflection on their learning and discussion, with children articulating what they have learned and observed during the morning session. These routines promote empathy, independence and self-assurance effectively.
• The ambitious, well-sequenced curriculum is securely designed to meet children's individual needs and extend their interests and abilities. Carefully planned small-group activities nurture a love of learning. Outdoor play is a central feature, promoting physical development and curiosity and deepening children's understanding of the world. Children confidently express ideas using rich vocabulary, asking thoughtful questions and making keen observations, such as comparing their height or describing the 'architecture' of their constructions.