Brunswick Nursery School, Cambridge

What it's like to be a pupil at Brunswick Nursery School

Children benefit enormously from attending Brunswick Nursery School. The calm start to each day welcomes children into school in a smooth and purposeful way. Children readily park their bicycles and hang up their coats, ready to start learning. Children lap up the opportunities provided for them in classrooms that are abuzz with excitement. They learn, play and have fun with their friends, all under the watchful eye of highly skilled staff who guide them. Children are highly independent. For example, the youngest children quickly learn to tidy away their own equipment. As they grow older, children understand the need to, for example, wash paintbrushes or rinse cups so they are ready to be used by others the next day. Children learn and use an ever-growing range of language. This includes those who speak little or no English when they join. These children become proficient in speaking English because staff know the exact steps needed to help them succeed. Language is developed through a range of stories, poems and songs, and through highly skilled interactions between staff and children. Opportunities through ‘projects', such as using clay, glue or mud to explore, help children develop knowledge and practise using their ever-growing vocabulary. Staff quickly and accurately identify any barriers to children's learning or well-being. They are adept at providing precise support to help children overcome these barriers, whatever they may be. Staff know each child as an individual, enabling them to tailor provision to closely match their needs. Children behave very well, showing compassion and kindness to others. Older children delight in helping their younger friends find their feet as they join the school. A warm welcome greets children who are new to the nursery. Children enjoy finding out about each other, celebrating their differences, whether in the way they look, where they come from or the languages they speak.

What Ofsted says the school should do next

• Leaders and those responsible for governance should continue to strengthen their already high-quality curriculum and teaching so that ever more children, particularly those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and/or disabilities, achieve highly across all areas of learning as they move through the school.

Brunswick Nursery School excels at helping every child reach their full potential, regardless of background or starting point. The school has expert staff who use creative 'projects' with real materials to help children learn through play and become more confident and resilient. Children develop excellent communication skills and independence, arriving at primary school exceptionally well prepared.

Safeguarding standards are met - leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, concerns are actively identified and managed, and pupils feel safe.

Farm animal visits, hatching chicks, interactions with local care home residents, international evening

Bus Stops