The nursery at the Liberal Jewish Synagogue in St John’s Wood has retained its outstanding grade from Ofsted which said children there “get the best possible start”.
Children from all backgrounds are “greeted with open arms” by the a strong staff team who offer them “a rich range of experiences”.
The nursery, which opened in 2005 and has 50 pupils on its roll, was judged outstanding at its previous inspection seven years ago.
Headteacher Caroline Villiers, who was praised as excellent by Ofsted, said the top grade “has been much harder to achieve since the change in the inspection process and many outstanding schools have been downgraded to good”.
The strong focus on making sure children have a solid foundation to their learning, Ofsted said “means that children flourish and have a voice”. As an example of their confidence, “they sing on their own in front of the group, make their preferences known and chat about their lives with great ease”.
Their independence “is encouraged across all age groups. Children learn to put their things away in their own drawers, hang their bags on their pegs and practise using knives safely. They are able to make choices, for example, when deciding what toppings to put on the pizzas they are making.”
Children who may have gaps in learning or development are “identified swiftly due to the staff's accurate early assessment processes. This ensures that any extra support needed is provided quickly.
“Staff take a holistic, child-centred approach to their practice, making excellent use of children's interests to support their development through thoughtfully prepared activities.”
Barbara Fidler, chair of the nursery committee, acknowledged the headteacher’s “wonderful leadership and care for the wellbeing of the whole nursery community”.
The nursery welcomes children from all faiths and none, Ms Villiers said. “Families come back time and time again with younger siblings so they too can have the magical LJS experience”.
Celebrations of all the Jewish festivals and the weekly Kabbalat Shabbat, she said, ”are loved by the children, their parents and grandparents”.
