Low Hill Nursery was rated Outstanding in 2012 and again in 2017 – and has completed the hat trick after its most recent inspection in July.
In his report, lead inspector Barry Yeardsley says that 'high expectations and nurturing relationships make for a calm and safe environment' for children at Low Hill. Staff 'tailor their interactions with each child to help them learn exactly what they need to' with children learning 'exceptionally well'.
Children respond to the curriculum with the same enthusiasm shown to them by staff. Staff 'use their knowledge of children to hold children’s attention and keep them focused on the task at hand' and, as a result, children 'become absorbed in their learning'.
The City of Wolverhampton Council maintained nursery provides ‘a settled experience in which children thrive' with familiar routines. The nursery is at the centre of the community, with leaders working hard to build strong partnerships with families to 'improve the life chances of the children'.
Leaders, including governors, are 'ambitious for all children to achieve highly' and 'are determined to build children’s aspirations'. Staff are 'exceptionally skilled at knowing each child’s interests, needs and next steps' and have 'created a unique curriculum that weaves children’s interests with defined learning'. This learning is 'extremely well sequenced'.
The report says that leaders have developed many successful ways to support all children, but especially children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). Staff 'work closely and well with a range of specialist services to give each child what they need' and all children are encouraged to learn some sign language, 'which makes sure everyone is included'.
Leaders and governors 'have maintained the high standards since the previous inspection', and other schools in the city are able to benefit from 'the expertise in this school', with leaders sharing their unique curriculum widely.
Headteacher Natalie Showell said: "I am extremely proud to be the headteacher at Low Hill Nursery School and that the hard work and dedication displayed by the staff has been acknowledged once again by Ofsted.
“Children, families and community are at the heart of everything we do, and we are so pleased that this has been recognised in our report. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our parents and carers past and present for their continued support!”
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Work, said: "This is an incredible report and the third time in succession that Low Hill Nursery has been judged to be Outstanding.
"I would like to congratulate Natalie, her leadership team, staff, governors, children and parents on their continuing success."
Latest figures show 89% of schools in Wolverhampton are now rated either Good or Outstanding, above the regional and national average. In addition, 9 in 10 Wolverhampton pupils attend Good or Outstanding schools, the best in the West Midlands.
