Amersham: Ofsted inspects Henry Allen Nursery School

Henry Allen Nursery School in Amersham was rated ‘outstanding’ for the second time in a row.

The nursery looking after 71 children aged two to five originally received the rating in March 2017 before the latest inspection on January 31.

One parent told the inspector: “The staff are amazing. They make a real effort with every child.”

The Ofsted inspector found that leaders succeeded in their “determination for the school to be inclusive.”

The report continued: “The specific needs of children are exceptionally well considered. Trips, such as visits to local farms, are for everyone. Leaders give opportunities for children to develop an appreciation of culture.”

Children were well-prepared for the next stage of learning, the inspector found.

They behaved kindly with each other, played happily together and learned to share. They understood roles such as tidying away equipment after using it.

Henry Allen Nursery School is located on leafy Mitchell Avenue in Amersham (Image: Google Street View)

Leaders provided thoughtful specialist support for all children, including specialist support for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

The report said: “Staff help children to gain confidence in the wider world.

“Staff teach children how to stay healthy. For example, they promote the importance of looking after teeth.”

The inspector found that in some of the early years curriculum areas leader didn’t communicate their expectations for children’s learning as effectively as they might.

“This means that some staff do not have enough guidance about what to teach or emphasise when working with children,” the report noted.

Leaders were told to ensure all staff understand the key knowledge children need to build their understanding cumulatively over time.

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Safeguarding arrangements were effective and staff well trained. They reported any concerns about a child quickly and leaders followed up “on all concerns swiftly,” Ofsted said.

Chair of governors Karen Bates said: “The Ofsted inspectors recognised the quality of education, the lovely atmosphere and the commitment of an outstanding team.”

The nursery's co-headteachers Charlotte Macdonald and Julie Manning have a combined total of sixteen years between them. 

Mrs Manning commented: “We are so pleased that the hard work of all the incredible staff is reflected in the experience that the children have here. We are proud to have such a wonderful and diverse group of children benefitting from what the nursery provides. We aim for all our children to become happy, confident, and prepared for the next steps in their education and everyone here is totally committed to achieving the best outcomes for each individual child. “