Highwood Nursery manager ‘very pleased’ with feedback from Hampshire’s Early Years Advisory Team

Highwood Nursery Manager, Sarah Bower

Highwood Nursery manager Sarah Bower has said she is very pleased with the feedback she received following a recent visit by Hampshire County Council’s Early Years Advisory Team.

Known as a Shared Conversation, the outcome signalled that the Nursery is serving its stakeholders well.

Although not a formal inspection, the Shared Conversation was thorough, covering all the most important aspects of Highwood’s functions.

It was conducted by Early Years advisory teacher, Ruth Appleby-Smith, who sits on Hampshire County Council’s Advisory Team for education.

Nursery Manager Sarah Bower said: “We’re very pleased with the feedback we received from Ruth Appleby-Smith, who gave us a lot of insightful information and strong words of encouragement.

“As well as identifying and praising our many strengths, she supported us in developing communication-friendly spaces and enhancing our role-play area.

“This is valuable because reflective practitioners like us are always striving for the slightest improvements, to support the children at Highwood Nursery to achieve their best outcomes.

“I’m so proud of the staff’s commitment and dedication, and I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful parents and families for their continued support.”

Extracts from the report include:

‘Since the last Ofsted inspection, a strong rationale for team development has been established to build confidence across the setting. Staff have been supported and the senior leadership team has been strategically developed, incorporating room leaders and deputies.’

‘The team’s growth is a particular point of pride; staff have thrived through targeted development. This has led to rich interactions and purposeful learning environments for the children.’

‘Room leaders speak passionately about their environments. The three Is – Intent, Implementation, and Impact – were clearly articulated and are consistently reflected in practice’.

‘The curriculum has been thoughtfully designed with the unique child placed firmly at its heart. Across the setting, four key pillars – cultural capital, British values, equality, diversity and inclusion, and the unique child – are consistently embedded and adapted to meet the needs of every individual learner.’

Highwood Nursery relocated from Highwood Road, Brockenhurst, to Brockenhurst College ten years ago.

It currently has 89 children on roll and 22 members of staff.

Other report extracts include:

‘In-the-moment planning has been embraced to respond dynamically to children’s interests, enabling practitioners to tailor learning intentions for focus children throughout the week. Next steps are carefully identified by key workers and seamlessly woven into daily provision and interactions, resulting in truly individualised learning experiences. As a result, children show greater engagement, confidence, and autonomy in their learning, with developmental milestones being met and exceeded through responsive, meaningful practice.’

‘A strong partnership with parents has been firmly established to support children in settling confidently and feeling secure within the setting. Communication with families is enhanced through regular news feeds on the Famly app, ensuring parents are kept informed and engaged with nursery life. Settling-in sessions are carefully planned.’