Pupils, parents, staff and governors from Lanterns Nursery School in Winchester are celebrating after retaining their ‘outstanding’ rating in a recent Ofsted report. 

Lanterns Nursery School continues to be judged as an ‘outstanding school’ after an inspection on April 19. 

Inspectors commented that 'children thrive at Lanterns Nursery School' and they recognised the hard work that leaders and staff do to 'ensure that every child gets the right support to reach their full potential and achieve the best possible outcomes'. 

The report said: “Leaders have maintained their clear and unwavering vision of an early years education that provides every child, including those with complex special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with the very best start to their education. This is achieved through a broad and enriching curriculum that builds on children’s starting points and interests and fully prepares them for the next phase of their education. 

READ MORE: Winchester business leaders meet Jeremy Hunt at 10 Downing Street

“Leaders and staff recognise the importance of developing all children’s communication and spoken language. Staff are expert in the communication systems that support all children, but particularly children with SEND, to develop their communication. Throughout the day and across the curriculum, staff engage children in high-quality conversation, introducing them to new vocabulary and ideas.

“Children develop a keen love of books and stories. Staff regularly read stories and poems in a way that engages and enthuses children. Leaders have identified the core texts that all children will read and get to know. Children then incorporate these stories, and the vocabulary they hear, into their own play. Alongside this, staff read a wide range of additional texts in response to children’s interests or to broaden their reading diet.

“Leaders follow safer recruitment processes and manage any concerns about adults appropriately. Children learn to identify and name their feelings, and that it is safe to share any worries that they have.”

Lynsay Falkingham, headteacher, said: “We’re thrilled with our latest Ofsted report, the report reflects the hard work, dedication and positive impact that Lanterns Nursery School has on children and families. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in our Lanterns Nursery School Community for contributing to our wonderful nursery.”

To find out more about Lanterns Nursery School, visit lanterns.hants.sch.uk.