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Ofsted

We are really pleased to share with you our recent Ofsted Inspection Report (Jan 2026). Below is a copy of the report which summarisies their key findings. Alternatively the report can be accessed by clicking on the link to OFSTED website.

 

🌟 Ofsted Inspection Outcome – We Are Proud to Share Our Report! 🌟

We are delighted to share the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection at Healdswood Infants' and Nursery School.

The inspection recognised many of the wonderful things that make our school such a special place for children and families.

💛 What Ofsted Said About Our School

Inspectors described our school as:

“A school where care, support and nurture are abundant.”

They recognised that from the very start of their journey with us:

“From the moment children enter the Nursery Year, they develop a strong sense of belonging that builds their confidence as learners.”

Our Early Years provision was particularly praised:

“The early years provision is a captivating home-from-home environment.”
“Children feel secure, valued and ready to learn.”

Inspectors highlighted the strength of relationships across school:

“Relationships across the school are strong.”
“Pupils treat each other with respect, get on well together and feel valued by staff.”

They also recognised our inclusive ethos:

“The school’s commitment to inclusion is evident in its daily practice.”
“Pupils are courteous, supportive of one another and welcoming.”

“Pupils in ‘The Nest’ benefit from bespoke support in an engaging environment that supports their needs very well.”

Inspectors also celebrated the rich opportunities available to our children:

“Beyond academic learning, pupils benefit from rich opportunities that broaden their horizons.”
“There is something for everyone at this school.”

Safeguarding was found to be met, with Ofsted confirming that:

“The school has an open and positive culture of safeguarding.”

We were especially proud to read that parents:

“Express high levels of trust in the school’s leadership.”
One parent comment shared in the report said the school “goes above and beyond to help the pupils here.”

This means a great deal to us – thank you for your continued support 💛

📘 Understanding the New Ofsted “Report Card”

Ofsted now uses a new report card system instead of a single overall grade.

Rather than giving one headline judgement, inspectors look at different areas of school life and describe whether each area is:

  • Exceptional
  • Strong standard
  • Expected standard
  • Needs attention
  • Urgent improvement

This gives a clearer, more detailed picture of what a school does well and what it is working to improve.

At Healdswood:

✅ Early Years – Expected Standard
✅ Inclusion – Expected Standard
✅ Personal Development & Wellbeing – Expected Standard
✅ Safeguarding – Standards Met

Inspectors also identified areas where we are already working to improve further, particularly:

  • Raising achievement in writing and early reading
  • Improving attendance for some pupils
  • Embedding consistent teaching practices

Importantly, “Needs attention” under the new system means that the expected standard is not fully met yet — but leaders are capable of making the improvements needed. It is about continued development, not failure.

 

🚀 Our Next Steps

We fully recognise the areas identified and have already begun strengthening:

  • Support for early reading and writing
  • Attendance support for families
  • Quickly spotting and fixing misconceptions in children’s learning so that all pupils can achieve their best across the whole curriculum.

 

We remain absolutely committed to ensuring every child thrives — academically, socially and emotionally.

The report reflects the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils and the partnership we share with you as parents and carers.

We are incredibly proud of our children and the caring, inclusive community we continue to build together.

If you would like to read the full report, it is available via the Ofsted website and a link is attached.

https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/122488

 

Thank you for your continued trust and support.

💚 Thank You

— Team Healdswood 🌿