Flitch Green Pre-School

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children excitedly arrive and are welcomed by exceptional, nurturing, and happy practitioners. Children flourish who are highly independent and have superb communication. They make excellent progress, as the Montessori principles of learning are thoroughly embedded in practice. Children lead their learning as they select an activity from an abundance of high-quality resources. These are accessible and superbly displayed to inspire them to investigate. Children show sustained levels of concentration as they persevere at chosen activities. For example, they rise to the challenge of putting on gardening gloves as they talk about 'harvesting' potatoes they have grown from seeds. Children use mathematical language exceptionally well during this fun activity and delight in the success of their crop.

Children learn to tie knots as they attach wool to trees. They decide they need to leave a trail of wool when going on a bear hunt in case they get lost. Their communication skills are excellent. Children demonstrate a wide vocabulary and use words, such as 'environment' and 'recycling' as they tidy up after lunchtime. They share what they understand as they discuss the importance of sorting waste to save the planet.

The manager and her team have an excellent knowledge of the children attending. They have a comprehensive understanding of what the children can do and fully understand what they need to achieve next. The quality of teaching is pitched to the highest level and children excel in their development. Children's behaviour is exemplary. They excitedly come together to sing the 'caring' song under the peace tree in the garden. This is to acknowledge their friend's act of kindness as they tie named ribbons on the tree.

What does the early years setting do well and what does it need to do better?

• The manager is extremely motivated and enthusiastic which is infectious and shared by her team. They work collaboratively and have a clear vision and drive to provide the highest quality care and education. Superb opportunities are in place to support practitioners to continue their own professional development, to further enhance and maintain the outstanding care that children receive. Practitioners positively comment that their own well-being is considered, and this has positive impact for the children.
• Parents speak exceptionally highly of the education and care their children receive. They comment that their children settle quickly and have made excellent progress since attending pre-school. They are thrilled with how well prepared their children are for the transition to school. Parents comment that their children's independence, confidence, and communication skills have far exceeded what they expected.
• The manager ensures the curriculum is planned and securely embedded across all areas of learning, while promoting the ethos of Montessori and provides an inclusive environment. This means all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, achieve the best possible outcomes and are superbly prepared for their successful future learning.
• Children's mathematical development is superb. The Montessori equipment and skilled practitioners build on children's learning well and they relish the challenges offered. They are keen to learn new things. For example, children show immense satisfaction as they persevere to complete very difficult puzzles, negotiating with one another as they work in small groups.
• Timely interaction from practitioners is precise and meaningful. They are skilful in how they ask questions, allowing children time to think and respond. For example, children learn about solids and liquids as they experiment and predict what may happen when leaving objects in the sun. Practitioners gently ask if they would like help when children struggle rather than provide the solution. Children learn about past and present as they look back at their own life when celebrating a birthday, and know it takes a year for the sun to orbit the earth.
• Children's behaviour is excellent. Great emphasis is given to their emotional well-being. They learn to regulate their behaviour and feelings through sharply focused activities to help them understand the consequences of their actions. Practitioners are excellent role models as they listen to children and speak to them with respect.
• Practitioners invest time in getting to know the children and their unique backgrounds. Children are positively encouraged to use their home language at pre-school, and this is celebrated. Children who require additional help are supported exceptionally well. Great emphasis is given to establish positive relationships with the parents and outside agencies, to ensure appropriate support and resources are in place.