MMI Preschool

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children arrive happy and eager to explore as they start their day. They are welcomed by warm and enthusiastic staff, who cuddle them as they enter the room. This helps children to settle well and supports their sense of belonging. Staff use Montessori resources to support children to develop their independence. Children select individual activities, such as grinding their own coffee beans, and carefully put the resources away when they have finished.

Children play cooperatively together as they role play outside using large-scale construction toys and hammers. They show their understanding of early mathematical concepts as they play sensory ice games, filling and emptying containers alongside early counting. Children develop their creativity and motor skills as they join in with play dough activities. They confidently use tools to cut and mould and proudly show off their creations to staff, who respond with enthusiasm and praise. This further supports children's self-esteem.

Staff have high expectations for children and their behaviour and are positive role models. Children behave extremely well and have a good understanding of how to manage their emotions and feelings. Children who speak English as an additional language and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported well. Staff are able to use early identification to put in early support. This ensures these children make good progress.

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

• Leaders and staff have a thorough understanding of the Montessori approach and this is weaved effectively throughout the curriculum. Children stay engrossed in practical life tray activities they have selected and repeat them often. This supports children to embed essential skills needed for later life. Children engage in weekly cooking activities, which reflect the backgrounds of all children. This supports their developing maths skills and their understanding of other cultures.
• Staff promote children's health. They provide healthy meals and snacks and talk to children about healthy food choices. Children are encouraged to be independent, follow good hygiene routines and learn how to keep themselves safe. They confidently wash their hands after messy activities and use the toilet when needed. On arrival, children confidently put on their slippers. When going outside, they put on their own coats and shoes. Staff consistently offer praise and encourage children to keep trying.
• Key-person relationships are strong. All staff, including leaders, know the children extremely well. Children have developed good relationships with all staff. They approach them for cuddles, and interactions are warm and attentive.
• Children are given plenty of opportunity to be creative. For example, they prepared for the 'Big Garden Birdwatch' by making their own bird feeders. Children confidently made their own creations, and staff supported children's individual choices.
• Children who speak English as an additional language and children with SEND are supported well. Staff work closely with parents and professionals to ensure that children progress well. Staff encourage children to use their home languages alongside good spoken English. Children also participate in Spanish lessons where they confidently count and learn new phrases. Staff support children's language development well. They repeat words and ask questions to children. However, this could happen more consistently to encourage language development even further and strengthen children's critical thinking.
• Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents consistently praise staff and comment on how supportive they are. Parents are often involved in celebration days at the nursery and receive regular feedback about how their children are progressing. Leaders provide parents with a wealth of information, including where to access local services and home learning, through their termly newsletter.
• The manager is dedicated and passionate about her role. She has established a strong, consistent team. Staff feel their well-being is supported and they have access to a variety of training to support children's individual needs. The manager is confident in safeguarding practices and ensures staff understand their responsibilities. The manager maintains strong links with the local authority and engages in external projects to share skills and knowledge. This develops their professional development and enhances practice even further.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• enhance questioning techniques further to strengthen children's language development and deepen their critical thinking.