Montessori Moments

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children happily come into the nursery. Staff greet them by name and show a genuine interest in their individuality. Children engage quickly with the activities on offer, building their independence as they make choices. Staff plan a curriculum that focuses on children's interests and their curiosity. For example, children enjoy dressing up as doctors in the home corner. They wrap their friends in bandages and give them medicine. Staff know the children well, including how to support their learning.

Children enjoy learning about the world around them. They point to a world map and share where they are from. Children develop a sense of belonging as staff highlight the different countries they come from. Staff support this learning with praise, encouragement and enthusiasm.

Children have access to a large garden. This supports their physical development. Staff carefully supervise children as they climb, run and jump. Children understand how to be safe and manage risk through these experiences. Children generally behave well and enjoy each other's company. They understand the golden rules of the setting and regularly remind each other of these.

Children are taught skills for developing their independence and confidence from an early age. For example, they are encouraged to self-serve at mealtimes. Staff role model for the children as they develop these skills, showing them how to pour water carefully and use serving spoons.

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

• Children demonstrate good fine motor skills. They manipulate play dough to make shapes such as a 'duck', 'circle', and 'square'. Children make good progress in their mathematical skills, as staff support them to recognise different shapes and develop an understanding of different mathematical concepts.
• The curriculum is well sequenced and provides flexibility dependent on the interests and needs of the children. For example, staff bake bread with the children, as they enjoy cooking. They are introduced to new language such as 'spice' and 'cinnamon', to expand their vocabulary.
• The nursery places a large emphasis on teaching the children to be kind. Staff are good role models for the children. They encourage the children to share, take turns and play together. For example, when playing in the kitchen, the children make each other cups of tea. Staff enjoy partaking in this play and suggest involving other children in this activity. Older children are also very patient with the younger children. They kindly help younger children as they wash their hands, pushing the tap down for them.
• Leaders plan the menu to include freshly cooked and healthy meals. Children enjoy lots of physical activity throughout the day. Children enjoy dancing, yoga and outdoor walks. This supports their physical well-being and promotes a healthy lifestyle.
• Parents are very happy with the nursery and the care that their children receive. They share that the children are making good progress and that communication is strong. Staff provide feedback for parents about their child's day at the end of each session. Parents have access to an online application. They regularly share information about their child's learning at home. This helps to consolidate what children learn within the setting.
• Overall, children behave well. They play well together and enjoy sharing and turn taking. Children regularly remind each other of the golden rules within the setting. However, on occasion, staff do not ensure that the rules of the setting are followed. This sometimes leads to children receiving inconsistent messages to learn how to manage their own behaviour.
• Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities have their individual needs met well. Leaders are very knowledgeable and have undertaken training to expand their knowledge. They conduct daily circle times, with the aim of enhancing children's confidence in their speech and communication. Children enjoy these sessions, as they support all children to make good progress. Children enjoy listening to a story about a farm, joining in by making animal noises.
• The manager has a clear vision of the nursery and monitors the quality of education provided. Regular supervision meetings provide staff with the opportunity to discuss their professional development and practice, as well as any well-being issues they may have. Leaders regularly observe staff practice. This ensures that children's needs are met and practice is effective.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• help staff to support children's behaviour in a fair and consistent manner.