Montessori Pre-School Nursery & Holiday Club

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children show a strong sense of belonging at this home-from-home nursery. They are warmly welcomed by the enthusiastic staff and separate from their parents with ease. Staff provide a nurturing environment for children and show genuine care for their well-being. Children have exceptionally strong bonds with them. They smile with excitement when they see their key person, and enjoy regular cuddles throughout the day.

The management team is passionate about delivering high-quality care and education to all children. Children enjoy a wealth of learning opportunities in this stimulating environment, both inside and outside. For example, children engage in a bug hunt. They become absorbed as they find spiders and bees in the outside area. Staff skilfully develop learning further by adding magnifying glasses, which children use to get a closer look at the insects.

Children behave very well and understand the rules and boundaries of the nursery. Staff are consistent in their approach to behaviour management. For example, they remind children to use their manners and say 'please' and 'thank you'. Children are motivated to learn as they receive constant praise and recognition for their achievements. This helps to build their self-esteem and confidence.

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

• Staff carefully plan and provide a range of opportunities based on children's interests and what they need to learn next. For example, children use brushes to move sand and find the shapes hidden underneath. Staff challenge them to find the same shapes in their environment. However, at times, during group activities, quieter children do not always get the same opportunities to talk and answer questions as children who are more confident.
• The management team and staff have high expectations for children's independence skills. Children willingly wash their hands and help to set the table at mealtimes. Staff build on these developing skills as children progress through the nursery. For example, younger children are keen to drink from open-top cups. Older children manage their toileting and personal hygiene needs well. This means that children are well prepared for their eventual move on to school.
• Overall, staff place a sharp focus on developing children's communication and language skills. They provide a language-rich environment, where they consistently talk to children, sing songs and read books. However, on occasion, children are not given enough time to gather their thoughts and respond to questions and instructions.
• Children learn about the benefits of good health. For example, they brush their teeth daily at the nursery and take part in various activities to promote oral hygiene. Food is nutritious, healthy and freshly prepared each day by the nursery cook. Staff talk to children about different types of fruits, such as grapes and apples, as they encourage them to try them.
• Children have daily opportunities to explore the large outdoor area and develop their physical health and well-being. Children confidently ride bicycles and scooters over wooden ramps. Older children enjoy making obstacle courses out of crates. Staff challenge them to make them higher to balance and jump on.
• The manager and staff build strong parent partnerships. Parents have lots of positive things to say about the nursery. For example, they say that staff provide exceptional childcare. Parents appreciate the daily communication that staff shares with them about what their children have been learning. They value the parent evenings and the opportunity to contribute their ideas and suggestions.
• Children's mathematics skills are promoted in a variety of ways. Children are consistently encouraged to count within activities and estimate quantities. For example, children use spoons to fill bowls with oats and rice. Staff challenge them to 'half fill' the bowl as they play. Children develop the knowledge needed for future mathematical learning.
• The management team carries out regular supervision sessions with staff to discuss key children and support their well-being. Staff have regular training opportunities to improve their knowledge and enhance their teaching. The manager places high priority on ensuring that training, such as safeguarding is well embedded. This helps staff to be clear on their roles and responsibilities.

What the setting must and should do next

The provider should:

• use a wider range of strategies to support children's communication and language even further
• strengthen staff's implementation of group times to engage more with quieter children, so they receive the same level of support as their more confident peers.