Staunton Montessori Nursery School

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

Children thrive in an environment that connects them closely with nature and the outdoors. They arrive extremely excited and ready to learn at this fun nursery. Staff nurture children's confidence and emotional well-being through the strong bonds they form with the children, who they know extremely well. Children settle swiftly. Young children greet staff with a beaming smile and hold their arms out to be taken from their parent. Transitions within the nursery are seamless. Staff work closely with parents to ensure that children are ready and prepared for their next stage in learning.

Children explore the natural world. They develop a deep sense of curiosity. Staff ask questions that spark interesting conversations. For example, children find a snail and discuss how it feels bubbly. Toddlers grasp chalk and make marks on blackboards. They instinctively extend this activity by themselves and find water and brushes to make marks on the fence. When visitors ask children what they like best about their nursery they reply, 'Everything and everybody'. Children fully understand the rules and boundaries that are in place in forest school and talk about the importance of following these to keep everyone safe, for example children demonstrate how to hold sticks downwards to stay safe.

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

• The providers are inspirational, knowledgeable and passionate about early years education. They truly believe children deserve the best start in their lives. Staff are encouraged to complete their training to the highest level possible for their abilities. This is reflected in the high level of qualifications staff have. Staff well-being is a key priority and they say they feel well supported to fulfil their roles.
• Staff have expert knowledge of individual children's abilities and development. Children's natural curiosity to learn is encouraged. For example, toddlers make their own orange juice. They use their small muscles to squeeze the orange into a jug. They show good handling skills as they carefully pour the juice into a cup. Staff know exactly when to interact with children to build on what they already know and can do, and when to allow them to explore.
• Staff challenge children to take appropriate risks in their play. For instance, as children attempt the trim trail at forest school for the first time, they are unsure if they can make it across. The provider sensitively supports children to take one step at a time, encouraging them to persevere. This supports children's confidence and self-esteem.
• The environment is well planned and arranged to promote excitement and imagination. Children have opportunities to explore using all of their senses. Toddlers have no reservations about getting thoroughly messy as they explore toy pigs in mud. They fill and empty bowls to make 'pies' and then proceed to count them. Pre-school children use child safety knives to cut open lemons and limes and explore the tastes, smells and textures. Staff constantly reflect on children's learning needs and use their interests to motivate them.
• Staff demonstrate high levels of respect and care towards children. They have a considerate approach to care routines. For example, staff ask children before they change their wet clothing after playing with water. Children say, 'No, thank you' and staff explain what they are going to do and suggest playing a few more minutes and then changing their clothes. This helps children to feel valued, safe and secure.
• A love of reading is promoted in imaginative ways. After reading the book 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt', the children go outdoors and explore textures with their feet. They splash through water and stomp in muddy water. This helps them bring the story to life.
• Children are extremely physically active, both in the large nursery outdoor spaces and at forest school. Young toddlers use their big muscles to push a wheelbarrow. Older children take and manage risks when they climb trees. Pre-school children are carefree as they run and chase in the paddock and climb complicated large equipment. They make excellent progress with their physical skills.
• Parents speak positively about their experience of the nursery. They comment that the providers and staff are committed, not only to the children but the wider family too. Parents comment that the staff go to great lengths to meet the needs of their children.