Little Orchard Montessori Nursery - Woodlands

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

Staff welcome children warmly into the calm atmosphere of this home-from-home nursery. Children are happy and demonstrate that they feel safe and secure in the daily routines.

For example, as they arrive they competently hang up their belongings after finding their coat pegs. They develop practical life skills that prepare them well for the next stage in their learning. The manager and staff place a high priority on children's personal development and well-being.

Staff are excellent role models and take the time to encourage children to talk about their feelings and think of others. Children eagerly explain the 'golden... rules' that guide their exemplary behaviour.The manager and staff plan a broad curriculum.

They successfully embed the core values of the Montessori ethos into their approach to children's experiences. Activities are linked closely with children's interests and the next steps in their learning. Parents and children comment that they particularly value opportunities for children to learn outdoors.

Children thoroughly enjoy activities, such as hunting for insects, for example. They are excited to look closely and talk about the 'beautiful colours' of butterfly wings. Staff skilfully support children to draw detailed pictures and encourage them to develop a love of the natural world.

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

The nursery provides a wealth of useful information and support for families and parents speak very highly of the care and education their children receive. For example, they appreciate the caring relationships staff develop with themselves and their children. They comment on the good two-way flow of communication that supports continuity in children's care and learning.

The manager and staff monitor children's learning and development diligently and provide prompt support when children need it. The special educational needs coordinator helps staff throughout the nursery to plan any necessary support. The manager uses extra funding effectively and staff work in good partnership with other professionals to ensure all children reach their full potential.

The management team gives strong support to staff. There are ample opportunities to share good practice, for example, with partner settings. Staff report that they feel valued and children benefit from positive and happy experiences that foster their enjoyment of learning.

The management team and staff are highly committed to their work with children. They continually evaluate daily activities, for example, and take account of the views of parents and children. The manager is conscientious about fulfilling her role, ambitious for the future and leads the staff team with great enthusiasm.

Children are confident and able communicators. Throughout the nursery, staff continually talk to children and value what they have to say. For example, staff encourage babies to enjoy looking at books.

They point to the pictures and say words clearly to help them to develop their rapidly growing vocabulary. Mealtimes are calm and social occasions, where staff expertly ensure all children have the chance to talk about their day.Staff are skilled and enthusiastic teachers.

They interact well with children to support their ongoing good progress. For example, in the baby room, staff regularly sing and encourage children to clap along to familiar songs and rhymes. Older children count confidently and accurately and compare quantities with skilful guidance from staff.

Occasionally, however, during planned activities staff do not encourage children to follow their own ideas. This limits their chances to explore, experiment, and find things out for themselves to deepen their engagement in activities even further.Staff plan sensitively to help children move on to the next stage in their learning.

For example, they talk to parents about the individual support toddlers need when they are ready to move on from the baby room. Older children benefit hugely from the effective links with local primary schools. The manager and staff arrange many visits and joint events that enable children to become familiar with school life.

Children are confident and well prepared for all that awaits them in their future learning.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The management team recruits staff safely and ensures all staff are knowledgeable and up to date with their child protection training.

The manager keeps safeguarding at the top of all staff meeting agendas, so that staff have children's welfare at the centre of their practice. Staff are knowledgeable about signs and symptoms of abuse and know the correct local safeguarding procedures, including whistle-blowing. The manager and staff regularly review the premises, so that children are safe and secure.

They teach children how to assess and manage their own risks, such as taking care when moving logs and stones outdoors. This helps children to keep themselves safe and promotes their independence and self-assurance.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: support all staff to improve their interactions with children further to encourage children to explore, experiment and become more deeply involved in their learning.

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