The Rocking Horse Montessori Kindergarten

The Rocking Horse Montessori Kindergarten 8 Lansdowne Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2NJ

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 7 May 2015 24 March 2011

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

Previous inspection: Good 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend Outstanding 1

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children Outstanding 1

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision Outstanding 1

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

The setting meets legal requirements for early years settings

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This provision is outstanding

 Staff have a comprehensive knowledge of the children's lives and backgrounds, ensuring that links between them and their families are very strong. Their excellent partnerships between parents help meet children's care and learning needs very consistently.  Children are listened to by staff, which has an extremely positive impact on their individual learning experiences.  Staff provide an outstanding quality of teaching. Learning opportunities are of a high quality both inside and outdoors. As a result, children are very eager to learn and explore.  Staff implement very effective procedures to provide a safe and secure environment for children to learn and develop.  The management team has an excellent understanding of how children learn. As a result, planning and assessment is precise and tailored to children's individual needs.  The staff team is highly reflective and evaluate their practice extremely well. This

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This provision is outstanding

means there is a drive to maintain the highest levels of achievement for all children.  Children are encouraged to develop their independence throughout the day. This means that children are, overall, extremely well prepared for school. However, writing is not always displayed to help children understand that print carries meaning.  The staff team works exceptionally well together. They create a relaxed, stimulating and fun environment where each child can reach their full potential.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 enhance children's further awareness of print to enhance the already excellent learning experiences for older children in preparation for school.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed children's activities and their interactions with staff indoors and outside.  The inspector took account of parents' views.  The inspector completed a joint observation with the manager.  The inspector held a meeting with the manger and looked at relevant documentation.  The inspector spoke to several members of staff.

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who attend. This is outstanding

Staff provide outstanding learning opportunities. They skilfully support children when they initiate many activities themselves. Staff's expertise in teaching ensures children remain engaged and focused at activities. For example, staff's excellent interactions mean they encourage children to ask questions and solve problems. Staff support children who are learning English as an additional language extremely well. They work closely with family members to understand these children's individual needs. Staff provide a wide range of resources and activities that reflect children's individual backgrounds. For example, they provide dual language books and celebrate festivals linked to children's backgrounds. Staff are proactive in understanding children's progress in their home language and increase children's use of English by introducing new words. Staff recognise when children are not making expected progress. They understand the steps to take to ensure children receive

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who attend. This is outstanding

the help and support they need, such as working in partnership with other professionals. Children are confident learners and make rapid progress from their starting points.

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outstanding

Staff are excellent role models and help children to form strong friendships with each other. Children readily seek comfort from staff when needed. They have an extremely clear understanding about acceptable behaviour and learn to negotiate with their friends during play. Staffing arrangements are consistent, which ensure children are confident and comfortable. For example, daily care practices are carried out by the main carer. Staff support new children to settle quickly as they give them the time and attention they need. All children and particularly those with additional needs are very well supported by staff to meet their emotional needs successfully.

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provision is outstanding

The management team has an exceptional approach to reflecting on their service. This has led to a high standard of practice and quick identification of any development points. Ongoing self-evaluation accurately and promptly identifies how the setting may improve further. The management team's excellent monitoring of children's learning and development helps to very quickly identify individual children's learning needs and interests. As a result, children benefit from rich, varied and challenging play, and learning experiences. Staff benefit from very effective supervision and management hold regular discussions about their performance, which ensures a high level of consistent practice. The management team and staff have an excellent understanding of their responsibilities to safeguard children. This promotes children's welfare and well-being extremely well.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 127502 Local authority Kent Inspection number 836233 Type of provision Full-time provision Registration category Childcare - Non-Domestic Age range of children 2 - 5 Total number of places 37 Number of children on roll 39 Name of provider Linda O'Brien Date of previous inspection 24 March 2011 Telephone number 01892 532704

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Setting details

The Rocking Horse Montessori Kindergarten opened in 1990. It operates from the basement of the owner's home and is situated in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. The setting is open each weekday from 8.30am to 1.30pm, during term time only. The setting receives funding for free early years education for children aged three and four. The owner employs seven members of staff, of which six hold relevant qualifications at Level 3 or above.

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Setting details

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

procedures set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Setting details

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Setting details

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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