The Norwich Montessori School Ltd

The Norwich Montessori School Montessori School, Old Watton Road, Colney, NORWICH, NR4 7TW

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 18 June 2015 15 November 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

 The quality of teaching is outstanding. Staff are very well qualified and have a thorough understanding of the Montessori ethos and style of learning and how this links with the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Staff are dedicated and enthusiastic, which has an extremely positive impact on the quality of the provision.  Staff have an excellent knowledge of how young children learn. They fully engage children in highly stimulating activities and present them with exciting challenges throughout the day. This ensures that children are very well prepared with the skills they need for the next stage of their learning and school.  The school has an exceptionally strong and caring ethos that puts the child at the centre of everything they do. Staff are constantly thinking of children's well-being and act as very caring and positive role models for children. They encourage the concepts of kindness, courtesy and respect for others, in the school environment and the wider

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This provision is outstanding

world.  Children thrive in the stimulating and nurturing environment. They show very strong levels of independence and self-control, which results in exceptionally good behaviour.  Children who learn English as an additional language make excellent progress. Staff teach children new words in English by using visual resources, such as photographs.  Parents are extremely complimentary about the quality of care and education their children receive. They are given good information about the school, including information about the Montessori approach to learning.  Staff have excellent knowledge about their responsibility to safeguard children. They clearly demonstrate their understanding of what to do should they have any concerns about a child's welfare.

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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 the already excellent provision for children to learn outdoors, for example, by creating a comfortable and inviting space in the garden where children can enjoy sitting together, holding conversations and looking at books.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities in the play areas inside as well as the outside play space.  The inspector spoke to members of staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection and held a meeting with the manager of the school.  The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager.  The inspector took account of the views of parents spoken to on the day of the inspection.  The inspector looked at children's records, planning documentation, evidence of the suitability of staff working in the school and a range of other documentation, including self-evaluation and policies and procedures to safeguard children's welfare.

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who attend. This is outstanding

Children make excellent progress in all areas of learning because they are supported by a dedicated, skilled and motivated staff team who have high expectations of every child. Staff organise activities based on children's interests and a thorough assessment of what children need to do next in their learning. While children choose freely from a vast range of Montessori resources, staff offer structure both in the organised environment and through adult-led activities. Children benefit from excellent hands-on learning experiences, such as exploring the life cycle of butterflies. They can explain this process in detail, using words such as cocoon. This demonstrates an exceptionally good understanding of the natural world. They independently find the story book related to this. Staff challenge children very effectively by asking them to identify textured letters, which promotes their early-literacy skills. Children's thinking skills are further extended when they are asked to

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who attend. This is outstanding

make words beginning with that initial letter sound. Children's communication and language skills are exceptionally well developed.

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outstanding

Children are extremely happy and enjoy their time at the school. The staff team work very well together, providing a relaxed and innovative learning environment where each child is valued. Children share warm relationships with staff which gives them a strong sense of belonging. They learn self-care routines, eat healthily and enjoy fresh air and physical- exercise each day. There are many opportunities for children to experience real-life situations, such as using china plates at snack time. This supports them in accepting responsibility and recognising risk. It also strengthens their understanding of how to keep themselves safe. They learn about healthy lifestyles as they eat the vegetables and fruit they grow in the garden. The outdoor area provides excellent opportunities for daily physical activity and exploration of the natural world. However, there is scope to extend these further by providing a quiet, comfortable area in the garden where children can

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outstanding

enjoy talking to their friends and sharing books.

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provision is outstanding

The management team have a shared vision that allows them to provide a unique experience for all children. The well-qualified workforce and ongoing programme of professional development ensures that children benefit from consistently good practice. The safeguarding and security of children are a clear priority. Robust recruitment procedures ensure all staff are suitable to work with children. Monitoring of the provision is excellent and staff regularly meet together to discuss and track children's progress. This prompts further improvements in provision and ensures challenging targets are set, which has a positive impact on teaching and learning. Staff work very closely with parents, school staff and other professionals to ensure all children's needs are effectively met.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY366985 Local authority Norfolk Inspection number 863871 Type of provision Sessional provision Registration category Childcare - Non-Domestic Age range of children 2 - 5 Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 37 Name of provider The Norwich Montessori School Ltd Date of previous inspection 15 November 2011 Telephone number 01603 452 522

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Setting details

The Norwich Montessori School was registered in 2007. It employs five members of childcare staff. Of these, four hold appropriate early years qualifications at levels 3, 4 and 5, and some hold additional Montessori teaching diplomas. The school opens during term time only. Sessions are from 8.45am to 12.15pm, Monday to Friday and from 12.15pm to 3.30pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, with a lunch club on these days allowing children to stay for both sessions if required. The school provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children. It supports some children who speak English as an additional language. The school operates within the ethos of Montessori teaching.

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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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