Step By Step Montessori - Mill Hill

Step By Step Montessori - Mill Hill 2 Belgrave Close, London, NW7 3QG

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 17 June 2016 10 September 2015

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Requires Improvement

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This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

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This provision is good

 Children benefit from a warm and inclusive learning environment. Staff provide children with constant praise and encouragement when they learn new skills. Children develop a good sense of belonging and self-worth.  Staff use children's interests to effectively motivate and help them engage in learning. Children make good progress in relation to their different starting points. They are well prepared for the next stages of their learning, including their move to school.  Staff help children to know right from wrong actions. Children behave well. They play well, and thoroughly enjoy working together to complete new tasks and challenges.  Children use their imagination well. For example, they set up a table, fetch water and fresh mint from the garden, and invite their friends to join in 'a fresh mint tea party' to celebrate the Queen's birthday.  Staff support children's understanding of diversity around them. For instance, children

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This provision is good

use resources and engage well in activities that help them learn about their own and other people's identities and cultures.  Management evaluates and monitors the quality of the provision to continually improve outcomes for all children.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Staff do not always provide further opportunities for children to access and develop their skills in using everyday technology.

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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

 increase further opportunities for children to access and develop their skills in using information and communication technology.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities in all parts of the nursery, including the outdoor provision.  The inspector spoke to staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection, and held meetings with the management team.  The inspector carried out joint observations with the manager.  The inspector took account of the views of parents spoken to during the inspection and reviewed parents' written comments and suggestions.  The inspector looked at children's records, planning documentation and the setting's policies and procedures, including those related to the suitability of staff.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Managers and staff check the progress of all children closely to identify any gaps. They intervene quickly to offer extra support, if needed, to help children catch up. Managers supervise staff and set them challenging targets to help them improve their skills. Safeguarding is effective. The provider follows thorough recruitment and induction procedures to ensure that staff are suitable to work with children. Staff have a good understanding of safeguarding practices and know what to do if they have any welfare concerns. Staff attend additional training and share their knowledge with other staff, as well as parents. For example, they help parents to understand how to support their children's early mathematical skills in everyday situations. Managers have improved their systems for self-evaluation to highlight strengths and identify what needs improving. They seek the views of staff, parents, children and others to improve their service.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff collate information from parents about what their children know, can do and need to learn next. They use this information alongside their ongoing observations to establish children's starting points in their learning. Staff provide exciting opportunities to meet the needs and interests of individual children. Children have positive attitudes to learning, concentrate well and show consideration to others. They thoroughly enjoy their learning, for example, when they explore different tea pots, and talk about their shapes, colours and sizes. Children contribute well to storytelling and use the language of books, such as characters and events, to share ideas with staff and their friends. Children explore different textures, such as herbs, and talk about their smell and taste. Staff talk to children and act on their suggestions, to support their language and thinking skills. They communicate effectively with outside professionals to seek further support for children.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Children relate well to one another and adults. They are happy and confident to ask for help when needed. They share resources fairly, take turns and respond appropriately to instructions. Staff talk to children about the reasons why good hygiene and healthy eating are important. For instance, at lunchtime, children help themselves and talk about how salads and water are good for them. Children enjoy regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise in the garden. Staff conduct regular checks on the premises and resources, to ensure children can engage in both indoor and outdoor activities safely.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress and any gaps in learning are closing rapidly. For example, they learn to count, recognise and order numerals and solve problems. Children enjoy using magnifying glasses to investigate shells and other natural objects.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY440917 Local authority Barnet Inspection number 1029528 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Age range of children 0 - 8 Total number of places 42 Number of children on roll 26 Name of registered person Step By Step Montessori Limited

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 10 September 2015 Telephone number 07717514213

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reference number

Step by Step Montessori - Mill Hill registered in 2012. It is located in the London Borough of Barnet. The nursery operates each weekday from 8am to 5pm, during term time only. The provider receives funding to offer free early education for children aged two, three and four years. There are six members of staff, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications ranging from level 2 to level 5. The setting follows the Montessori educational philosophy.

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reference number

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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reference number

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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reference number

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reference number

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

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