Oliver's Montessori Nursery School

Oliver's Montessori Nursery School 52 Belsize Square, London, NW3 4HN

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 7 October 2016 14 November 2013

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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

 The leadership and management of the nursery are strong. The well-established management team works well together with the committed staff team to achieve high standards and positive outcomes for all children.  Staff use effective systems for observing and tracking children's progress, to identify children's achievements and target areas that require further support.  Children are happy and well settled. They enjoy and benefit from the close and caring relationships that they establish with staff.  Children make good progress and their language is supported well. They listen well to staff and each other, and they communicate their own needs effectively. Children who speak another language are well supported in developing their levels of English.  Parents speak highly of the staff and value the quality of the care and learning provided.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 At times, opportunities for children to access a broad range of resources to extend their interests are not available, particularly for those children who prefer learning outdoors.  Staff do not encourage parents fully to share more information about their children's learning from home, to extend their children's experiences in the setting.

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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

 broaden the range of opportunities in the outdoor learning environment, to further support those children who learn better outdoors  provide more opportunities for parents to share their observations of their children's learning and achievements from home, to encourage continuous learning.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors, to assess how this affects children's learning.  The inspector held discussions with the manager, spoke to staff and parents, and engaged with children at appropriate times during the inspection.  The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager.  The inspector looked at a sample of documentation, including evidence of staff's suitability checks, children's individual portfolios and the nursery's completed self- evaluation.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The strong, long-standing management team provides a good level of support to the committed staff, which generally contributes well to the successful running of the nursery. For example, systems for monitoring staff performance and professional development opportunities, such as further training, help to enhance teaching practices. Leaders use self-evaluation effectively to drive improvements and to maintain high standards throughout the nursery. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The premises are kept safe and secure, and procedures for the safe recruitment of staff, including carrying out suitability checks, are firmly in place. Staff know what to do if they have a concern about the safety and welfare of a child, including following the nursery's procedures for making a referral, if needed.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff make accurate observations of children, which they share effectively with parents. For example, they offer an online system that parents can access securely using a personal identification number. This enables parents to keep up to date with what their children are doing while at nursery. Children enjoy playing and they benefit from the quality interactions they share with staff. For example, staff engage them in meaningful conversations to support children's language development. Staff listen carefully to children and ask questions, such as to extend children's thinking and reshape their ideas. Children enjoy listening to stories and looking at books at their leisure. They enjoy learning about nature, such as hunting for spiders and other creatures in the flower beds.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The learning environment is creatively set out to engage and motivate children to explore confidently. Staff consistently manage children's behaviour. For example, they use sensitive guidance, meaningful praise and provide clear explanations to support children's understanding. Children learn to share and take turns with equipment. Staff support children's physical well-being well. For example, children enjoy healthy snacks and have good opportunities to be physically active. Children learn about differences, show respect for one another and are encouraged to use their home languages.

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Outcomes for children are good

All children make good progress, including in areas where some children's starting points are lower than expected. For example, children with language and communication difficulties make significant gains, as support is tailored well to their needs. Children assist in managing their own personal needs, such as taking themselves to the toilet, and they help prepare the tables for snacks. Children are confident learners and develop skills they need ready for their move to school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 100545 Local authority Camden Inspection number 1061116 Type of provision Sessional provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register Age range of children 2 - 4 Total number of places 25 Number of children on roll 20 Name of registered person Katherine Jane Johnston

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 14 November 2013 Telephone number 020 7435 5898

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reference number

Oliver's Montessori Nursery School registered in 1992. The nursery operates in Belsize Square, in the London Borough of Camden. The nursery is open each weekday from 9am to 3pm, during term time only. There are five members of staff, of whom three hold relevant qualifications in childcare, including one member of staff who has achieved early years professional status and one who is working towards a relevant qualification at level 3. The nursery operates in line with 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

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reference number

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