Dulwich Montessori Nursery School

Dulwich Montessori Nursery School St. Stephens Church, College Road, London, SE21 7HW

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 8 November 2016 30 September 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

 Teaching is effective and staff have a secure understanding of how children learn and have great expectations of them all. Children progress well.  Children form secure attachments to staff and benefit from the effective key-person system. They are comfortable in the nursery and show a sense of emotional well-being.  Children develop good independence as they learn to do things for themselves. For example, they dish out their own meals at lunch time and prepare their snacks.  The management team and staff are committed to professional development. For example, they make good use of support from the local authority, appraisals, regular meetings and training. This has a positive impact on children's learning and welfare.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The setting's midday home-time routines are not organised effectively. Children who are staying for the afternoon session become distracted and find it difficult to concentrate fully on the learning opportunities on offer.  Staff are not consistently effective in seeking information from parents about children's learning and development at home.

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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

 revise the organisation of daily routines, with particular regard to the period at lunch time when some children go home, to enable the remaining children to focus and concentrate on the learning opportunities being offered  develop further ways to encourage parents to share information about children's achievements at home, to enable staff to assess their progress and plan for their future learning even more precisely.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities in all parts of the setting including the outdoor area.  The inspector spoke to some members of staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection and held meetings with the management team.  The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager.  The inspector took account of the views of parents spoken to during the inspection.  The inspector looked at children's records, planning documentation and the provision's policies and procedures including those relating to the suitability of staff.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Safeguarding is effective. The management team, along with the staff and students, is clear about its role in keeping children safe and secure. It fully understands the procedures for referring any concerns about a child's welfare. There are effective recruitment methods and risk assessments that further safeguard children. Children who have identified needs are supported well and timely interventions are put in place. Staff work well with other professionals and parents to ensure all children make good progress. The management team uses self-evaluation to continually monitor the strengths and weakness of the setting and take into account the views of parents and staff. It successfully identifies ways to improve outcomes for children. Parents speak positively of the impact that staff have on their children's progress and care.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Overall, the staff use planning, observation and assessment successfully to support children's progress and development. Children enjoy taking part in a variety of positive learning experiences based on their individual development needs and interests. Children's physical development is supported well. For example, they gain physical skills and strength in their bodies as they take part in yoga sessions. They also visit local woodlands to take park in a broad range of activities and learn about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff support children's understanding of the similarities and differences between themselves and others successfully. For example, they teach children about different cultures and festivals around the world through a variety of activities and resources. Children have access to healthy balanced meals that take account of their individual dietary requirements. Staff act as good role models and help children to learn to be polite and behave well.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress and any gaps in their learning close quickly. Children gain confidence in their abilities and are active and independent learners. They have fun in their play and acquire good skills in preparation for school. Children develop good early reading skills. For instance, they learn to find their name during self-registration, which older children manage with ease. Children's mathematical skills also develop well through effective activities that support their knowledge in counting, measurement and number recognition.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY397242 Local authority Southwark Inspection number 1062301 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register Age range of children 2 - 5 Total number of places 40 Number of children on roll 46 Name of registered person Arthur David Brows

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 30 September 2013 Telephone number 0208 7660091

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reference number

Dulwich Montessori Nursery School re-registered to new ownership in 2009. It is one of three daycare provisions owned by the provider. It is located in Dulwich in the London Borough of Southwark. The nursery school is open on Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 3pm and on Friday from 8.30am to 1pm, during term time only. The provider receives funding to offer free early education for children aged two, three and four years. There are 11 staff currently employed, eight of whom hold relevant early years qualifications from level 2 to level 7. The nursery follows the Montessori 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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