First Steps Montessori Day Nursery

First Steps Montessori Day Nursery First Steps Montessori Nursery School, 254 Upland Road, LONDON, SE22 0DN

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 29 June 2017 28 May 2015

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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

 Staff learn about children's individual needs, which helps children settle in when they first start or move to other rooms. Children form positive relationships with staff and are emotionally secure.  Parents speak highly of the staff. They say that staff are friendly and caring and the nursery has a home-from-home welcoming atmosphere.  Children learn to take on responsibility as they adopt the role of helpers and carry out jobs in their rooms. They show high levels of independence and confidence from an early age, which helps to prepare them for the next stage in their learning.  Staff prioritise children's safety. For example, children are encouraged to grasp the handrail tightly when negotiating the stairs and are closely supervised when they use the climbing frame.  Staff provide an exciting range of resources and activities to motivate and interest children. In particular, children benefit from time to practise their skills and enjoy

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This provision is good

investigating the environment indoors and outdoors.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Systems to monitor practice and prioritise training, including opportunities for staff professional development, are not sufficiently well embedded to improve outcomes for children and continue to raise standards within the nursery.

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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

 strengthen the systems to monitor practice so that gaps in staff knowledge and training are targeted to increase understanding and improve outcomes for children.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager.  The inspector observed mealtimes, sleep and hygiene routines.  The inspector observed interactions between staff and children.  The inspector looked at a sample of documents, including staff qualifications and evidence of suitability checks, and a range of policies and procedures.  The inspector held discussions with the manager, nominated person and registered individual at appropriate times.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The manager uses successful recruitment and induction processes to ensure staff are suitable to work with children. Staff attend training on child protection issues and show an understanding of their duty to safeguard children. Managers evaluate the provision and seek the views of parents and staff. For example, breakfast is now offered in separate rooms and children settle more quickly because they have formed close relationships with their key person. Secure systems are in place to monitor the curriculum and how well children achieve, to ensure that any differences in learning are identified and addressed.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff make regular observations about what children know and can do. They use these to accurately assess children's progress and move them on in their learning. Staff skilfully plan for children's individual needs, and the manager monitors these carefully. Staff communicate and model language extremely well. For example, while children play in the sand 'making cakes', staff demonstrate, question and encourage children to explore their ideas. Children are motivated and eager to listen and join in. Throughout the nursery there are many opportunities for children to learn about numbers and mathematical ideas. For example, children count while going up and down stairs and are encouraged to sort plates and cups during mealtimes.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The nursery environment is stimulating and welcoming. Children show curiosity, imagination and concentration. Older children listen intently during group time. They show respect and take turns in conversations. Children behave well. They learn about the needs of others and about the similarities and differences of people from around the world. Sensitive caring staff help children form secure emotional attachments. Children show high levels of confidence in social situations. For example, children ask visitors their names and talk to them about what they have been learning. Staff visit schools with small groups of older children during the summer term, which helps to support children with the smooth transition to school.

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Outcomes for children are good

Very young children and toddlers show pleasure and eagerness to explore their environment. Older children are curious and enjoy opportunities to explore and find out about the local community and communities beyond their immediate experiences. All children achieve well during their time at nursery. In particular, they make good progress in language and in their physical, personal, social and emotional development, which gives children a secure foundation for future learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY462360 Local authority Southwark Inspection number 1095429 Type of provision Full-time provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Age range of children 1 - 4 Total number of places 35 Number of children on roll 64 Name of registered person The Beeches Nursery Group Limited

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 28 May 2015 Telephone number 0208 2996897

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reference number

First Steps Montessori Day Nursery registered in 1997 and re-registered as a limited company in 2013. It operates from East Dulwich, in the London Borough of Southwark. The nursery is open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm, for 50 weeks of the year. The nursery receives funding to provide free early education for children aged three and four years. The nursery follows the Montessori philosophy of teaching.

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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

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

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