Spring Close Montessori Reach

Spring Close Montessori Reach Reach Village Centre, 13 Fair Green, Cambridge, CB25 0JD

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 12 October 2017 Not applicable

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management Requires improvement Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Requires improvement Personal development, behaviour and welfare Requires improvement Outcomes for children Requires improvement

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This provision requires improvement. It is not yet good because:

 Staff's assessment of what children know and can do does not reflect children’s individual progress. Experiences planned to support children's next steps in learning do not match their abilities or support their individual next steps in learning. This means that children do not make good progress in their learning.  Partnership working does not support children’s learning and development effectively. The pre-school does not share information from other childcare providers that children attend.  The provider does not monitor the quality of teaching, learning and assessment. Leaders and mangers are unable to demonstrate that all children are making good progress.

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It has the following strengths

 Children have a wide range of opportunities to practise their independence skills. They carefully use crockery jugs and cups to pour their own drinks. They wash up the dishes they have used promoting self-reliance.  Children are developing a love of books. They self-select books to look at quietly and engage enthusiastically when stories are read to them by staff.  Children are able to express their creativity and imagination. They enjoy dressing up with hats and bags and pretend to talk on the telephone.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To meet the requirements of the early years foundation stage the provider must:

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Due Date

 assess what children know and can do accurately in order to identify children’s individual next steps in learning 01/02/2018

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Due Date

 plan experiences for children that take into account their age and abilities 01/02/2018

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Due Date

 ensure there is a two-way flow of information with other providers that children attend 01/02/2018

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Due Date

 identify weaknesses in the quality of teaching and support staff to improve their skills. 01/02/2018

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Inspection activities

 The inspectors observed general play and routines in the hall. They talked with the staff and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.  The inspectors looked at evidence of the suitability of staff members, and a range of other documentation. First-aid and safeguarding training certificates were viewed.  The inspectors held joint discussions with the manager in relation to observations of the children's play, learning and progress.  The inspectors spoke with parents and took into account their views.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management requires improvement

The provider has not identified all weaknesses in teaching and learning to improve. For example, the assessment of children's learning is not accurate. This means that their learning is not fully supported. Ofsted recently issued the provider with a welfare requirement notice. The provider has met the actions set out in this notice including, demonstrating that appropriate procedures are in place to ensure the suitability of staff working in the pre-school. The provider obtains Disclosure and Barring Service checks and references from previous employers to help establish that staff are suitable for their role. New staff receive an effective induction to the pre-school which helps them to understand the requirements of their role. Staff carry out visual checks on the environment and resources to ensure these are safe and secure for children at all times. Safeguarding is effective. Staff complete regular training and understand their responsibilities to protect

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management requires improvement

children's welfare. Staff have a secure knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse. They also know how to raise a concern with the relevant agencies. Staff liaise with other professionals to support children’s development. However, partnerships with other childcare providers is not effective in gaining information that will benefit children’s learning and development.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment requires improvement

Procedures to observe, assess and monitor children’s progress are continuing to develop. Despite all staff being well-qualified they do not make the most of their skills to facilitate children's learning and help them make good progress. For example, staff plan activities that are not always aimed at the right level for children's ability. Staff interact with children well as they support them to work together effectively to build a train track. There are a wide range of activities planned for children that cover all areas of learning. Staff support children’s communication skills. They encourage children to describe the colour and feel of toy animals to extend their vocabulary. Parents are happy with the information they receive about their child from their key person.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare require improvement

The pre-school does not share information with other settings to promote children’s overall development well enough. The hall is inviting to children. There is an appropriate amount of resources for children to choose from. This promotes their positive behaviour and supports their concentration. Staff are friendly and enthusiastic. As a result children settle well. They play outside daily in the fresh air, safely ride scooters and explore climbing frames and balance beams. This helps children to develop some of their physical skills.

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Outcomes for children require improvement

Children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities make steady progress in their learning. Children are independent and are gaining some skills ready for school. For example, they explore what happens when they mix different colours together. This helps to promote their understanding of cause and effect.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY500136 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 1113879 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 16 Number of children on roll 10 Name of registered person Christine Hobbs

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reference number

Date of previous inspection Not applicable Telephone number 01638 743304

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reference number

Spring Close Montessori Reach was registered in 2016. The pre-school employs two members of childcare staff. Both hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The pre-school opens from Monday to Thursday term time only. Sessions are from 08:30 am until 1pm. The pre-school provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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

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

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