Earley Montessori School

Earley Montessori School St. Nicholas Church Hall, Sutcliffe Avenue, Earley, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 7JN

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 9 January 2018 9 July 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

 Staff understand how children learn and develop well. They make good use of information about children's progress and development to provide activities which challenge them effectively and help them to make good progress.  Children behave well. Staff are good role models and encourage children to settle simple disputes for themselves. For example, they use a sand timer to encourage children to take turns.  The manager monitors the overall progress that all children make well. This enables her to identify any gaps in their learning quickly, and support staff in implementing plans to help children to catch up if necessary.  Staff work closely with other professionals involved in children's care, such as speech therapists. They work together well to help all children, including those who have special educational needs (SEN), to make good progress.  Children are well prepared for their next stage in learning. They are keen, excited to

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 Leaders and managers do not place a strong enough focus on raising the good quality of teaching to an outstanding level.  Although safety standards are good, there are occasions when staff are not consistent in reminding children about ways to keep themselves safe.

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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

 extend arrangements to monitor staff practice more precisely to raise the good quality of teaching to the highest level  take a more consistent approach to teaching children about how to maintain their own safety.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke to parents and took their views into consideration.  The inspector observed the interactions between the staff and the children and considered the impact these have on learning.  The inspector completed a joint observation with the manager and discussed with her how she supervises staff.  The inspector questioned staff on how they ensure the children are kept safe, and what to do if they are concerned about a child's well-being.  The inspector held a meeting with the manager. She looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of suitability of the staff working in the setting.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Staff have a secure understanding of the procedures to follow if they have any concerns regarding the welfare of children. Staff supervise children well and adhere to ratios. Partnerships with parents are good. The manager and staff hold regular discussions and meetings with parents to keep them up to date with children's progress. This helps to provide continuity in children's care and learning. Leaders and managers effectively evaluate the quality of the nursery to help identify areas for improvement. This includes gathering the views of parents and taking their suggestions into consideration.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff complete regular observations and use these to identify children's interests and to support learning further. Staff make good use of children's natural curiosities to provide them with new learning experiences. For example, they follow children's interest in coconuts to talk to them about where they come from and what is inside. Staff place a good focus on supporting children's mathematical skills. For example, they provide activities to help children learn to recognise numbers. Children demonstrate a good understanding of mathematical concepts, such as size. They join in discussions about the different lengths of items and count confidently.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff form positive relationships with children, which supports their emotional well-being effectively. Children feel safe and secure in their care. Most children settle quickly into their play and concentrate well on their chosen activities. Staff are highly sensitive to children's individual needs. For example, they respond promptly when new children need help and reassurance. Staff provide regular and meaningful praise. Children demonstrate good levels of self-esteem and confidence. Staff encourage them to try activities and to develop independence in their self-help skills. For example, they encourage children to dress themselves for outdoor play.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress from their starting points. They develop skills that prepare them well for future learning, including school. For example, they learn to recognise and write their names and identify letters and sounds. Children play well alongside others and are happy to share and take turns during group activities. Older children show good skills in holding and using pens. For example, they make marks and begin to form recognisable letters. Children develop a good awareness of the similarities between themselves and others. For example, through a variety of activities they learn about individual children's cultural celebrations and beliefs.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY296121 Local authority Wokingham Inspection number 1061839 Type of provision Sessional provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 2 - 4 Total number of places 30 Number of children on roll 36 Name of registered person Shauna Eleanor Fosker

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 9 July 2013 Telephone number 07767848250 01189351674

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reference number

Earley Montessori School registered in 2005. It operates within St Nicholas Church Hall in Earley, Berkshire. The setting receives funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years. The setting follows the Montessori ethos. The nursery is open five days a week from 9.30am to 12.30pm, term time only. A lunch club operates on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. Seven staff are employed to work with the children. One staff member holds a qualified teacher qualification, and another is qualified to level 6. Of the remaining staff, three are qualified to level 3 and above and two staff are unqualified.

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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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