Downham Preparatory School & Montessori Nursery

Downham Preparatory School & Montessori Nursery The Old Rectory, Lynn Road, Stow Bardolph, King's Lynn, Norfolk PE34 3HT

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Inspection date 20 September 2018 Previous inspection date 27 February 2015

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This inspection: Outstanding 1

Previous inspection: Outstanding 1 Effectiveness of leadership and management Outstanding 1 Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Outstanding 1 Personal development, behaviour and welfare Outstanding 1 Outcomes for children Outstanding 1

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The provision is outstanding

n The provider, leaders and staff positively share and promote a joint passion and dedication to providing the best possible care and education for all children. There is a clear focus on continually developing and supporting staff to maintain the high quality of teaching throughout the nursery. n Behaviour is exemplary. The eldest children show great respect for each other and are truly kind. Babies very quickly learn to share the toys and take turns. Toddlers show compassion and consideration for others. n Teaching is extremely strong throughout the nursery. Staff understand children's level of development very well. They quickly identify where children need additional support ensuring that any gaps in development are closed as swiftly as possible. n Staff are highly skilled at supporting children's language development from an early age. Staff speak warmly and clearly to babies. They skilfully foster children's listening,

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The provision is outstanding

understanding, descriptive language and new vocabulary. n Excellent partnerships with parents are in place, which enables children to benefit from a coordinated and highly supportive approach to their care, learning and welfare. Parents speak very highly of the nursery and the excellent care their children receive.

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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

n continue to implement the planned changes to extend children's interest in technology and review the impact this has on maintaining the excellent practice and exemplary outcomes for children.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspectors observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The lead inspector carried out a joint observation with the supervisor and both inspectors viewed a sample of the children's development records. n The inspectors held discussions with the registered provider, manager, staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspectors reviewed evidence of the suitability and qualifications of the staff, risk assessment and policies and procedures in relation to safeguarding children. n The inspectors took account of the views of parents spoken to on the day.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is outstanding

Leaders and staff have an excellent awareness of their responsibility to protect children's welfare. Staff very confidently discuss the procedures they would take if they had a concern about a child or adults in the nursery. Robust strategies are in place to safeguard children, including the recruitment of staff and ongoing checks to ensure their continued suitability. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Staff meet consistently as a team to evaluate the nursery and discuss good practice. They are considering ways to enhance opportunities to extend children's skills in using technology even further. The professional development of staff is a high priority. Regular training opportunities are offered to build on staff's highly successful teaching skills. Staff meticulously analyse information about children's progress and develop intervention plans where required.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding

The well-qualified staff use their excellent teaching skills to enthuse and engage children. The nursery is full of happy and inquisitive children, keen to explore and highly motivated to learn. Staff know children very well. They consistently observe and plan motivating learning experiences to help children make substantial progress. Staff make extremely good use of the school grounds to develop children's understanding of the natural world. Children of all ages enjoy visiting and feeding the school's goats and rabbits. Parents feel involved in their children's learning. They share experiences from home in photographs which are displayed and valued.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding

Staff are highly skilled at helping children form secure emotional attachments. Babies in particular welcome the constant affection and interaction they receive from consistent staff. Children's emotional well-being is highly prioritised especially during times of change, such as moving to the next room or through to the school. Children thoroughly enjoy spending time outdoors in all weathers and have very good opportunities to develop their physical skills. Children demonstrate an increasing awareness of following clear hygiene procedures. They understand that they wash their hands to remove germs and wear aprons to protect their uniform. Children are involved in risk assessment and talk about safe practices before going outdoors.

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Outcomes for children are outstanding

Children are making substantial and sustained progress from their starting points and are very well prepared for the next stage in their education. Children are very confident and articulate. The eldest children happily initiate conversations and can talk freely about a range of subjects that interest them. Strong friendships flourish as they learn to respect and tolerate each other's differences.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY305661 Local authority Norfolk Inspection number 10078342 Type of provision Full day care Registers Early Years Register Day care type Childcare on non-domestic premises Age range of children 1 - 4 Total number of places 52 Number of children on roll 39 Name of registered person Laffeaty-Sharpe, Elizabeth-Jane

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 27 February 2015 Telephone number 01366 388066

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Downham Preparatory School and Montessori Nursery registered in 1984 and is one of two early years settings run by an individual owner. The nursery employs seven members of childcare staff. Of these, one member of staff holds a qualification at level 5, one member of staff holds a qualification at level 4 and five staff hold a qualification at level 3. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday all year round. Sessions are from 8am until 6pm. The nursery provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children.

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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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procedures set out in the guidance Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk . 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 and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, 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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T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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