Tilsworth Montessori School

Tilsworth Montessori School The Leys, Dunstable Road, Tilsworth, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 9PU

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Inspection date 21 November 2018 Previous inspection date 11 December 2015

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 Effectiveness of leadership and management Good 2 Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2 Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2 Outcomes for children Good 2

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This provision is good

n The manager has been thorough in addressing the recommendations raised at the previous inspection. She now ensures that there is a comprehensive plan for staff training and remains up to date with changes that affect the care of children. n Staff provide a good balance between encouraging and coaching children and giving them the opportunity to explore activities for themselves. The quality of teaching is good and children make good progress in their development. n Staff encourage children to be mindful. Time is set aside for children to think about their bodies and their feelings. n Staff teach children about the effects of exercise on their bodies. They place their hands on their chests and feel their rapid heartbeat. After a few moments of relaxation, they feel their heart beat again and explain that it is not beating as fast. n Staff model language and promote children's communication and language skills well.

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This provision is good

n The next steps that staff identify for children help them to support children's progress. However, they do not provide parents with clear ways for supporting children's learning at home. n Sometimes, staff do not explore different ways to encourage children to join in and work collaboratively with their peers.

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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 sharpen the focus of children's next steps in learning so parents have a clearer idea of how to support their children's learning at home n encourage more opportunities for children to work collaboratively on activities of their choosing.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

Inspection activities n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector completed a joint observation with the manager. n The inspector held a meeting with the manager. She looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery school. n The inspector spoke to a small number of parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management is good

There is a consistent staff team that works with children. Recruitment and induction of staff is robust. Staff are happy in their work and have regular supervision sessions with the manager. This enables them to reflect on their practice and build on their good knowledge and skills. Safeguarding is given high priority by staff. They are knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms that might indicate that children are at risk of harm. Clear lines of reporting concerns are readily available for all staff. Staff undertake training with the Local Safeguarding Children Board to ensure that they remain aware of any concerns about children's well-being. The manager takes effective action to maintain a safe environment for children's play, such as stopping the use of ageing equipment in the garden. Arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Parents are welcomed at the nursery school.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

Staff encourage children to use their mathematical skills to determine how many. Initially they recognise the number and then count to work out the answer. This shows their increasing confidence in using their mathematical skills. Children learn about different shades of colour. Staff support them to sequence different colours from the darkest to the lightest. Later, they copy this by mixing paint together to make different shades. Children develop their physical skills well. They practise and perfect pouring liquids and develop the muscles in their hands in readiness for writing. They fasten zips, buckles and poppers, using increasing dexterity and skill. In the garden, staff support children to test out their larger muscles in the garden where they climb, balance and enjoy making camps in the large bushes. Staff accurately assess children's progress.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

Staff support children to be independent in meeting their needs. They take care of the environment and the equipment they play with. Staff encourage them to handle equipment carefully and return it to the shelf when they finish playing. Staff are attentive to children's needs, and comfort and cuddle them when they need reassurance. Children develop strong attachments to the staff who care for them. Birthday celebrations help children to learn about what is special about them and how they have grown. Families join in with the celebrations, which increases children's enjoyment of the experience. Children learn about celebrations and understand about rules that help them to stay safe at the nursery school.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress in their learning, with particular gains in their literacy and numeracy skills. Children are able to sort and order by size and make comparisons between two groups of objects. They register when they first arrive at the nursery school, recognising their name cards. Children are starting to develop skills that they need in readiness for starting school. Their behaviour is excellent and they respond to the orderly and calm environment. Children are articulate in expressing themselves and their ideas, and assert themselves with confidence.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY270686 Local authority Central Bedfordshire Inspection number 10071564 Type of provision Sessional day care

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childcare on non-domestic premises Age range of children 2 - 4 Total number of places 20 Number of children on roll 8 Name of registered person Courtenay-Robin, Natasha

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 11 December 2015 Telephone number 07816815982

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reference number

Tilsworth Montessori School registered in 2004 and is located in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire. The nursery school employs four members of childcare staff. Of these, three hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 and above. The nursery school opens from Monday to Friday during term time. Sessions are from 9.15am until 12.15pm. The nursery provides funded early education for three- and four-year-old children. It operates in line with the Montessori educational 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.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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