Brightstart Montessori Nursery, Scottow

Inspection of Brightstart Montessori Nursery, Scottow The Old School, The Fairstead, Scottow, Norfolk NR10 5AQ

p.1

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

p.1

The provision is good

Children look forward to their nursery days and settle extremely well. They quickly build strong attachments to staff, who provide nurturing care and attention. Children develop high levels of independence. They choose activities, practice their skills and know how to put resources back in the correct place. Children benefit from carefully planned educational opportunities where they learn how to master everyday skills in the 'practical life' area of the nursery. Children respond well to staff's open questions, which encourage them to talk about how things work. Children develop their knowledge as they listen carefully while staff introduce the meanings of new words.

p.2

The provision is good

Children smile and laugh as they wholeheartedly join in with the daily activity session outside. They excitedly do star jumps and high-knee lifts and run on the spot. They join in with songs to learn about how their bodies respond to physical exercise. They confidently explain how their heart is having to work hard to pump the blood around their bodies. Children have vast opportunities to celebrate their unique talents. They are excited to take the 'mystery box' home and bring something special from their home life to share with the other children and staff. Children confidently talk about and express their feelings. They have a wealth of opportunities to learn to stay safe and well.

p.2

need to do better?

n The provider, who is also the manager, provides strong levels of support for her staff team. Staff show high levels of well-being and enjoyment in their roles. Their professional development is carefully linked to the nursery improvement plans, which show how staff are working to develop the quality of education. Each member of staff takes responsibility for developing a particular area of the nursery, for example helping children to learn about classical music. n Children benefit from an environment which is very well planned to allow them to return to favourite activities, building on their knowledge and skills. They carefully construct towers and use tweezers to grasp small items. Staff competently support child-led play, building on what children can do and teaching them new skills. However, when staff lead activities, they sometimes do not identify children's spontaneous interests and develop these further, to

p.2

need to do better?

fully extend their learning in all areas. n Children are motivated and keen to learn. They concentrate on activities and persevere to solve problems. Children enjoy searching for insects outside and excitedly find a spider's web. They rake the leaves and use them in their play, for example making 'leaf ears' for a retelling of 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears'. Children behave very well and cooperate with daily routines, following the sensitive guidance from staff.

p.2

need to do better?

22 November 2019 n Children have a rich set of experiences that promote an understanding of how people are different. They investigate the wider world as they find out which animals live in different continents, matching flags to different countries. Children and families share their own cultures, festivals and traditions from home. Staff create their own 'talking books' to help children develop their awareness of different languages. n Partnerships with parents enhance children's learning and development. Parents are thrilled with the care and teaching their children receive. They receive detailed feedback about their children's progress. Parents say that their children thrive with their social skills and have many opportunities to 'be brave'. Parents highly value the freedom children have to play outdoors and how they learn to do many things for themselves. n Staff expertly teach children how to stay safe. They encourage children to talk

p.2

need to do better?

about anything that makes them feel worried, including when accessing technology. Staff invite police officers in to talk to children about staying safe online in an age-appropriate way. Children carry out their own risk assessments before they play with equipment outside. Staff continually support children to develop optimal levels of physical and emotional health.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

Staff have a shared understanding of how to identify vulnerable children or families that may need additional support. Staff talk confidently about the procedures to follow to report concerns to the relevant authorities. They have clear guidance to follow in the event of an allegation against a member of staff. The provider has robust systems in place for the recruitment of new staff. She ensures all staff, volunteers and students have the relevant checks required to work with children. Staff are vigilant about keeping the premises secure and supervise children carefully at all times.

p.3

should:

n encourage staff to be even more aware of children's spontaneous interests during activities led by adults, to enhance their learning to the highest levels in all areas.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY375401 Local authority Norfolk Inspection number 10113091 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care Age range of children 2 to 4 Total number of places 30 Number of children on roll 55 Name of registered person Halkyard, Fiona Dawn

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 01603738360 Date of previous inspection 26 November 2014

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Brightstart Montessori Nursery, Scottow registered in 2008 and is located in Norfolk. The nursery opens Monday to Friday from 9am until 3.30pm, during term time only. On Tuesday and Thursday, an extended 'twilight hour' is offered from 3.30pm until 4.30pm for children who receive the relevant funding. The provider is a qualified teacher and employs six members of staff who work directly with the children. Of these, five hold qualifications at level 3.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The provider showed the inspector around the nursery. Together, they talked about the educational programme and how the environment is organised. n The inspector watched an activity with the provider and evaluated the quality of teaching. The inspector held discussions and a meeting with the provider. n The inspector spoke to all staff present. She observed children at play during a range of activities indoors and outside. n The inspector spoke to a number of parents to obtain their views. She also viewed written feedback from parents who were unable to attend on the day of inspection. n The inspector viewed documents, such as evidence of suitability checks for staff, volunteers and students. She looked at the safeguarding policy and first-aid certificates.

p.5

Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

22 November 2019 regulates and inspects to 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6