Little Montessorians Pre-School

Inspection of Little Montessorians Pre- School The Scout Hut, Roding Lane South, Ilford, Essex IG4 5PD

p.1

Overall effectiveness Good

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children feel safe and secure, and settle well with the support of staff. They enjoy a wide range of activities and are happy to attend. Children behave well and play cooperatively together with their friends. Staff set clear expectations and children know the setting's rules well. Staff support children effectively to develop their language skills. For example, during role-play activities, children pretend they are witches stirring potions in a cauldron. They tell staff that they are making 'a frog potion with smelly socks and wiggly worms'. Staff engage with children enthusiastically for meaningful conversations. They listen to children's views and opinions. Children enjoy challenging activities that encourage them to give things a go. For instance, they use a mini grater to grate soap into a bowl. Children are motivated and excited to explore activities. They talk about the different seasons. Furthermore, children delight in saying 'hello' in Spanish and French during circle

p.2

The provision is good

time. Staff give children praise for their efforts and achievements. In response, children concentrate well and engage with enthusiasm.

p.2

need to do better?

n The manager works well with her staff to evaluate the effectiveness of the pre- school. They have regular meetings, and together they reflect on practice and identify areas for further improvement. Purposeful supervisory meetings and observation of practice support staff to develop their teaching skills. Training has a positive impact on experiences for children, as staff apply their new-found knowledge and skills. For example, staff recently attended behaviour management training to further support managing children's emotions successfully. n Parents spoke very highly of the care and support families received from staff. They feel very well informed about their children's progress. They check their children's progress online and make comments. Staff support children with a range of developmental needs, such as toilet training. n The manager and staff plan a rich and varied curriculum that reflects children's

p.2

need to do better?

individual interests. Staff have a good understanding of what children need to learn next. They share stories and encourage children to treat books with care. Staff observe children as they play, and assess their learning. Overall, staff recognise when further support may be needed to help children to develop and thrive. For instance, they guide and support children when making toast in the toaster. All children learn well. Staff track children's progress to close any gaps in their learning. However, some staff do not routinely recognise opportunities to extend children's learning during play. n Staff discuss the importance of eating a healthy variety of food and remind children to wash their hands before they eat. Children are physically active inside and outdoors. Staff sensitively support children to develop their physical skills.

p.2

need to do better?

12 December 2019 For instance, they help children to use climbing frame apparatus and scooters, and to jump up and down to nursery rhymes. n Staff teach children mathematical skills effectively through different learning experiences. For instance, they encourage children's counting skills, and inspire children to explore and compare sizes. Children learn to identify 'bigger', 'smaller', 'shorter' and 'longer'. n Children behave well. They are confident and have a good understanding of daily routines. They share, take turns and play well together. Staff care about children's emotional well-being. They talk to children about how they feel, and take steps to ensure that all children are included. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Staff build positive relationships and gather information on children's starting points. There is very good communication between staff and parents. They have effective two-way communication to

p.2

need to do better?

ensure there is continuity in children's development at home and in the setting. n Children have a strong sense of belonging and good self-esteem. Overall, staff have high expectations of children's abilities. However, they do not consistently encourage children's independence skills, such as encouraging them to zip up their coats and put their hats on.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The manager places a high priority on making sure that children are safe, and this is well managed throughout the building. All staff understand their responsibilities to safeguard children. Staff know the signs to look for and the procedures to follow if they have any concerns about a child's welfare. Staff all receive up-to-date safeguarding training. All staff are vetted closely to confirm their suitability to work with children. All activities and visits are stringently risk assessed to ensure children are safe. Detailed risk assessments are completed daily to cover all areas of the facility that children use, and identify potential hazards.

p.3

should:

n routinely extend children's learning during play n broaden opportunities for children to develop their independence skills during daily routines.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY343347 Local authority Redbridge Inspection number 10128446 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Sessional day care Age range of children 2 to 4 Total number of places 20 Number of children on roll 31 Name of registered person Manickam, Sugirtham

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 02085 512884 Date of previous inspection 21 May 2015

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Little Montessorians Pre-School registered in 2006. It is situated in Ilford, in the London Borough of Redbridge. The pre-school opens from 9.15am to 12.30pm on Mondays and Fridays, and from 9.15am to 3pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, during school term times. The provider receives funding for the provision of free early education to children aged two, three and four years. There are six members of staff, including the provider, and they follow the Montessori method of teaching. The provider holds early years professional status.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector conducted a learning walk with the manager. n A joint observation was carried out by the inspector and the pre-school manager. n The inspector spoke to parents during the inspection, and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including evidence of staff suitability to work with children.

p.4

Inspection activities

12 December 2019 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.4

Inspection activities

12 December 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