Sheriffhales Montessori Preschool

Inspection of Sheriffhales Montessori Preschool Sheriffhales Village Hall, Sheriffhales, Nr Shifnal TF11 8RA

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Overall effectiveness Outstanding

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

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in this welcoming, safe and wholly child-centred pre-school. They are captivated by stimulating and thought-provoking activities which ignite their sense of curiosity and encourage them to be eager and motivated learners. Children behave impeccably and are respectful of others. They come quietly into the setting and settle quickly to their chosen activity. The atmosphere is very calm and, as a result, children concentrate exceptionally well. Everywhere is a hive of activity and every child is fully engaged in their chosen play. Staff know the children exceptionally well. They interact positively with them, while allowing them time and space to initiate their own play. Children explore different textures. Staff expertly provide a range of activities using different textures for children to compare, such as sand with glitter, kinetic sand, salt and crunchy cereals. Children are totally engrossed as they carefully spoon and pour sand between different

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The provision is outstanding

containers. Children develop mathematical concepts as they build with blocks. They talk about finding the next biggest and staff ask questions to encourage children to think how they can make the tower balance. Children know that they put the biggest brick at the bottom to make the construction stable and then add the bricks in size. They remember that if the tower is built properly then a one-centimetre cube will fit around the edges of the big block.

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need to do better?

n Staff understand and implement the Montessori approach. Children enjoy an excellent mixture of Montessori resources and other activities which complement and support the early years foundation stage. Staff continually update their training and research new initiatives. They implement what they learn to enhance the outcomes for children. Staff are forward thinking and continually evaluate the provision as they strive to provide high-quality learning for children. n Children participate fully during circle times. They listen to the wind in the trees, hold their hands in front of their mouths and blow to see if it feels like the wind. They warm up their voices with exercises before they sing as they squeak and hum in a high and low voice. Staff use signs during the welcome song and finger spell the first letter of every child's name. This helps those children who are less able to communicate to be actively involved.

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need to do better?

n Children's health is given high priority. They thoroughly enjoy participating in a physical exercise session. Staff remind them to have a drink before they start and after they have finished the activity, to keep their bodies working. Children become very excited as they hear the music start. They walk on tiptoes, march, jog, gallop and skip. Staff ask children how they feel after their exercise and they say they are 'worn out'. They sit quietly and let their heads and chins rest on their chests and lie on the floor as they relax in a special place. n Children's independence is promoted exceptionally well. They have individual

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need to do better?

11 February 2020 jugs and cups to pour their drinks and named flannels in serviette rings to wipe their hands. They sweep up the cereals after play using a dustpan and brush which they select for themselves. They know that when they select resources from the shelves, they complete the activity and return it so that other children can then play with it. n Children make rapid progress from their initial starting points and in line with their individual capabilities. Staff complete comprehensive assessments against the Montessori curriculum and the early years foundation stage to make sure children are achieving in all areas. Staff continually observe and monitor children's progress. They set realistic and achievable next steps for learning that ensure children reach their full potential. Staff share in-depth information with other professionals to ensure children receive swift early intervention, when needed.

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need to do better?

n Parents are fully involved in their child's learning. Extensive information is shared with parents, including where their child is in their learning and additional ideas that staff have gained from training. Resources are provided to support parents to continue with the child's leaning at home. Parents are extremely happy. They say that activities are suited to children's individual learning style and that children are able to develop at their own pace. They say that the level of care and attention shown to the children by the staff is truly exemplary. n Children thoroughly enjoy looking at books and listening to stories. They listen quietly to stories and join in with familiar phrases. Staff organise the group to make sure that all of the children can see the book. They use voice intonation to capture and maintain children's interest.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff have an exceptionally good knowledge of safeguarding. They can recognise the signs that may indicate that a child is suffering from abuse or neglect. All staff attend safeguarding training, including training on wider safeguarding issues, such as the 'Prevent' duty. They fully understand the procedures to follow to seek advice or report a concern, including concerns against another member of staff. They are vigilant in monitoring children's attendance and liaise closely with outside agencies if attendance becomes a concern. The premises are safe and secure. Staff organise the environment to ensure children's safety at all times.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY429886 Local authority Shropshire Inspection number 10145331 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Sessional day care Age range of children 2 to 4 Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 19 Name of registered person Collins, Jenny Ruth

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reference number

Telephone number 07890206514 Date of previous inspection 3 February 2016

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Information about this early years setting

Sheriffhales Montessori Preschool registered in 2011 and follows the Montessori ethos. The pre-school employs three members of childcare staff. All staff hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above, including the provider who holds early years professional status. The pre-school opens from Monday to Friday, term time only. Sessions are from 9am until 1pm. The pre-school provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors was observed, and the inspector assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector evaluated activities and completed a learning walk with the provider. n The inspector spoke with the staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n A meeting was held with the provider. The inspector looked at relevant documentation, including children's details and evidence of the suitability of staff working in the pre-school. n The views of parents were taken into account during the inspection.

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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.

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Inspection activities

11 February 2020 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.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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