Impact Montessori Nursery

Inspection of Impact Montessori Nursery The Bric Building, Queens Avenue, Bicester OX26 2NR

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 Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

Children at the nursery follow a well-organised and thought-out curriculum. They learn big ideas in small steps. For example, children practise brushing a set of plastic teeth with a toothbrush. Over time, they build on this to learn about what foods can cause damage to their teeth and learn about healthy food choices. From a young age, children know what staff expect of them. They make choices about what activities to play with and take care to return them to the correct place on the shelf after they finish. Children enjoy playing in the garden, where they grow flowers and strawberries. They enjoy mixing water and earth together in the mud kitchen and approach activities with a sense of purpose. Children learn using all their senses, enjoying different ways to explore the world around them.

p.2

The provision is good

Since the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, parents have not been able to come into the setting. However, staff have worked tirelessly to maintain the excellent relationships they have with parents and families. Consequently, children have settled back into the nursery with confidence. They benefit from exceptionally close relationships with their key person and display high levels of confidence. Children behave extremely well. They are considerate towards each other and the resources and staff.

p.2

need to do better?

n The provider puts into place a progressive and ambitious curriculum. The nursery follows the Montessori approach to learning. Staff successfully build on what children know and can already do. They check what children are learning and monitor their good progress. Staff share their findings with parents on a daily basis. As a result, parents say that they can support children's learning at home and recognise the rapid progress their children are making. n Children learn about number, weight and measure. They compare quantities and recognise the differences between two groups of beads, as they start to learn about simple mathematical problems. n There is an extensive programme in place for supporting children's communication and language skills. Overall, staff implement this well, talking to children and engaging them in conversation. Children who speak English as an additional language make exceptional gains in their speaking and understanding.

p.2

need to do better?

However, on occasion, when staff support children, they are quick to give them answers or focus on giving directions rather than finding out what children know themselves. n Children are independent and capable. They demonstrate skill in meeting their personal needs, such as tidying away after eating and putting on their own slippers when they return from playing inside. n Throughout the day, the routine helps children to know what staff expect of

p.2

need to do better?

20 September 2021 them. However, there is less organisation at lunchtime. When staff take lunch breaks, there are always safe adult to child ratios, but staff divide their time between helping children who are still eating with encouraging children's learning. During this short time, some children do not find meaningful things to do. n Staff help children to learn about the world. Together they search on a globe for different continents and talk about their home countries and what makes them unique and special. The nursery is a warm, diverse and welcoming environment, where children show they feel content and safe. n There is an effective programme of professional development for staff to develop their knowledge and expertise. Staff are well qualified and experienced and bring a wealth of knowledge to the nursery. The provider places high importance on staff welfare and well-being and ensures they can share their

p.2

need to do better?

views. This creates a happy staff team, who talk about how much they enjoy their work. n The special educational needs coordinator is well experienced and knowledgeable about identifying children who might need extra support with their learning. As a result, staff quickly put action into place to support children to ensure that they do not fall behind in their learning.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

All staff place a high priority on keeping children safe at the setting. They have a secure understanding about their role in recognising if children might be at risk of harm. Each member of staff can explain the action they would take to report any concerns to the relevant local safeguarding partners. All staff recognise the negative effects COVID-19 has had on families and have worked effectively to remain in touch with families during this time. The manager is aware of local issues that can damage children's health and well-being, such as high levels of static traffic as children walk to the nursery.

p.3

should:

n enhance staff knowledge of how to maximise their interactions with children to promote children's communication and language skills more effectively n expand the good plans for learning to ensure lunchtimes are given the same high priority for children's learning as the rest of the day.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY560057 Local authority Oxfordshire Inspection number 10190881 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Full day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 40 Number of children on roll 10 Name of registered person Bicester Care Ltd

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07584281603 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Impact Montessori Nursery registered in 2018. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday. Sessions are from 8am until 4pm, term time only. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. The nursery employs three members of childcare staff. All hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and above. The nursery supports a number of children who speak English as an additional language.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting received since the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the setting and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n A joint observation was held with the manager. n The inspector held a meeting with the provider. She looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n The inspector spoke to many parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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

20 September 2021 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