Phoenix Montessori Nursery

Inspection of Phoenix Montessori Nursery Gayton Road, King's Lynn, Norfolk PE30 4ET

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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 delight in spending time in the highly nurturing pre-school. They confidently take part in a wide range of planned activities. For example, children perform on the stage, retelling stories and songs. They develop high levels of self- esteem and know they are cherished by the staff. Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure. They respond very well to the high expectations staff have for their learning. For example, children remember the words and sign language for songs they sing regularly. They talk knowledgeably about the slime trail of the giant African land snails. Children are confident talkers, who recall and share what they did when they took the pre-school teddy bear home. Staff skilfully introduce new words, such as mischievous, when children talk about the Christmas elf activities.

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The provision is outstanding

Children behave exceptionally well. They know what is expected of them and show that they care for their friends and staff. Children eagerly take turns while playing a game of skittles. They know how to keep safe when using the indoor gym. For example, they remove their shoes when climbing on gym equipment so as not to accidentally hurt their friends. Children are highly motivated learners, who show curiosity in the world around them. They demonstrate that prior learning is securely embedded. For instance, they confidently explain how to hold and use scissors safely.

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need to do better?

n The manager provides a broad and balanced curriculum designed to help children build their knowledge and skills over time. The curriculum successfully blends elements of Montessori practice and is shared extremely well with staff. This helps staff to provide high-quality interactions and learning experiences for all children. n Staff gather detailed information from parents when children first start. This helps them to plan meaningful experiences to help children settle and successfully engage them in learning. Staff know their key children incredibly well. They plan challenging and stimulating learning experiences that reflect children's individual interests. This helps children to securely embed new learning and skills. Staff work exceptionally well with other agencies to ensure children benefit from consistency in their care and learning. n Children develop a strong sense of their individuality. Staff help children to learn

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need to do better?

about and celebrate festivals and events that are important to them and their friends. Children show the utmost respect and interest as they celebrate the diversity in their local community. n Children show high levels of independence. For example, they independently wash their hands and collect their lunch bags. Children are eager to do things

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need to do better?

9 December 2021 for themselves, showing great perseverance, such as when putting on their coats, socks, and shoes. They are kind and help their friends to do up the zip on their coats when they find it tricky. n Parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the pre-school and state that they know exactly what their children are learning. They are kept up to date with their children's achievements and staff help them to support ongoing learning at home. The pre-school remained open since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Parents state that they received resources and ideas to support children's learning during national periods of lockdown. n Staff inspire children to develop a love of reading. They read stories throughout the day and children delight in joining in with repeated rhymes and familiar tales. Staff use books to support children's language development. They regularly introduce new words, themes, and ideas for children to discuss further.

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need to do better?

For example, children talk about things they are thankful for, such as their families and friends. n The manager supports the staff team very well with thoughtful consideration for staff well-being. The manager has a strong focus on supporting staff with their ongoing professional development. She ensures all staff benefit from training to develop their knowledge and skills. Staff share new knowledge with the team to help to continually improve the consistently high-quality teaching. n Staff expertly motivate children to learn. Children thoroughly enjoy preparing snack for their friends. They learn to safely cut fruit with knives. When cutting fruit, staff encourage children to examine the seeds, to compare the size of different fruit and speculate about the sweet taste. Children know what would happen if they plant the seeds and what the seeds need to grow.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Leaders and staff update their safeguarding knowledge continually through training, discussion, and staff meetings. They regularly discuss safeguarding issues and potential child protection scenarios to strengthen their knowledge further. Staff confidently know the signs that indicate a child may be at risk of abuse or neglect. They know the procedures to follow if they have a concern about a child's well- being. Staff have a strong understanding of wider safeguarding issues, such as the risks to children of being exposed to extreme views. They are vigilant and minimise potential hazards in the environment.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 259576 Local authority Norfolk Inspection number 10113085 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 36 Number of children on roll 50 Name of registered person Thomas, Carol

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reference number

Telephone number 07887 656 567 Date of previous inspection 18 May 2015

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Information about this early years setting

Phoenix Montessori Nursery registered in 1986 and operates from the former social club on the hospital site in Kings Lynn, Norfolk. The nursery employs six members of childcare staff. Of these, all hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above, including one who holds an early years foundation degree and one who holds early years professional status. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday during school term times only. Sessions are from 8.30am until 4pm. They provide funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want their children to learn. n The inspector carried out joint a joint observation of a group activity with the manager. n Staff spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the pre-school.

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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

9 December 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.

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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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