The Oval Montessori Nursery

Inspection of The Oval Montessori Nursery In Vauxhall Park, Fentiman Road, LONDON SW8 1PU

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Overall effectiveness Good

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

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The provision is good

Children enjoy their time at the setting. They settle quickly, and display high levels of confidence and self-esteem. Children engage in a wide range of stimulating and enjoyable experiences, which are based on the Montessori philosophy of teaching. They are inquisitive learners who show good levels of motivation and concentration. Children successfully master a wide range of challenging activities that give them a sense of pride and achievement. Children's behaviour is good. They know the routines and play well together.

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The provision is good

Children's communication and language skills are very well supported, including those children who speak English as an additional language. For example, staff introduce new vocabulary and ask open-ended questions that prompt children to think and explore their ideas. Children listen avidly to stories and enthusiastically sing songs for the upcoming Christmas concert.

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The provision is good

Staff give a high priority to fostering children's good health and physical development. Children show a very good awareness of space. They confidently move their bodies with ease and display good coordination. For example, children collaborate with their friends as they carefully manoeuvre their bikes around each other. They pay close attention to 'stop' and 'go' signs to ensure that they navigate their space safely. Overall, children gain a firm foundation for their future learning.

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need to do better?

n The provider, who is also the manager, is passionate, ambitious and continuously strives for improvement. She reviews and evaluates practice carefully. As a result, she has an accurate overview of the setting's strengths and areas for improvement. Furthermore, the provider has addressed all the actions raised at the last inspection. For example, the systems to monitor the suitability of staff are more robust. Staff's information is also accessible, including reference numbers for their Disclosure and Barring Service checks. This ensures compliance with requirements. n The provider has robust procedures to monitor the performance of staff and the impact it has on children's achievements. In addition, she places a strong focus on the professional development of staff. This ensures that the quality of education for children across all age groups is consistently good. n The curriculum is of a high standard. It provides children with exciting first-hand

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need to do better?

experiences that promote their good learning. Staff create a positive and purposeful environment to ensure that children make good progress in their development. The quality of teaching across the setting is good. Staff use information gained from their observations and assessments to accurately identify the next steps in children's learning. However, on occasion, some adult-

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need to do better?

17 November 2021 led activities are not planned as well as they could be. As a result, some children become easily distracted. n Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to the setting's ethos. Staff create an inclusive atmosphere to ensure that all children are valued. Through their teaching, staff successfully foster qualities such as resilience and respect. For example, during large-group activities, such as circle time, children learn about family structures that are different to their own. n Partnerships with parents are well established. Parents have a high regard for the setting and are fully informed of their child's progress. Since the last inspection, the provider has strengthened links with specialist advisers to ensure that staff use strategies to fully support the learning and development of children with additional needs. Staff have also attended an autism awareness course. This ensures that the most-vulnerable children, including those with

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need to do better?

special educational needs and/or disabilities, receive help and support swiftly. n Overall, children show good levels of independence. For example, before going outside, children confidently put on their coats and hats, only needing occasional help with their shoes. They take responsibility for their environment as they thoughtfully tidy up after themselves when activities are complete. However, during mealtimes, children do not always have opportunities to further develop their self-care skills, such as pouring their own drinks.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Since the last inspection, the provider and staff have improved their knowledge of safeguarding. All staff have a secure understanding of the wider aspects of safeguarding, such as the 'Prevent' duty and female genital mutilation. Staff know children well and are quickly alert to any concerns or needs. This ensures that risks to children are minimised. The provider, who is also the designated safeguarding lead, understands her responsibilities to keep children safe. For instance, she knows the correct procedures to follow regarding allegations against staff. Staff follow robust policies and risk assessments to ensure that children are cared for in a safe and secure environment.

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should:

n consider the interests of all children when planning adult-led activities to further support children's enjoyment and engagement in their learning n explore further ways to help children to develop their self-care skills and high levels of personal independence during mealtimes.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY225655 Local authority Lambeth Inspection number 10133527 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 20 Number of children on roll 18 Name of registered person Norwood, Louise

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reference number

Telephone number 0207 735 4816 Date of previous inspection 21 November 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The Oval Montessori Nursery registered in 2002. The nursery is open during term time from 9am to 12.30pm on Monday and Friday, and from 9am to 3pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. It provides early funded education for children aged three and four years. There are three members of staff, two of whom hold appropriate Montessori diplomas.

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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 the evaluation of the provider. n The provider and the inspector conducted a joint observation of a planned activity. n The inspector spoke to the staff about their role and responsibilities. n The manager completed a learning walk with the inspector and discussed the curriculum for all children. n A range of documentation was viewed by the inspector, including safeguarding policies and procedures. n The inspector took account of the views of parents.

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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

17 November 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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