Norman Court Montessori CIC

Inspection of Norman Court Montessori CIC Norman Court Montessori CIC, Norman Court, Surrenden Cottage, North Lane, West Tytherley, SALISBURY SP5 1NH

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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 Requires improvement

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The provision is good

The strong bonds and close relationships children have with staff are a real strength of this home-from-home nursery. Children arrive full of enthusiasm and are greeted warmly by the nurturing and kind staff team. Those who are new to the setting or simply need extra reassurance enjoy lots of cuddles with their key person and settle quickly. Children who need it relish a healthy breakfast and thoroughly enjoy this social time at the start of their day. They are motivated to learn and readily engage in the wide range of learning experiences that staff provide for them.

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The provision is good

Babies learn to make independent choices in their play. For instance, they select their own instruments, shake them enthusiastically and choose their own nursery rhymes to sing, using the props available. Children in the pre-school room show good negotiation skills and work well together as a team to create an obstacle course. They transport objects, such as planks of wood and large tubes, and show an awareness of others around them. Children develop problem-solving skills and discuss how to connect the natural resources together. They thrive from the positive praise provided by staff, which boosts their self-esteem and confidence highly effectively. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make good progress in their learning.

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need to do better?

n The provider has taken positive steps since the last inspection to improve the quality of the nursery. The curriculum is well implemented through planned, purposeful activities. Staff interact with children as they play and, overall, challenge children and build on their learning well. For example, children in the pre-school room experiment with herbal teabags and staff encourage them to explore their senses. However, on occasion, staff do not capture spontaneous opportunities to extend children's developing vocabulary and understanding of new words. n Staff act as positive role models. They encourage children to share, take turns and listen to their friends. Older children are kind to their younger peers. They help them find their hats and support them to put on their slippers when they come indoors. n Children develop their physical skills well. For example, babies engage in construction activities and negotiate their way up steps and down the slide.

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need to do better?

Older children learn to take safe risks as they climb over the base of trees and pull themselves up and over equipment. n Staff support children's mathematical development effectively. Children illustrate this as they draw houses and discuss the shape and size of the doors and windows they have drawn.

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need to do better?

26 April 2022 n Partnership working with parents, external professionals and the local authority are good. Consequently, children who are below expected levels of development are swiftly identified. Parents say that there is 'a real buzz about the nursery since the new manager has taken over'. They comment that staff provide them with individualised feedback at the end of each day and their children show a love of learning. Children are well prepared for their next stage in their development and their move on to school. n Staff support children to develop their good health. They provide them with well- balanced meals and talk to them about the importance of exercise. Children learn to use cutlery and help themselves to water throughout the day. They develop a positive attitude to food and show good manners as they sit at the table alongside their friends. n Children have a good understanding of the world. For example, they delight in

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need to do better?

walks to explore nature in the adjacent woods. Staff plant and grow herbs and vegetables with them in the garden. Children learn how to take care of plants by watering them regularly. n Since the last inspection, the provider has recruited additional staff and a new manager has joined the team. Staff speak positively of the manager and comment that she offers high levels of support that have helped to develop motivation and morale. The manager makes good use of supervision meetings to help staff reflect on their practice and the learning experiences they provide for children. However, there are opportunities to build on training and development further to help raise their practice to an even higher level.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The manager keeps staff up to date with changes in safeguarding policy and legislation. She provides regular training on how to keep children safe and protected from harm. Staff have a good understanding of child protection and know the referral procedure should they have a concern about a child or a colleague. They know about safeguarding issues, such as radicalisation and domestic violence. Staff teach children about internet safety and the emergency evacuation procedures. The premises are safe and secure. Ratios are met and staff supervise children vigilantly. There are stringent recruitment and vetting procedures in place.

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should:

n develop communication and language even further and focus more precisely on extending children's developing vocabulary and acquisition of new words n seek wider training opportunities to further develop staff's skills and knowledge

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should:

26 April 2022 and raise the quality of teaching to the highest levels.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY465377 Local authority Hampshire Inspection number 10210142 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 60 Number of children on roll 24

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Name of registered person

Norman Court Montessori Community Interest Company

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reference number

Telephone number 01980 322322 Date of previous inspection 27 September 2021

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Information about this early years setting

Norman Court Montessori CIC opened in 2013. It operates from the grounds of Norman Court School near Salisbury. The nursery opens on weekdays from 8am to 6pm, for 51 weeks of the year. A holiday club runs during school holidays for school-age children. The setting employs 11 staff to work with the children. Of these, 10 hold early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The setting uses the Montessori teaching method. The provider receives funding to provide free early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector discussed any continued impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this was having on children's learning. n The inspector held discussions with the provider, manager and staff throughout the inspection. She looked at relevant documentation, including qualifications and first-aid certificates, and viewed evidence of the suitability of those working with children. n The inspector took account of the written and spoken views of parents spoken to on the day. She also spoke to children about their experiences in the nursery. n A joint observation was carried out by the inspector and the manager. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk, where she shared how the curriculum is embedded within the setting.

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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

26 April 2022 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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