Elkington Road Montessori School

Inspection of Elkington Road Montessori School Watts Lodge, Elkington Road, Welford, Northampton, Northamptonshire NN6 6HD

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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 stimulating environment. They are highly motivated to learn, and are full of awe and wonder during adult-led activities. For example, children focus intently as staff encourage them to explore vegetables. Children enthusiastically share their knowledge. They confidently name different vegetables and discuss how they grow. Children watch with fascination as staff demonstrate how to use vegetables for printing. Children behave exceptionally well. They are highly respectful to others and positively manage their own behaviours. For example, when wanting the same resource, children negotiate effectively with each other and politely agree a time limit.

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The provision is outstanding

Children's developing physical and independence skills are of the highest priority. All children spend considerable amounts of time outdoors. Staff skilfully prompt children to consider the weather and to decide for themselves if they need jackets. Children independently manage risks. They notice that it has been raining and busy themselves wiping the equipment. Children know that this will stop them slipping. They giggle with delight as they run with hobby horses, climb the climbing frame and ride on toy tractors. Children consistently interact well with each other as they design a plane. They share ideas, working out that they need rows of chairs and a pilot. Children agree their roles and where they are flying to. Children are very well prepared for future learning.

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need to do better?

n Staff have expert knowledge of children's abilities and development. They have created a highly effective environment which encourages children to freely choose activities they want to engage with. Children's natural curiosity to learn is encouraged. Staff know exactly when to interact with children to build on what they already know and can do, and when to allow them to explore. n Children show a strong desire to be independent. They eagerly volunteer to prepare snack. Staff supervise children as they carefully carry trays of cups and dishes of vegetables. Children beam with pride as staff praise them for their helpfulness. Children are self-motivated and know the daily routines. They confidently self-register, hang up their jackets and access the toilet themselves. Children are ready for the next stage in their learning. n Staff naturally embed early mathematical language, such as colours, numbers

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need to do better?

and shapes, throughout children's play. During a threading activity, pre-school children count 12 cotton reels. Staff provide additional challenge and ask children to count backwards from 12 and estimate the number of different- coloured reels they have. Children's self-confidence flourishes as staff give them praise for their excellent work. n Children demonstrate a deep love of books. They listen intently as staff read a

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need to do better?

24 June 2022 story about a duck who lives on a farm. Children fully engage, confidently suggesting ideas and asking questions. They respectfully listen to others and laugh together at the pictures. Children are highly confident communicators. n Staff provide an abundance of activities to support children's small-muscle skills. Two-year-olds concentrate as they polish brass plates. They take care as they unroll the cleaning mat and unpack the polish. Children use small circular movements to make the plate shine. Other children practise with scissors. Staff provide different levels of challenge based on children's ability. Children remain highly focused as they cut along the lines. This helps them to develop the muscles they need for early writing. n Staff are excellent role models. They teach children how to care for resources. Children put away every resource they use with care and attention. This ensures

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need to do better?

it is ready for the next child. Children manage themselves. When asked who would like to change activities to allow others to play, children readily volunteer so their friends can take a turn. n Staff use daily routines to educate children about their health. Children confidently state that they brush their teeth so they do not get cavities as these will hurt. They know that they wash hands because germs would make their stomachs feel bad. Children know how to keep healthy. n Parents are overwhelmingly positive. They state they are 'beyond thrilled' with the staff. They feel that staff are incredibly attentive and their children are more than ready for school.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Staff understand their role and responsibilities in keeping children safe. This includes the emotional well-being of children. Staff have a secure knowledge of the possible signs that a child may be at risk of harm and they know what procedures to follow if they have concerns. Staff know what to do if they have concerns about a colleague. Staff are up to date with their safeguarding training and paediatric first aid. The manager ensures safer recruitment checks are conducted to ensure the ongoing suitability of staff working with children. Children are well supervised.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY490955 Local authority West Northamptonshire Inspection number 10138637 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Sessional day care

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inspection

Total number of places 25 Number of children on roll 21 Name of registered person Paybody, Elise

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reference number

Telephone number 07977479470 Date of previous inspection 4 February 2016

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Information about this early years setting

Elkington Road Montessori School is based in Welford, Northamptonshire. It registered in 2015. The school employs four members of childcare staff, all of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications. The school opens from Monday to Friday, term time only. Sessions are from 9am until 12.30pm. The school provides funded early education for three-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 spoke to children, to find out about their time at the setting. n The inspector spoke to the nominated individual about the leadership and management of the setting. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between staff and children. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a group activity with the manager. n Parents shared their views on the setting with the inspector.

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Inspection activities

n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff.

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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

24 June 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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