The Children's House Montessori Nursery

Inspection of The Children's House Montessori Nursery 57 Railway Approach, EAST GRINSTEAD, West Sussex RH19 1BT

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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 Good

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The provision is good

Children are happy and eager as they arrive to start their day at this friendly nursery. They wave goodbye to their parents and put their own belongings away. Children are excited when their friends enter the room. They tell the inspector: 'I'm Spiderman!' They show confidence in self-selecting a variety of activities off the shelves. Once they have finished playing with the resources, they return them to the correct place without being asked to do so. Children show confidence in the presence of a visitor to the nursery. They are keen to find out more about them and kindly ask what they would like to play with.

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The provision is good

Babies enjoy exploring with paints. They become engrossed as they paint their fingertips and make prints on paper. Babies clap with glee as the adults hand them more paper. They learn new words and attempt to repeat the word 'blue'. Children are very independent. They dress themselves when getting ready to go outside, gather chairs for a group activity and set up the tables ready for lunchtime. Children expertly open their own food packets and competently use cutlery.

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The provision is good

Children persevere during the activities that challenge them. For example, children manoeuvre puzzle pieces in order to complete a tricky puzzle. They thoughtfully move the base so that all the pieces fit. Children demonstrate that they are proud of their achievements as they show the inspector their finished puzzle.

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need to do better?

n Children show that they feel safe and secure. They approach staff for a cuddle and sit on their laps when listening to a story. Babies hold up their hands to the staff that care for them and enjoy the sensitive interactions that they experience. n Staff plan activities that are stimulating and are based on children's current interests. However, on occasion, staff do not give enough consideration to the size of the group or how long they expect children to listen. As a result, some adult-led activities do not always fully support the needs of all children. n Staff make good use of books to develop learning as they play with the children. For example, children take part in a reading activity where they draw their favourite characters to cut out and glue onto a display. These experiences foster a love of books and help to improve children's literacy skills and growing vocabulary. n Staff celebrate children's different faiths and backgrounds in a variety of ways.

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need to do better?

For instance, they gather information about children's lives and experiences before the children start at the nursery. Parents are invited to share their customs, and staff use these opportunities to celebrate diversity. Consequently, children develop an awareness of their own and other's backgrounds.

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need to do better?

28 February 2023 n Leaders have clear aims for the skills and knowledge that they want children to gain across the areas of learning. They have identified the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on children's development. Leaders have built a curriculum that sequentially builds on children's knowledge over time. As a result, children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make good progress from their starting points. n Partnership with parents is very strong. Parents mention that the nursery staff are welcoming and that their children are provided with a good quality education. They report that their children are 'coming on in leaps and bounds' in areas such as communication and turn-taking. Parents appreciate the guidance given, such as suggestions for healthy foods to bring in for lunch. They comment that the staff team know their children very well and are 'always

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need to do better?

smiling and helpful'. n Children are developing a sound understanding of how to lead a healthy lifestyle. They have regular daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Children enjoy using bicycles to ride on, climbing on apparatus and throwing a ball through hoops. 'Yes! It's in!' they shout as they run to tell an adult. Children know that they must wash their hands before eating and after going to the toilet and that 'water is very good for you'.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The leaders and staff are knowledgeable about safeguarding. They know where to access further advice or who to refer to if they have concerns that a child is at risk. The staff have a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse, including the dangers of those exposed to extreme values and behaviours. The nursery is a safe area with high fences and lockable doors. This ensures that staff are aware of who is entering or leaving the premises. Leaders have robust recruitment procedures in place to ensure that all staff are suitable to be working with children.

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should:

n strengthen staff's skills in adapting adult-led activities to ensure that all children fully engage and benefit from the learning opportunities.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY391898 Local authority West Sussex Inspection number 10276314 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 29 Number of children on roll 38 Name of registered person Greenfields Educational Trust

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reference number

Telephone number 07970637414 Date of previous inspection 11 July 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The Children's House Montessori Nursery registered in 1992. It is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, during term time only. The nursery runs a holiday club during school holidays. The nursery is in receipt of funding for the provision of free early education for children aged two, three and four years. There are 14 members of staff. Of these, one holds qualified teacher status.

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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 deputy manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the early years curriculum. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of an activity with the deputy manager. 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

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Inspection activities

suitability of staff working in the nursery.

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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

28 February 2023 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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