Horsham Montessori

Inspection of Horsham Montessori The Scout Hut, Higgins Way, Bennetts Field, off Brighton Road, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 5JZ

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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 arrive with confidence at this friendly and well-organised establishment. They smile and wave goodbye to their parents as they excitedly walk inside. Children are politely greeted by staff who support them as they take off their coats and put their lunch boxes away.

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The provision is good

Children are independent learners. They spoon conkers precisely into shaped trays and become absorbed in carefully using wooden pegs to create a sunshine picture. Children have highly positive attitudes to learning and have a clear understanding of what is expected of them. They intently explore the different resources available and remind one another to put them away before they move on to another activity.

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The provision is good

The manager and staff regularly and effectively use a nearby allotment to deliver their well-planned curriculum. Children learn about growth and recognise different plants. Staff use appropriate questioning to extend this knowledge. Children become confident communicators as staff support them in building questioning techniques themselves. For example, at circle time, older children ask what interesting items other children have seen today at the allotment. They discuss the beans and pods that they have found.

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need to do better?

n The manager has a broad and ambitious curriculum. She intends for children to be supported by knowledgeable staff as they move through the different, purposeful learning areas. Staff carefully plan for children and know them well. They have high expectations for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff and managers work closely with other professionals to ensure children are supported fully in continuing to make good progress. n Children demonstrate their knowledge of their unique learning environment as they explain the significance of the 'noisy' room and the 'quiet' room at the setting. Children fully explore their physical abilities in the noisy room as they run, jump and balance on stepping stones. They perfect their catching skills with staff who encourage and support them well. n Staff inspire children as they build on their knowledge. Children who have

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need to do better?

chosen to get out their writing books and draw with ease confidently write their names. Staff come alongside them as they discuss what they are drawing. They build on children's skills as they explain that an exclamation mark can be used at the end of the phrase 'wake up'. Children are thoroughly engaged as they build strong literacy skills. n Parents explain that they are very happy with the communication they receive

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need to do better?

30 March 2023 from staff. They know who their child's key worker is and are given frequent opportunities to talk to them. Parents also tell the inspector how they can securely log in online to access pictures and progress information. They can also upload any home-learning achievements too. Parent partnerships are strong. n Overall, children behave well and staff support them in learning about the impact of their behaviour. However, at times, staff do not consistently remind children of rules, such as the 'rule of three' in the block room and book room. Furthermore, when children are playing with hand-gel dispensers, only some staff remind children that they are not a toy and how they should be used correctly, while other staff ignore it. Consequently, children are not consistently reminded of rules and therefore do not always follow them. n Staff support children in developing a strong sense of personal character, and

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need to do better?

children can confidently express elements of their own culture that are important to them. The manager and staff teach children about the importance of contributing positively to their community. Children have their art work displayed in the town library and visit local care facilities to sing for the residents. n The manager supports staff by providing them with a wealth of training opportunities. She regularly completes supervision sessions and ensures staff remain suitable for their roles. Staff report that they feel well supported and have access to statutory training, as well as additional training for their own professional development.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The safety and welfare of children is fully assured at the setting. The manager has a clear and robust safeguarding policy in place. Staff are knowledgeable about the local authority reporting procedure they should follow should they be concerned about the conduct of an adult working with children. Staff have received up-to-date training on the signs and symptoms that might alert them to a child that has become victim to abuse. The manager ensures there are rigorous safety checks completed regularly around the setting, including checks on secure gates and fire doors.

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should:

n build on how rules and expectations are consistently explained and delivered to children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY333671 Local authority West Sussex Inspection number 10280101 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 40 Number of children on roll 64 Name of registered person Horsham Montessori Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01403 750 504 Date of previous inspection 28 September 2017

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Information about this early years setting

Horsham Montessori registered in 2006. It is open from 8.30am to 4pm each weekday. The setting employs 11 staff. Of these, seven staff hold an early years qualification at level 3 or above. The setting receives funding to provide free early education for children aged three and four years. The setting operates in line with the Montessori educational philosophy.

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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 Staff spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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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

30 March 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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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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