Snowflakes Day Nursery & Montessori

Inspection of Snowflakes Day Nursery & Montessori 100 CARLYLE AVENUE, SOUTHALL, MIDDLESEX UB1 2BL

p.1

Overall effectiveness Good

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children behave exceptionally well while at the nursery. Staff support this by reinforcing the nursery's rules. They use positive phrases such as 'sharing is caring'. Children show that they are happy and confident at this nursery. They have a friendly nature. For example, older children confidently waved and said 'hello' when the inspector entered the playroom. Staff are caring towards children. They comfort younger children with a cuddle before naptime.

p.2

The provision is good

Throughout the nursery, there is a strong focus on children developing their independence. Staff encourage children to complete tasks for themselves. When joining in with an art activity, children squeeze paint from bottles into trays. Children show confidence when independently using tissues to clean up after water has been spilt. They show that they are proud of themselves when they have accomplished a task. This develops children's independence skills and allows them opportunities to enhance their self-esteem.

p.2

The provision is good

Children have a variety of opportunities to learn about different countries, people and cultures. They demonstrate this knowledge when they use the nursery's tablet to explore images of beaches in Kenya. They create their own beach images using paint, sand and shells. Children also spend time exploring ice and snow in the sensory tray. As they do this, staff speak to them about different countries with colder climates. This develops their understanding of the world.

p.2

need to do better?

n Children have opportunities to develop their mathematical understanding. For example, staff count with children as they transfer pieces of fruit to their snack bowls. Older children have opportunities to explore mathematical concepts such as cutting a piece of fruit to create larger quantities. n Leaders use different methods to evaluate the nursery. From this they identify areas of strength, as well as areas that they would like to improve on. This shows that leaders in the nursery are reflective. n Overall, staff can identify where children currently are in their development and the next steps in their learning in most areas of the curriculum. Children have opportunities to use their gross motor skills. For example, children take part in dancing activities during circle time. Outdoors, children ride bikes and use the climbing frame. However, some staff are less confident when identifying next steps for children who have already developed some gross motor skills. This

p.2

need to do better?

means that, on these occasions, they do not always plan specific learning opportunities to support children to develop their gross motor skills further. n Story time is an enjoyable experience for children. Staff use different voices and gestures. Children engage well and listen to the story being read to them. This

p.2

need to do better?

10 January 2024 supports children to develop an interest in story sessions. n Staff introduce children to a wide range of vocabulary. For example, staff use language such as 'cleaning agent' when using baking soda and salt to clean copper coins. This supports children to develop their language skills. n Children have many opportunities throughout their time at the nursery to develop new and existing skills. However, on occasion, staff do not give children enough time to explore their learning, before moving on to the next learning intention, for example during an activity where children used different cleaning products to clean copper coins. Children remained interested in cleaning their coins but staff attempted to move them on from this and engage them in conversations, without giving them enough time to explore what they were doing. At times like this, children do not always consolidate their learning.

p.2

need to do better?

n The nursery is inclusive to all children. The special educational needs and disabilities coordinator (SENDCo) has a good knowledge of how to support children who may require extra support. Children have individual support plans and strategies have been identified to ensure that all children are supported to make good progress. n Parents share positive views of the nursery. They explain how information is shared via an online platform, as well as regular conversations with staff. n Leaders say that the setting is focused on developing children's social experiences. Children have plenty of opportunities to take part in activities in small and large groups. This gives them opportunities to develop and enhance their social skills.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

should:

n develop staff's knowledge on children's next steps for their physical development, particularly their gross motor skills n ensure staff and leaders plan and implement activities to ensure that children have more opportunities to explore and consolidate focused learning intentions.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY393991 Local authority Ealing Inspection number 10305503 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 35 Number of children on roll 27 Name of registered person Snowflakes Day Nursery & Montessori Ltd

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 02085 716378 Date of previous inspection 23 February 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Snowflakes Day Nursery & Montessori registered in 2002 and is located in Southall, in the London Borough of Ealing. The nursery is open each weekday, from 8am to 6pm, for 50 weeks of the year. The provider is in receipt of funding for the provision of free early education to children aged two, three and four years. Six members of staff work with the children. One member of staff holds qualified teacher status and two members of staff hold an appropriate level 3 qualification. Of the remaining staff, all hold appropriate childcare qualifications at level 2. In addition, a cook is employed by the provider. The nursery operates in line with the Montessori educational philosophy.

p.4

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 and director joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want children to learn. n Staff spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector spoke with the manager and director about the leadership and management of the nursery. n The SENDCo spoke to the inspector about how staff support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector carried out joint observations of group activities with the director. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

10 January 2024 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6