Englefield Green Montessori School

Inspection of Englefield Green Montessori School Bishopsgate Evangelical Church, Kings Lane, Englefield Green, Egham TW20 0UE

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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 Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children thoroughly enjoy their time at this warm and nurturing nursery. They separate well from their parents and immerse themselves in play as soon as they arrive. For instance, children giggle in delight as they pretend to serve their friends ice cream from the role-play shop. Children learn to behave well. Staff act as good role models for sharing and taking turns with others. Children wait patiently and recognise that they need to wait before they have their turn.

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The provision is good

Children have strong bonds with their key person, who knows them well. Staff make regular observations and assessments of what children know and can do. They meet regularly to discuss children's interests and what they need to learn next. Staff carefully use this information to provide opportunities to enable children to build on their existing skills. There is a key focus on developing children's understanding of the world around them. For example, during woodland walks in the local area, children look for different types of birds and insects. This helps to ignite children's curiosity and supports them to appreciate the wonders of nature.

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The provision is good

Staff provide plenty of opportunities for children to develop their physical skills. Children strengthen the muscles in their hands by using tweezers and spoons to pick up items, as well as small jugs to transfer rice and beans. This helps children to develop their small-muscle skills and strengthen their fingers, in readiness for writing.

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need to do better?

n The dedicated manager has high ambitions for the nursery. Staff undertake training that helps to enhance their skills and knowledge. For example, recent training has improved their knowledge on how to support children effectively with transitioning to school. The manager completes regular supervision meetings. However, she recognises the need to offer staff more incisive feedback about the effectiveness of their interactions to further raise the quality of their practice. n The manager and staff have developed a clear and ambitious curriculum for children. They weave mathematics effectively throughout children's activities. For instance, children vote with counters to decide which book they would like to share. They compare the piles of counters and estimate which has the most before counting to check their answer. Children use their growing knowledge in many practical ways. n Staff nurture children's independence from the very start. For example, children

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need to do better?

confidently pour drinks and serve themselves fruit at snack times. Staff help children to learn about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. They explain the benefits of exercise and provide clear healthy eating guidelines for parents.

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need to do better?

16 April 2024 n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported very well. The knowledgeable special educational needs coordinator works closely with parents and other professionals to agree targeted plans to support each child. Staff provide a highly inclusive environment where they value all children and understand their individual needs. n Partnerships with parents are a real strength of the nursery. Staff communicate daily updates about children's care and progress. Parents explain how they appreciate regular communication, which includes parents' evenings, online newsletters and an online app. They comment that staff make it clear how they can build on children's learning at home. n Staff focus on supporting children's communication and language development. They do this through sharing stories and consistently using Makaton sign language. For example, during group time, the children sing nursery rhymes

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need to do better?

together. They use Makaton to sign the words as they sing. Children are becoming confident communicators. n Children are developing a love of reading. Staff plan activities that inspire children to retell parts of stories they remember. For instance, after reading 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar', children enjoy using a magnifying glass to observe live caterpillars. They confidently recall words such as 'egg' and 'cocoon' from the story. This helps children to link learning and build on previous knowledge and skills. n Staff ensure that every child has a warm welcome during the morning welcome session. Children confidently speak and use Makaton to sign hello to their friends. However, circle times are sometimes too lengthy for the younger children. At these times, children lose interest. This does not help to build on their concentration levels. n Staff consider children's experiences and take action to build on these. For

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need to do better?

instance, children are provided with weekly activities such as rugby coaching and dance sessions. Staff acknowledge how these sessions have helped to develop children's confidence and self-esteem.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

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

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should:

n refine systems for coaching to enable staff to have a greater awareness of how they can further develop their interactions with children n plan large-group activities more effectively to fully promote younger children's

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should:

16 April 2024 engagement and concentration.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2656684 Local authority Surrey Inspection number 10332980 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 22 Number of children on roll 19 Name of registered person Oak & Pax Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01784472668 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Englefield Green Montessori School registered in 2021. The nursery is located in Englefield Green, Surrey. The nursery employs four members of childcare staff. Of whom, three hold relevant childcare qualifications at level 3. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, during term-time only. Session are from 9am to 3.30pm. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the setting's first routine inspection 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 inspector toured the nursery and held discussions with the manager about the early years provision and how the curriculum is organised. n The inspector spoke with staff at appropriate times throughout the inspection and completed a joint observation with the manager. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of staff working in the setting. n Discussions were held between the staff and the inspector to help establish their understanding of how to safeguard the children in their care. n Children told the inspector about their friends and what they like to do when they are at nursery. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of

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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

16 April 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.

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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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