Little Diggers Montessori Ltd

Inspection of Little Diggers Montessori Ltd Itchenor Memorial Hall, Itchenor Road, Itchenor, Chichester PO20 7DL

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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

Staff welcome the children into the nursery and are eager to listen to their exciting stories. Children independently take their shoes off and put their belongings away. Older children settle quickly and enjoy the range of activities available to them. Young children get comfort from their key person with cuddles and singing. All children are happy in this safe environment and have formed special bonds with all the staff.

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The provision is good

The manager provides an ambitious curriculum. Each activity is thoroughly planned to ensure a significant impact on each child's learning and development. Children excitedly learn and show interest in the activities provided. For example, children explore 'smelly jars' following the interest in seaweed on a previous visit. The staff provide rich opportunities for the children. For example, children visit the local beach, garden centre, museum and library. Children learn about their local community and the importance of looking after it. The nursery also welcomes visitors to support children's understanding of the world. Visitors have included a police officer, dentist, author, and sports person. The manager ensures that all events are assessed for risk, including the inside and outside areas of the nursery.

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need to do better?

n The manager has high expectations for all her staff, which they thrive on. The leadership team holds regular meetings with staff. This allows leaders to provide staff with positive feedback, to suggest new training and to support their well- being. Staff feel extremely supported by their manager. Staff keep up to date with relevant training. New members of staff follow an in-depth induction process. This includes specific training, working alongside leaders and visiting the other setting. The staff have a range of qualifications and experiences. The manager deploys the staff well to ensure the best teaching for the children. n Children behave well. They follow the rules, which are to be careful, kind, patient and helpful. Staff remind the children of the rules regularly. Children explain what these mean to them. The staff allow children to take risks and children show they know how to keep themselves safe. For example, children

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need to do better?

access a range of sharp tools during forest school sessions. Children know when and how to use them. Children have a positive attitude to their learning and persevere when challenge occurs. They show pride in their achievements. Staff promote children to have a positive self-esteem. n Children have strong communication and language skills. Staff provide opportunities for children to extend their language. For example, staff make good use of 'show-and-tell' sessions, drama activities and phonic lessons. The nursery has its own library area where children can choose a book to take home. There are constant two-way conversations between staff and children. Staff

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need to do better?

20 May 2024 allow children time to answer questions and extend children's prior learning. n Children have access to mathematical equipment. Staff talk to children about cutting fruit into halves and quarters. However, staff do not always extend children's mathematical learning within numbers and counting. Therefore, children's mathematical understanding is not fully secure. n The area for babies is warm and suitable for their age and stage of development. Babies learn through exploring and being curious, especially in sensory play. Babies independently feed themselves. They confidently play with older children and feel very secure with their key person. Children of all ages develop well. n The special educational needs coordinator has extensive knowledge on how to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff work closely with parents and relevant agencies to provide the best support for all

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need to do better?

children. This ensures that all children progress in their development. Staff are quick to notice if children need extra support. They do constant assessments on the children and share these with their families. For example, families receive phone calls, have meetings and receive learning reports. n Staff have a great relationship with the local schools, children's families, and other settings. Parents are extremely happy with the care provided for their child. Staff take exceptional steps to provide support for all children, especially those with an extra medical need. Parent partnerships are very strong, and communication is constant.

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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 interests first.

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should:

n strengthen staff's skills in recognising and responding to opportunities to support children's mathematical development even further.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2664087 Local authority West Sussex Inspection number 10339419 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 26 Number of children on roll 28 Name of registered person Little Diggers Montessori Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07876758879 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Little Diggers Montessori Ltd registered in January 2022 and is part of the Little Diggers Montessori Ltd group. It is situated in Itchenor, Chichester. It is open from 8am to 4pm, term time only. The setting receives funding for two-, three- and four- year-old children. All six members of staff hold relevant early years qualifications, with one staff member holding qualified teaching status. The setting is a Montessori nursery and forest school.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the nursery 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 inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the early years curriculum. n Children and parents spoke to the inspector about the nursery. n The inspector carried out a joint observation with the manager on a forest school activity. 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 Staff spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of 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

20 May 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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