Blossom Time Montessori Nursery

Inspection of Blossom Time Montessori Nursery Upper Norwood Methodist Church, Westow Hill, London SE19 1TQ

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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

Practitioners create a warm and calm atmosphere that supports children's emotional well-being. Children, especially newcomers, show that they feel secure. Key persons provide extra help to those who need more time to adjust. They regularly offer hugs, read stories and give reassurance to make children feel safe. New children start to form strong bonds with their key person, while others adapt quickly. They become confident and independent in their new environment. With the guidance of the skilled and caring practitioners, children quickly learn and follow the nursery routines.

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The provision is good

Leaders and practitioners implement a diverse and challenging Montessori curriculum to inspire children and foster their excitement about learning. Practitioners ensure children spend time outdoors to support their physical development. Babies crawl, walk and move freely in dedicated spaces, while older children confidently climb equipment and use resources, such as bikes. The practitioners encourage positive behaviour and help children stay focused on their learning. Consequently, children develop a positive attitude towards their learning.

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The provision is good

Practitioners set a good example. They treat children with respect, for instance they ask for permission before changing a nappy. The children behave well. They are kind, caring and considerate towards one another. For example, they assist their friends in climbing the ladder to the climbing frame by holding their hand as they reach the top and helping them onto the platform.

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need to do better?

n Leaders care deeply about the nursery and their team. They focus on helping practitioners grow professionally. Regular supervision and training help practitioners engage in valuable development. This leads to a strong team that works well together to create an exciting curriculum that aids children's learning. n The practitioners good knowledge of their key children allows them to plan and implement activities based on children's interests and next steps. Through regular observations and assessments, they are able to identify any potential learning gaps and address them accordingly. n Leaders and practitioners support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) effectively. They work together with parents and outside agencies to assist children to make good progress and reach their goals. Practitioners assess children from the start and find the right support for them. This collaborative approach helps children make good progress from their

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need to do better?

starting points. n Children have good opportunities to improve their hand-eye coordination, which helps with their early writing skills. They focus carefully while engaging in a wide

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need to do better?

19 February 2025 range of resources and activities. Children enjoy drawing and mark making in various ways, such as in sand or with writing materials on paper. n Children are starting to develop good hygiene habits, such as washing their hands by themselves before meals. However, at times, practitioners do not promptly address runny noses or encourage children to wipe their own nose, this leads to inconsistent messages about the importance of personal hygiene. n Practitioners encourage children's independence by allowing them to perform tasks on their own during lunchtime. Children confidently serve food, pour drinks and clean their own dishes. However, practitioners sometimes hinder this independence, such as when they solve problems for children without letting them try first, for example fixing fallen hats or stuck equipment. n Practitioners promote language development through a variety of engaging

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need to do better?

activities. They use single words, tell short stories and sing nursery rhymes to build vocabulary. As children progress, practitioners introduce new words and encourage repetition. Additionally, they provide simple instructions to improve listening skills and discuss children's activities to boost language and thinking skills. n Children are immersed in diverse languages. Practitioners speak in their home language and gather key words in children's home language. Additionally, children can learn new languages, such as Spanish and Italian, through extra- curricular sessions with external teachers. n The nursery has strong partnerships with parents. Parents trust the nursery and find their children very happy and learning well. They appreciate the care, education and daily communication from practitioners. This allows them to continue their children's learning at home. n The provider failed to notify Ofsted of the new director's appointment; an

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need to do better?

oversight they have since rectified. All directors undergo the same rigorous recruitment and vetting as the nursery's practitioners. Therefore, there is no impact on children's safety and well-being.

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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 support practitioners to help children learn more about good hygiene practices, in particular with regards to runny noses n develop consistency in allowing children more opportunities that promote their independence in all areas of their learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2696891 Local authority Lambeth Inspection number 10369499 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 70 Number of children on roll 89 Name of registered person Sunlit Montessori Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07842188423 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Blossom Time Montessori Nursery registered in November 2022. They are based in Crystal Palace in the Borough of Lambeth. The nursery opens weekdays from 7.45am to 6pm, all year round except bank holidays. There are 24 early years practitioners, 14 of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications from level 2 to level 6. The nursery offers the government funded places for childcare.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the early years curriculum. n Children spoke with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n Staff spoke to the inspector about how they support children with SEND. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views. n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate 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

19 February 2025 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

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

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