Tiny Crickets Montessori Nursery

Inspection of Tiny Crickets Montessori Nursery 1 Gorway Gardens, Walsall WS1 3BJ

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 Inadequate

p.1

The provision is good

Leaders have worked persistently to make significant improvements since the last inspection. They have worked closely with local authority advisers to review the practice across the nursery and have taken action to improve experiences for children. Leaders are reflective and conscientious. A recently completed extension to the building has provided further space and opportunities for children. Leaders have thoroughly considered the best way to use this space so that children receive the best possible opportunities for learning.

p.2

The provision is good

Leaders have devised and implemented a sequenced curriculum that supports children to build on their existing skills. For example, younger children learn the names of animals and the noises they make, whereas older children learn about the more complex features of animals, such as having long necks and different markings. Children follow routines well and become increasingly confident and independent. Staff are good role models and help children to understand how to be kind to their friends and play together. This helps children to make friendships and show care and empathy to one another. Leaders and staff provide comfort and reassurance to children who are new to the nursery. Children develop strong attachments with staff and are happy and settled. Staff consider the individual needs of all children so that they make good progress in their learning and development.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff fully understand the curriculum and implement this into their planning and teaching. They know children well, and incorporate their interests into the activities they offer. Children are motivated to learn and engaged in the activities staff provide. Staff are skilled at capturing children's attention, which helps to maintain their interest. As a result, children develop their concentration skills and learn to be curious. n Babies enjoy exploring different materials. They use their senses to feel and taste food items that staff use in activities. For example, staff create an environment for toy animals in a tray using cereal as hay. They model to children how animals eat this and pour cereal into containers. However, staff do not always consider the hygiene implications of the way babies explore materials. Babies put cereal in their mouths from the tray and then continue to play with the animals. This increases the risk of cross-contamination and illness. That said,

p.2

need to do better?

during mealtimes, staff do ensure children follow suitable hygiene routines. n Children are exposed to a language-rich environment. Staff continuously talk to them about what they are doing. They introduce new words to children and, as a result, children make progress in their communication and language development. Staff ask children questions, which helps children to develop their

p.2

need to do better?

27 May 2025 own thinking. There are times, however, when staff ask questions in quick succession and do not give children time to process the information and provide an answer. n Children are provided with healthy meals. Staff ensure that children benefit from nutritious meals containing fruit and vegetables. An area in the garden has been created for growing some foods. Children witness it growing, being picked and finally being used to make meals for them. n Staff feel supported in the nursery. Leaders make staff well-being a priority, which helps staff to feel happy in their roles. Staff are keen to learn new knowledge and skills and access regular training. Leaders identify where staff need further support and seek out professional development opportunities for them. Leaders then monitor the impact this training has on the experiences offered to children. Consequently, children experience an environment that is

p.2

need to do better?

continuously improving. n Leaders and staff have a good knowledge of how to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They use their observations and assessments to identify any delays in children's development and work closely with parents and other agencies to ensure children receive the support they need. n Parents and carers comment positively about the care their children receive. They appreciate the use of an app to update them about what their children have been doing. Parents comment that staff are friendly and children make progress. They receive ideas of how to support children's learning at home and feel listened to as parents.

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 support staff in the baby room to implement hygiene routines consistently, specifically when using food in play activities for children n support all staff to develop children's communication even further by giving them time to process and answer questions.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2746311 Local authority Walsall Inspection number 10383015 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 38 Number of children on roll 25 Name of registered person Little Crickets Nursery Ltd

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07866 570602 Date of previous inspection 23 December 2024

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Tiny Crickets Montessori Nursery registered in 2023 and is located in Walsall. The nursery operates from Monday to Friday, all year round, except bank holidays. Sessions are from 7.30am until 5.30pm. The nursery employs eight members of staff. Of these, one holds early years professional status, one holds a qualification at level 5 and four hold a relevant qualification at level 3.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want the children to learn. 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 observed the interactions between staff and the children. n The inspector and the manager carried out a joint observation of a group activity. 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.

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

27 May 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.

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