Little Sponges Montessori

Inspection of Little Sponges Montessori 38A Hyde Vale, Greenwich, LONDON SE10 8QH

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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 Outstanding

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The provision is good

Staff warmly welcome children on arrival and support them to settle in well. They place a high priority on children's personal, social and emotional well-being and demonstrate a caring and kind nature. Staff support children to learn vocabulary to describe how they are feeling and help them to manage their emotions. Children are encouraged to be independent from the start. They hang up their coats and put their belongings in the designated place. Children make choices when selecting activities and learn to take responsibility for the resources and the environment.

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The provision is good

Staff plan a well organised and sequenced curriculum, which builds on children's interests. They provide all children with a wide range of exciting resources, which sparks children's imaginations and curiosity, including those children who may need some additional support. For example, children investigate how magnetic winches on trucks can pick up different items and test out their theories. Staff recap on previous learning, and children talk about the solar system and discuss which planets are closest to earth. Children increase their fine motor skills as they build, draw and use tools.

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The provision is good

Staff role model expected behaviour and use praise and encouragement. Children share resources, listen and follow instructions. They behave well.

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need to do better?

n Leaders gather detailed information from parents when children start at the nursery. This helps them to get to know the children and plan for their learning. Staff follow children's interests and build on their previous experiences. They use observations and assessments to ensure that all children are making good progress across the curriculum areas and are fully prepared for their move to school. n Staff promote children's communication and language effectively. They engage children in discussions, ask questions and introduce new words. Children enjoy singing and sharing stories, which they retell using props. Staff ensure that children have opportunities to share ideas during circle time and activities. This supports children to become confident communicators. n Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents speak highly of the nursery and of how much their children enjoy attending. They feel part of their children's

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need to do better?

learning and receive regular updates on their progress, next steps and ideas to continue learning at home. Parents state their children are flourishing and are making great progress, especially with their language, knowledge of the wider world and independence. n The staff promote a culture of diversity and inclusion. They use parents' knowledge, resources and activities to increase children's understanding of

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need to do better?

23 September 2025 disabilities and other cultures. Children celebrate different festivals and learn about their own uniqueness. Staff expose children to different languages to help all children feel valued and broaden their understanding of diversity. n Overall, staff engage well with children and provide demonstrations as they explore the Montessori equipment. Children show excellent concentration and strive to complete tasks. Staff spark conversations and give children time to respond to questions. However, there are inconsistencies in teaching when challenging children's thinking to ensure that their learning is fully extended. n Staff teach children about healthy lifestyles and the importance of eating a balanced and nutritious diet. Children also learn about the benefits of drinking water to stay hydrated. Staff promote children's physical play and provide activities to strengthen their balance and coordination. They ensure that children

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need to do better?

follow good hygiene routines and learn about oral health. n Staff extend children's understanding of mathematics and build on their level of understanding. Younger children practise building with different-sized bricks, learn the name of shapes and count. Older children compare lengths and heights and show an understanding of time. Staff support most-able children to recognise decimals and place value of tens, hundreds and thousands. n Leaders follow safer recruitment procedures and support staff's well-being. Staff receive supervision and access training to increase their knowledge and understanding. Leaders are passionate about providing high-quality care and education. They reflect and evaluate their practice and seek views from parents to help identify areas for improvement.

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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 staff to strengthen their interactions during activities to challenge children's thinking further to extend their learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY413470 Local authority Greenwich Inspection number 10407694 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Sessional day care

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inspection

Total number of places 18 Number of children on roll 24 Name of registered person Bacon, Nicole Ann

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reference number

Telephone number 0208 469 9337 Date of previous inspection 15 January 2020

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Information about this early years setting

Little Sponges Montessori registered in 2010 and is located in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The nursery is open each weekday, from 9.30am to midday and from 12.30pm to 3pm, during term-time only. There are four staff members, including the manager. Of whom, one holds qualified teacher status and two hold a level 4 Montessori qualification. The nursery implements the Montessori method of education.

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Inspection activities

n The manager and the inspector carried out a learning walk together to discuss the curriculum and the nursery's intentions for children's learning. n The manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation and discussed the impact this had on children's learning. n The inspector spoke to parents, staff and children and took account of their views. n The inspector held discussions with the leaders about safeguarding and how they evaluate their practice. n The inspector looked at relevant documents, including paediatric first-aid certificate, qualifications, insurance and suitability checks.

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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

23 September 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

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