Maytime Montessori Nursery

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

Children are happy and settled at the nursery. They build strong relationships with staff and demonstrate that they feel safe in their care.

Babies are happy and comfortable in their room and explore the well-resourced environment. Staff are attentive to their interests and wishes. Babies enjoy watching their parents from the window when they arrive to pick them up, and staff created a special place for them to do so.

This led to further learning about buses, cars and the outside world. Children across the nursery have plenty of opportunities for fresh air exercise. They play outdoors daily and enjoy outings to the par...k.

Staff listen to toddlers and plan a range of activities to promote their interests in play. Staff link children's learning from home to the nursery effectively. For example, staff found out from parents that some of the pre-school children are due to visit the dentist.

They created engaging opportunities for children to learn about oral hygiene. Staff teach children about managing risks safely. Children learn to use tools during building activities, enjoy different climbing frames and learn about safety observing the progress of the roadwork outside the nursery.

Staff give high priority to supporting children's well-being. Following the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, children were welcomed back warmly by staff, who teach them about personal hygiene effectively. Staff created a role play hospital area, following discussions with children about the signs and symptoms of coronavirus.

Children learn how to prevent the virus and what to do if they feel unwell. Teaching is good and staff have high expectations of children across all rooms. Children make good progress from their starting points in learning.

What does the early years setting do well and what does it need to do better?

Staff are confident in assessing children's learning. They demonstrate a good knowledge of the curriculum and can explain how it narrows gaps in children's development. Children take part in exciting activities that promote their next steps.

This is a benefit to all children, including those who are in receipt of funded education. However, at times, there is capacity to provide children with more time to think and act upon instructions given to them by staff.Babies benefit from the caring approach that staff have towards them.

They enjoy a relaxing environment full of opportunities that link to their learning needs. For example, babies enjoy an activity with animals that promotes their language skills. They learn the sounds of animals and their names.

Staff speak clearly and celebrate children's achievements.Toddlers have fun during play and routines. Staff enjoy playing with children and the tidy up routine, for example, becomes a great learning opportunity.

Children help staff to place a bucket under the water tray and open the tap to take the water out. They discuss with each other the speed the water goes out of the tray and reflect that if staff lifted one side of the tray, the water would go out quicker. Toddlers work well together and are eager to learn and help.

Staff working with older children allow them to have an active role in their learning. Children initiated an activity using the emergency services toys. Staff asked them about the role of paramedics and ambulances.

Children confidently talk about what could cause accidents and reflect on the importance of doctors and nurses in the National Health Service. They learn skills to become conscious citizens.Staff provide opportunities for children to develop a love of books and to learn literacy skills.

Children can easily access books as part of activities to extend their learning. They enjoy creating displays and have plenty of role play opportunities and sensory activities related to their favourite stories.Children benefit from healthy meals and drink water regularly.

The managers consult parents when creating menus and there is an ongoing sharing of information about how to promote children's well-being effectively at nursery. Staff promote partnerships with parents very well.The dedicated leaders and managers show a good commitment to supporting staff's professional development.

Since the last inspection, an effective system for monitoring practice and supervisions has been created. This plays an integral part in the continuous development of the nursery. Staff benefit from regular training and evaluate the next steps to improve practice in their room.

They feel valued and enjoy working at the nursery.Managers, leaders, staff and families adapted well to challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. They placed great emphasis on settling children back into nursery and supporting their personal, social and emotional development.

Children behave well and staff are good role models for them. Parents say that their children enjoy coming to the nursery.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

The manager and staff ensure that the nursery is a safe and secure place for children, through robust risk assessment of all play areas. Staff complete safeguarding training regularly and understand their role in protecting children. They know the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of abuse, and understand how to raise an allegation should they be concerned about those working with the children.

The manager follows a safe recruitment procedure and regularly checks the suitability of staff. All staff are trained in paediatric first aid.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: nensure that staff across the nursery allow more time for children to think and respond to their instructions during activities.