Little Gems Montessori

Montessori equipment, a light box and balancing beams made from tyres and wooden planks give Little Gems Montessori's February 2023 account a hands-on character. Based in Long Ditton, it accepts children aged 18 to 60 months and has capacity for 50 children.

At its 21 February 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and found safeguarding effective. The strongest examples centred on independence, language and practical exploration, alongside improvements needed in how planned learning was delivered.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care. February 2023 examples make this concrete: developing language through stories, practising hand movements and balance, and learning about emotions and kindness. In February 2023, the Montessori approach added practical exploration with its equipment; children became absorbed in using it.

A light box prompted conversations about colour, while fastening nuts and bolts exercised small hand movements. Tyres and wooden planks became balancing challenges. These examples connected physical development with activities children could manipulate themselves.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar supplied a starting point for learning new vocabulary and discussing how insects change. Children also drew caterpillars at easels, carrying ideas from a story into their artwork. A culture box invited contributions from parents, and traditional clothing featured in festival activities, bringing families' backgrounds into the learning.

The February 2023 weaknesses matter too. Some adult-directed activities did not extend children's existing knowledge effectively, and staff development needed a sharper emphasis on delivering the intended learning. Carefully prepared materials were not enough on their own.

At the February 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that staff identified children needing extra support and used professional advice to create individual plans. Activities addressing emotions and considerate behaviour gave that support a practical form.

In February 2023, information from parents helped staff understand children as they started, and daily communication shared what children had been learning. This gave families something concrete to continue at home.

Health routines also involved children directly. In February 2023, a fruit bar let them choose fruit and serve themselves after washing their hands; lunchbox guidance involved parents. A bear taken home for toothbrushing practice linked an everyday health habit with family participation.

The address is The Clachan, Betts Way, Rectory Lane, Long Ditton, KT6 5HT. Opening hours are 8.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, during term time, with closure during school holidays. That calendar matters for families whose working year continues through those breaks.

In February 2023, the setting received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated account of its funding participation.

• Planned learning. February 2023 improvements concerned the sequence of activities and staff understanding of adult-directed learning. At a visit, ask how activities now build on an individual child's existing knowledge.
• Holiday cover. Attendance follows a term-time calendar, with school-holiday closures. Families needing care throughout the year must plan around those breaks.
• Attendance and charges. Before joining, ask for a written quotation covering the booking pattern, funded hours, meals and consumables.

Little Gems Montessori suits families seeking term-time care and interested in practical Montessori activities. Its February 2023 examples give substance to that approach: equipment to explore, physical challenges to construct and stories carried into art. The balance is clear. An encouraging inspection account sits alongside specific work needed on the progression and delivery of planned learning.