Little People's Montessori

Breakable cups and saucers, indoor slippers and a tree for climbing give Little People's Montessori a recognisable character: in May 2023, everyday routines gave children opportunities to practise independence alongside outdoor challenges. The setting has 28 places in total, at 84 Victoria Way, London SE7 7NQ.

At its 4 May 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good overall, while identifying two teaching priorities: clearer purposes for activities and more effective adult involvement in children's play. Children attending then were aged two to four.

In May 2023, the nursery followed Montessori philosophy, with practical independence evident in children changing their footwear and handling their own crockery. The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care; here, play included language, early literacy and mathematical exploration.

Books, wooden letters and materials for making marks supported literacy in May 2023. Makaton signs helped children communicate, alongside gestures and visual prompts. Paper aeroplanes introduced comparisons of height, while frogs in a pond prompted counting and discussion of size. These examples made abstract ideas part of something children could do and talk about.

Outdoor play that month included balancing on a tree, stepping stones and beams leading towards a slide. Children adjusted an obstacle course to increase its challenge, giving them a practical way to test their physical abilities. Local outings also provided opportunities to learn road safety.

At the May 2023 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding, positive relationships with families and other professionals, and good progress, including for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those learning English as an additional language.

In May 2023, staff comforted children who were upset or new to the setting, while conversations with parents covered children's achievements and next learning steps. Staff also reviewed their practice through supervision and identified training needs. Children brought lunch boxes and ate fruit at snack time that month, linking conversations about healthy eating to familiar food.

The address is 84 Victoria Way, London SE7 7NQ, in Greenwich.

In May 2023, opening hours were 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. Different sessions were offered, and funding covered children aged two, three and four. These are dated arrangements rather than a current attendance offer.

• Teaching precision. The May 2023 improvement priorities concerned explaining activities clearly and making adult participation in play more useful. Look for how staff connect an activity to a child's next learning step.
• Attendance fit. The May 2023 timetable was term-time only. Which session patterns, hours and funded arrangements would apply to your child's booking now?

Little People's Montessori suits families who value practical independence, communication and physically challenging outdoor play. Its May 2023 examples are concrete: children handled crockery, used signs and adapted obstacle courses. Balance that appeal against the teaching improvements identified at the same visit, especially how clearly staff explain learning and extend children's ideas.