Montessori Pre-School Nursery Thornaby

Scissors, toothbrushing and practical problem-solving give the September 2023 nursery day its character. Children practised doing things for themselves, with younger children developing physical control and older children building the everyday independence needed for school.

At its 25 September 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated Montessori Pre-School Nursery Thornaby Good overall and found that children made good progress through activities planned around their individual interests. There were also specific improvements to make in language teaching and the duration of group activities for younger children.

The nursery has capacity for 65 children aged 0 to 60 months. Its address is 462 Thornaby Road, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, TS17 8QH.

In September 2023, Montessori resources gave younger children opportunities to practise fine movements and work out practical problems. The emphasis was on doing: manipulating materials, developing coordination and gradually taking more responsibility for themselves.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. In the September 2023 nursery day, this translated into activities shaped around children's interests, with assessment helping staff decide what each child should tackle next.

Outdoor play brought different challenges. In September 2023, children drew with chalk on pavement, explored water while staff sang, and negotiated an obstacle course; older children also spotted butterflies. These were concrete opportunities for movement, mark-making and noticing the natural world.

Group activities were less consistently successful for younger children. In September 2023, some struggled to stay involved when sessions ran too long, while staff sometimes overused questions or supplied inaccurate language models. For parents, the relevant distinction is between providing activities and sustaining a child's engagement in them.

At the September 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and highlighted support for children learning English as an additional language, including home-language vocabulary and translated documents for families. That connected children's communication at nursery with the language used at home.

Relationships had practical expression in September 2023: children approached staff for assistance, shared their knowledge with other children and practised considerate behaviour. Staff supported self-care through toothbrushing, handwashing and dressing activities, making independence part of ordinary routines.

During that same period, staff training covered support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The health visiting team also came into the setting to discuss assessments and support, linking nursery work with other professionals.

Opening hours are 7.15am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operates throughout the year, closing on bank holidays, so its calendar extends beyond school terms.

In September 2023, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated description of its funding provision, rather than a promise of an entitlement for an individual family.

• Language teaching. September 2023 improvement points concerned staff's language modelling and use of questions. Discuss how practitioners now support conversation during play.
• Younger children's group activities. Some younger children lost engagement during lengthy group activities in September 2023. A visit should explore how these activities are adapted to children's attention and participation.
• Funding arrangements. Funded education for two-, three- and four-year-olds formed part of the September 2023 provision. What funded attendance and additional charges would apply to your child's proposed booking?

This nursery merits consideration for families who value practical independence and learning through hands-on materials. Its September 2023 activities give those ideas substance, from Montessori resources to self-care routines and outdoor challenges. Families seeking weekday care across the year also have a clear opening window to work with. Language teaching and younger children's group activities remain the specific points to explore before choosing.