The Meadows is an independent day school. It opened in September 2008. Over the past four years, the school has grown in size. It moved to its current premises in Larchcroft Road in September 2013. About half the staff were not at the school at the time of the previous inspection that took place in March 2013. The headteacher is the sole proprietor. The school does not have a governing body. The school is registered for 75 pupils between the ages of three and a half and 11 years. It usually admits children from the age of four. The number of children who are currently in the early years foundation stage is very low. There are currently 57 pupils on roll. A very small number of pupils speak English as an additional language. A few pupils have been identified as having special educational Inspection report: The Meadows Montessori School, 13–15 September 2016 Page 10 of 13 needs. The school follows the ethos and teaching methods of Maria Montessori and aims to provide each child with an individual learning experience. Pupils learn at their own pace. The curriculum is designed to nurture independence and self-confidence. The school provides an extended school day with before- and after-school care. There are four classrooms: one for Reception and Year 1 pupils, two for Years 2, 3 and 4, and one for Years 5 and 6. All pupils are off timetable on Fridays. They work in cross-age teams and undertake woodland activities, drama and singing, healthy-living sessions including exercise and human biology, art and craft. The headteacher owns Willow Park Montessori Day Nursery. This nursery is not on the school’s site. It was inspected separately in June 2016 and judged to be outstanding Inspection report: The Meadows Montessori School, 13–15 September 2016 Page 11 of 13 Information about this inspection This inspection was carried out with a day’s notice. The inspector visited all classes and observed staff teaching or supporting pupils. The inspector looked at a wide range of pupils’ work, including their journals, their individual achievement folders and photographic evidence. The inspector heard many pupils read and observed other pupils being heard reading. Meetings were held with the headteacher, the special educational needs coordinator, and the lead teachers for English, mathematics and early years. Staff completed 12 questionnaires. Pupils were spoken to throughout the inspection to check on their views. The inspector met parents at the beginning of the school day and took account of the views expressed in 39 responses from parents on Parent View. The school’s own parental survey, conducted in summer 2016, was also considered. The inspector received 35 additional comments from parents. The inspector looked at the school’s documentation including policy documents, schemes of work, staff training files, and records relating to the welfare, health and safety of pupils. The school’s compliance with the regulations for independent schools was checked. Inspection team Marianick Ellender-Gelé, Lead inspector Her Majesty's Inspector Inspection report: The Meadows Montessori School, 13–15 September 2016 Page 12 of 13 Any complaints about the inspection or the report should be made following the procedures set out in the guidance 'Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted', which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email [email protected].