# Montessori

**Montessori.** An approach to early education, developed by Maria Montessori, built around child-led learning with specially designed materials

In a Montessori nursery, children choose from activities set out on low, open shelves in a calm, ordered room, working at their own pace for long stretches with adults guiding rather than directing. Rooms often mix ages, and practical life tasks such as pouring, sweeping and preparing snacks are part of learning. The name is not protected, so how closely a nursery follows the method varies; ask about staff training and whether it is accredited. Montessori nurseries in England must still follow the EYFS and are inspected by Ofsted. Read our [Montessori guide](/guides/montessori-nurseries).

Page: https://toddly.co.uk/glossary/montessori

- [Montessori nurseries explained](https://toddly.co.uk/guides/montessori-nurseries)
- [How to choose a nursery](https://toddly.co.uk/guides/how-to-choose-a-nursery)