Montessori nurseries explained

A Montessori nursery follows the approach developed by the Italian doctor and educator Maria Montessori: children choose their own activities from carefully prepared materials, work at their own pace for long stretches, and learn practical independence, with adults guiding rather than directing. In England every Montessori nursery must still follow the Early Years Foundation Stage and is inspected by Ofsted like any other.

What it looks like

Walk into a Montessori room and you will usually see:

• Low, open shelves with a limited set of materials, each in its place, so children can choose and put things back themselves.
• Purpose-made materials such as wooden puzzles, sorting and pouring activities, sandpaper letters and number rods, designed so a child can see and correct their own mistakes.
• Practical life activities: pouring water, preparing snack, sweeping, washing up, dressing.
• A calm atmosphere, with children working alone or in small groups rather than all doing the same thing at once.
• Mixed ages in some settings, so younger children learn from older ones.

Adults observe closely and introduce new activities when a child is ready, often one to one.

The ideas behind it

• Children want to learn and can direct much of their own learning, given the right environment.
• Independence matters: “help me to do it myself”.
• Concentration is protected, so children get long uninterrupted periods to work.
• Freedom within limits: children choose, but within clear routines and respect for others and the materials.

Montessori and the EYFS

Montessori nurseries in England must meet the EYFS learning and welfare requirements, keep to the legal ratios, give the progress check at two, and are inspected by Ofsted. Many find the two fit together well, because both are built around observing each child and planning their next steps.

How “Montessori” a nursery is varies

The word Montessori is not a protected name. One nursery may be fully Montessori, with trained Montessori teachers and a full set of materials; another may use some Montessori ideas alongside other approaches. Ask:

• How many staff hold a Montessori teaching qualification?
• Is the nursery accredited by a Montessori organisation?
• How is the day structured, and how long is the work cycle?
• How do you balance free choice with group time, stories, songs and outdoor play?
• How do you handle a child who wants to do the same thing every day?

Babies and toddlers

Montessori is often associated with 3 to 6-year-olds, but many nurseries apply it to younger children too. For babies and toddlers that usually means low mirrors and rails to pull up on, a few simple toys within reach rather than overflowing boxes, real cups and small jugs, and plenty of freedom to move. Ask how the approach changes across the rooms.

Is it right for your child?

Montessori suits many children, particularly those who enjoy focused, hands-on activities and doing things for themselves. Some parents prefer more group play, imaginative play or time outdoors; others combine Montessori with a forest school approach. The best test is your visit: watch how children choose and settle into activities, and how adults step in.

Like any nursery, read the latest Ofsted report, check the fees and funded hours, and take our visit checklist. Montessori nurseries can offer funded hours like any other registered nursery.