Education for Life

The Montessori method of teaching was created by Maria Montessori who, through her pioneering work with children in the 20th century, developed a system of education that continues to significantly influence teaching methods across the world today. She realised that all children are born with an innate desire to learn, using their hands and senses to explore the world, absorbing language and information from life. But what they learn depends greatly on their teachers, experiences and environment and at Hollybush Montessori Nursery we will maximise each child’s unique and amazing potential by surrounding them with beautiful Montessori materials, purposeful and fun activities that will inspire their learning in a small, calm, happy and caring environment. All under the guidance of highly qualified, highly-experienced Montessori teachers.

"Man's true nature lies hidden within himself and this nature, which was given to him at conception, must be recognised and allowed to grow" Maria Montessori

Children in our classroom play both independently and in small groups to discover, explore and learn from the exciting and challenging activities in the beautifully-prepared environment. Our classroom is designed around the authentic, specially-designed Montessori equipment (eg The Pink Tower and Knobbed Cylinders) but is modern in its approach, extending these to embrace similar-style activities, and is constantly evolving to meet the needs of our current family of children and to remain fresh and exciting for us all. 

Through their use of the Montessori materials and activities the children are encouraged to pursue their current interests in order to maximise their learning in relation to physical development, communication and language, maths, literacy, music, science, culture and knowledge of the wider world, art and creative pursuits and much more. There are, of course, also daily opportunities for imaginary and role play, small world play, cooking, stories and reading, singing, painting, running, pedalling, sand and water play etc and we play and learn both inside and outside equally (whenever possible), encouraging the children’s love of the natural world. The children choose to work independently or in small mixed-age groups which both inspires their learning and reinforces their knowledge. 

The children are encouraged to respect themselves, their peers and their environment and parents may notice that their child will enjoy helping at home: laying the table, washing up, gardening, recycling, tidying up after their play. Their natural instincts encourage them to repeat and perfect their chosen activities and, as a result, to gain high levels of co-ordination, concentration, physical development, self-esteem and knowledge.  

We are Ofsted registered and follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which sets statutory guidance and standards on how and what every child will learn in order to best support their development. We have effective systems in place for planning, observing and recording children’s progress in line with these requirements. Partnership with parents is valued and encouraged and we operate an ‘open door’ policy and hold regular parent/teacher progress meetings to share the children’s Learning Journals and to support our planning for each child based on his/her unique achievements, needs and interests. We have an equality policy in place and welcome all families equally.

And, most important, our classroom is full of fun, happiness and laughter - a perfect start to your child’s education for life.