Our Montessori nursery approach
We believe children learn best when they set the pace themselves
In our rooms, a child can stay with one activity all morning if that is what their concentration needs that day. Our team makes and swaps in homemade materials to keep that interest alive, following where a child's attention leads rather than moving them on to the next thing on a schedule.
This same belief shapes how we welcome new children, how each room runs day to day, and how we work with local primary schools. Read on to see what it looks like in practice.
4.8 from 53 parent reviews · Ofsted Rated Good
Settling In at Inspire Montessori
Settling in at your child's own pace
Every child settles differently, so we take the time to learn what helps yours feel safe, including key words from your home language to greet and reassure them from day one. Visits build up gradually, giving your child space to grow familiar with the room, their key person and their new routine before you step back.
With a personalised approach, staff watch closely and adjust as they go, meeting your child where they are rather than rushing them to a fixed point. It means settling looks a little different for every family, and that is exactly the idea.
Our commitment
If settling is taking longer than expected, we slow down and give it more time. There is no pressure to rush. We keep you in the loop throughout and adjust the approach based on what we observe.
Before day one
Your key person calls you
A short call before your child starts. We want to understand their sleep routine, what comforts them, what they love. We build the first week around what you tell us.
Days 1 to 3
Short visits with you present
You stay close while your child begins to explore. No pressure to leave until everyone feels ready. We watch carefully and get to know what your child needs.
Days 4 to 6
First short separations
Brief, calm goodbyes. We work with you on a simple and consistent farewell so your child begins to understand that you always come back.
Days 7 to 10
Building the routine
Sessions get longer. Your child starts to have a familiar face, a familiar sequence, and a familiar place. We share what we are noticing and stay in close contact.
End of week 2
Check-in with your key person
A conversation to share what we have observed and hear how things feel at home. If we feel your child needs more time, we take it. Settling cannot be rushed.
Day 30
How is it going
A sit-down to talk through how your child is doing, what they are enjoying, and what is coming next. An honest conversation, not a sign-off.
Questions Parents Ask Us
The questions every parent asks, answered honestly
These are not hypothetical worries. They come up on every single tour. Here is exactly how we address each one.
“Will my child cry every morning?”
Most children do in the first few days. That is completely normal. What matters is what happens next. Our 10-day Calm Start programme is designed to gently turn those early nerves into confidence. Within a couple of weeks, most children walk in happily and head straight to their key person.
“Will anyone really know my child?”
Before your child starts, their key person will call you for a short chat. We learn everything that helps them feel safe and settled: favourite games, comfort objects, sleep routines, little quirks. Your key person is the familiar face at drop-off and the person who keeps you updated at pick-up.
“What if they refuse to eat anything?”
Fussy eating at nursery is very common at first. We never force children to eat. Instead we offer the same nutritious meals in a relaxed, social setting each day. Once children see their friends enjoying food, most naturally start to try new things within a few weeks.
“How do you handle illness?”
We follow UKHSA guidance closely so our decisions are always clear and consistent. You will never receive a confusing or unexpected call. We explain our illness policy from the start so you know exactly what to expect. It helps keep everyone safe and avoids unnecessary worry.
“Will nursery ruin their sleep routine?”
Before your child starts we talk through their sleep routine together. We create a simple sleep plan that works for them, including nap times, calming wind-down routines and a quiet sleep space aligned with NHS safe sleep guidance. In the first few weeks we adjust things gently based on how your child responds.
“I will spend the whole day wondering if they are okay”
We send a daily update so you know how your child's day has been. You will see how they slept, what they ate, their activities and how they were feeling. In the first week we also send a quick reassurance update after drop-off, so you know they have settled happily.
Safety & Safeguarding
What keeping children safe looks like in practice
Every nursery says children come first. Here is how we make that real every day at Inspire Montessori.
The things that quietly keep children safe
Paediatric first aiders are on site at all times. Every sleeping child has regular sleep checks. Our illness policy follows NHS guidance so decisions are always clear and consistent. Allergy action plans are agreed with parents before a child starts and reviewed together regularly. If a safeguarding concern ever arises, it is referred immediately. No exceptions.
Honest communication, not brochure language
You can see our Ofsted report, meal menus, staff ratios and policies in full. If something goes wrong, we tell you the same day and explain exactly what happened and what we have done about it. Parents should never feel left guessing.
Experienced staff who stay
High staff turnover is one of the biggest hidden risks in childcare. We invest heavily in our team through training, supervision and professional development. Many of our staff have been here for years. When children see the same trusted adults each day, they feel secure and confident.
Funding and fees, handled clearly
We manage your 15 or 30 hours funding directly with the local authority. We remind you when codes need renewing and explain exactly how funding works. Invoices are simple and transparent. No hidden extras and no unexpected charges.
Safety and trust are built through small decisions every day. We are always happy to talk through any questions when you visit.
Book a tourWhat parents say
- ★★★★★
“Hello, I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you from me, Aaliyah’s dad, and Aaliyah. We are so happy with how much Aaliyah has grown and developed during her time at the nursery. It has been wonderful to see her confidence, independence, and love of learning flourish, and we know that is thanks to the care, patience, and dedication of everyone at the nursery. We are incredibly grateful for all the support, encouragement, and kindness you have shown Aaliyah.”
Alexandra C.
- ★★★★★
“East Lane Montessori is the best! My daughter has been going to this nursery for almost a year and the experience has been nothing short of exceptional. The staff here are beyond compare - gentle, kind, and truly caring for the well-being and growth of every child. From the moment I first enrolled my daughter, I have always felt a sense of trust and security knowing that she is in good hands.”
Cherry S.
- ★★★★★
“We have had a wonderful experience with this nursery and Montessori. From the very beginning, the staff have been caring, welcoming, and genuinely dedicated to every child's development. My daughter has grown so much in confidence, independence, and social skills since attending. The learning activities are engaging, creative, and tailored to support each child's individual needs. It's lovely to see how excited she is to go in every day.”
Rochelle F.
Visit our nursery
Come and see your nearest Inspire Montessori
The best way to know if we're right for your family is to visit, meet the team and see the children learning at their own pace. Ask us anything you'd like to know.