Montessori Day Nursery

Pouring water and serving fruit were small but telling examples of independence at Montessori Day Nursery in January 2025. The Montessori approach encouraged children to choose their play and tackle everyday tasks themselves. Practical learning gave children something concrete to master.

At its January 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, finding that children settled readily and made good progress through a curriculum informed by their starting points. This Birmingham setting has 40 places in total; the children attending in January 2025 were aged two to four.

In January 2025, learning combined sensory exploration with shared problem-solving. Younger children stretched and shaped play dough, practising hand movements while investigating its texture. Older children used foam blocks to build a tower, experimenting with balance and working together when construction became tricky.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, its learning opportunities included play, conversation and practical tasks, with the Montessori approach adding an emphasis on independence.

Books were another everyday resource in January 2025. Children selected their own reading material, while staff brought stories, songs and rhymes into sessions. Different ages played together and explored the nursery independently. Outdoor play also formed part of the routine, giving children opportunities for physical activity beyond the indoor space.

At the January 2025 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities well supported through individual support plans, prompt referrals and collaboration with families and professionals. These were concrete mechanisms for responding to individual needs.

During January 2025, staff gathered information about children's development and earlier experiences when they started. Communication screening helped identify language needs, and progress checks informed subsequent activities. Parents received development updates and advice about healthy eating and learning at home, connecting nursery experiences with family life.

Predictable routines, encouragement and adults modelling behaviour helped children understand expectations in January 2025. Handwashing before meals was part of learning to manage personal hygiene.

The address is Unit 1 No 6, Farnhurst Road, Birmingham, B36 8HT.

In January 2025, opening hours were 8.30am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. These are dated operating arrangements, rather than a description of today's attendance offer.

• Mixed-age activities. In January 2025, adult-led teaching sometimes took too long to adjust to children's differing developmental stages. Discuss how staff change an activity when a child loses interest.
• Teaching development. The January 2025 improvement priorities included making staff development more directly useful to teaching. Training that changes everyday interactions matters more than attendance at courses alone.
• Attendance fit. The January 2025 timetable was term-time only. What attendance arrangements and funded-hour options apply now?

The January 2025 picture suits families drawn to practical independence, mixed-age play and regular communication about development. Water pouring, self-selected books and collaborative building give that picture substance. The Good judgement sits alongside two clear teaching priorities: quicker adjustments during group activities and more sharply directed staff development.