Sunshine Montessori Nursery

An allotment, den-building and an art exhibition give Sunshine Montessori Nursery a practical, creative character. In August 2025, children helped grow food at an allotment; curriculum planning covered skills for building dens together and creating work for the nursery art exhibition. These experiences gave learning a purpose children could recognise.

At its August 2025 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good, found safeguarding effective and highlighted an ambitious curriculum, effective support for children needing extra help and strong communication with parents.

The nursery has capacity for 57 children, with an accepted age range from 3 months to 5 years. Its home is The Old Village School in Wheeler End, High Wycombe.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing communication, physical skills and other learning into their day.

In August 2025, language and movement were prominent in activities. Staff used descriptive vocabulary and arranged spaces where children could talk together. Throwing a ball was broken into manageable steps, giving children specific movements to practise rather than simply handing them equipment.

Outdoor experiences extended that practical approach. In August 2025, children regularly took part in forest school sessions, learning outdoors about nature, and helped grow food at the allotment. Caring for what they grew connected their activities with responsibility for the environment.

Community experiences broadened the day too. In August 2025, children formed friendships with care-home residents, supported local charities and explored artwork from different parts of the world. These were concrete ways to encounter lives and experiences beyond their own.

Relationships provided continuity. In August 2025, an existing key person supported children moving between rooms and helped them form a relationship with the next adult responsible for their care. A room change therefore involved a familiar person as well as a new space.

Staff modelled politeness and used gentle reminders about kindness in August 2025. They also helped children practise sharing and playing together. Staff development included training in teaching and child development, with practical attention to how physical skills were taught.

Communication reached beyond daily conversations. In August 2025, blogs and parent evenings helped families understand children's learning and continue it at home. Children leaving for school were communicating confidently and showing curiosity about learning.

The address is The Old Village School, Bullocks Farm Lane, Wheeler End, High Wycombe, HP14 3NH. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures on bank holidays and for one week at Christmas.

In August 2025, the nursery offered funded early education for eligible children. Eligibility remains an important condition of that offer.

• Activities for younger children. In August 2025, some activities exceeded younger children's developmental stage, leaving them distracted or uncertain; the required improvement was more precise planning and delivery. This is a material consideration for families choosing care for a younger child.
• Funding arrangements. Funded early education was offered to eligible children in August 2025. At a visit, ask how funded hours would fit your intended attendance and what additional charges would apply.

Sunshine Montessori Nursery suits families drawn to practical outdoor learning, creative projects and connections with the local community. In August 2025, food-growing gave children practical experience, while curriculum planning included the skills needed to build dens together. The improvement needed in activities for younger children deserves equal weight, especially for parents choosing care at the youngest end of its age range.