Little Acorns Montessori School

In January 2023, washing plates and matching counters to numerals gave Little Acorns Montessori School's learning a practical character. At its January 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good, found safeguarding effective and recognised good progress overall and effective support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

The nursery accepts children from six months to five years and has 55 places in total. Its home is Building 21 at The Lincolnsfield Centre in Bushey. The strongest picture of daily life comes from January 2023: independence, hands-on number work and conversation woven into play.

In January 2023, Montessori principles shaped learning through practical tasks and materials: children paired numerals with counters and arranged blocks by size. Alongside this approach, the early years foundation stage sets the requirements for learning, development and care, connecting play with the skills children gradually acquire.

Different ages had different ways to explore. In January 2023, babies investigated glitter-filled shakers, while older children squeezed dough and worked with cutters and rolling pins. These activities brought sensory exploration and hand control into ordinary play. Number work had something children could handle, rather than simply something to repeat.

Physical activity also had a concrete outlet. In January 2023, older children used a soft-play centre, while babies practised pulling up and taking steps. Staff introduced vocabulary during imaginative adventures and sang nursery rhymes with babies, giving language a place alongside movement.

In January 2023, settling began with information gathered from parents and an invitation to spend time in the setting. A key person gave families a consistent relationship, and staff passed on learning goals and information when children moved within the nursery. That continuity matters when a familiar routine changes.

Communication extended beyond the daily handover. In January 2023, families received feedback and consultations, with workshops covering potty training and books. Staff also monitored children needing additional support, worked with professionals and helped parents access speech and language courses.

Everyday independence was tangible. In January 2023, children practised dressing and washing their hands, helped prepare the lunch table and cleared their plates afterwards. Care routines doubled as opportunities to take responsibility.

The address is Building 21, The Lincolnsfield Centre, Bushey Hall Drive, Bushey, WD23 2ES. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with bank holiday closures.

In January 2023, term-time sessions ran from 9am to 4pm, with breakfast club from 8am to 9am and an after-school session from 4pm to 6pm.

In January 2023, the setting provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated account of participation rather than a promise of a funded place now.

• Digital safety. In January 2023, children used electronic devices under supervision, but teaching them how to stay safe with technology needed development. Ask how this is now taught.
• Attendance and costs. For a child attending within the 8am to 6pm opening window, which booking pattern and written quotation would apply, including funded hours, meals and consumables?

Little Acorns suits parents drawn to Montessori learning through practical materials and everyday independence. Its January 2023 picture gives that approach substance: number resources, self-care tasks and imaginative conversation. The current year-round opening window also makes it relevant to families needing care beyond term time, while the digital-safety improvement remains a useful point to explore.