Blue Planet Montessori Nursery School

Montessori child-led activities sit alongside the Early Years Foundation Stage areas of learning at this small, term-time nursery for children aged two and a half to five. The result is a focused sessional setting where children can choose purposeful activities while staff tailor teaching to individual interests and needs.

Blue Planet was judged Outstanding in February 2023. Inspectors found exemplary interactions, an ambitious curriculum and meticulous support for children with SEND. Morning sessions run five days a week, while full days are published from Monday to Wednesday.

Learning and Named Experiences

The curriculum combines the Montessori Method with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In practical terms, the EYFS organises learning across seven areas, including communication, physical development, literacy and mathematics, while the Montessori approach lets children select accessible activities and work at their own pace. Practical Life begins with care of self, care of the environment and social courtesies. The Pink Tower develops visual discrimination and coordination while indirectly preparing children for number concepts.

In February 2023, children investigated fish by discussing gills, scales and fins, then recalled earlier learning to distinguish a mammal from an invertebrate. Practitioners extended children's language and adapted group activities so that each child could contribute with confidence. The setting also names the Early Talk Boost Scheme for language and literacy, alongside yoga, dance, French lessons, Chickenshed visits and animal experiences in its inclusive package.

Outdoor and Community Life

Outdoor learning had a practical, independent character at the inspection. Children put on their own coats before tackling an organised obstacle course with stepping stones, a tunnel and planks. They also worked together to match coloured beanbags with shapes. Current news connects the setting with Healthy Early Years London and names a planned outing to Get to Know Animals.

Relationships and Communication

A key person is allocated before a child starts. Pre-start visits are offered during the preceding half-term, and the settling policy expects a parent, carer or close relative to remain for most of the first week's sessions, gradually spending longer away as the child copes. This is a more defined settling route than a single introductory visit and gives families a clear role in the transition.

The February 2023 inspection found that staff knew children exceptionally well and that parents valued communication, progress information and ideas for learning at home. Story time linked recent learning with kindness, friendship and wellbeing; snack routines encouraged turn-taking, healthy choices and independence, including children washing their own plates.

Inclusion and Wellbeing

Support for children with SEND was a standout inspection strength. Practitioners adjusted communication and teaching around each child's needs, helping children with SEND take a full part in nursery life and advance in their learning. The published team structure includes a SENCO role, while the nursery publishes five full-time practitioners as qualified through Level 3, Montessori or early-childhood degree routes.

Ofsted found safeguarding effective in February 2023. Staff understood referral systems, received regular tailored training and knew how to identify and respond to concerns. The report also recorded that accidents and risk assessments were reviewed.

Sessions and Attendance

Morning sessions run from 9am to 1pm, Monday to Friday. Full days run from 9am to 3.30pm, Monday to Wednesday, and children must attend at least three sessions. The nursery operates during three school terms, with half-term and school-holiday closures.

Funding and Paid Extras

The nursery publishes Terrific Twos, working-parent entitlement and universal three- and four-year-old funding. Eligibility and the pattern available should be confirmed directly. Private fees are invoiced termly in advance, with monthly payment accepted where needed; families should request the current nursery-specific quotation.

For private sessions, the inclusive package covers snacks, daily-care consumables, a paper learning journal and extra-curricular activities. Consumables are charged separately during funded hours, although parents may opt out and supply all required items. Children attending all day bring a packed lunch; the nursery provides morning and afternoon snacks and drinks.

Getting There

The nursery is at Michenden Sports Complex, Bramley Road, London N14 4HL. Parking spaces are published as available, although no number or restrictions are given. Bus routes 307 and 299 serve the area; Oakwood is named as the nearest Underground station, with Cockfosters and Southgate also nearby.

• Term-time pattern. Provision follows three terms and closes for school holidays. Families needing year-round care will need separate holiday arrangements.
• Limited full-day week. The published full day runs only Monday to Wednesday, while mornings extend through Friday. Check that the available combination covers the working week you need.
• Packed lunches and allergies. Full-day children bring lunch from home under a healthy packed-lunch policy designed to account for known allergies. Families affected by allergies should confirm current controls and suitable foods before joining.
• Settling commitment. The first-week policy expects a familiar adult to stay for most of the session initially. Ask how this is adapted around a child's needs and a parent's work commitments.

Blue Planet suits families seeking a term-time, Montessori-led setting with a strong inspected record for teaching and SEND inclusion. It works for children attending three or more morning sessions and for families combining mornings with full days from Monday to Wednesday. The deliberate settling process and child-chosen Practical Life and sensorial work are clear strengths; the trade-off is a timetable that does not provide full-day care on Thursday or Friday.