Active Montessori Day Nursery

Songs, stories and growing independence shaped children's experience at Active Montessori Day Nursery in May 2025. At its May 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that children progressed well, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those learning English as an additional language.

The nursery has capacity for 33 children aged 0 to 60 months in Harrow. The strongest examples from May 2025 concern everyday learning: conversation, number play and children taking increasing responsibility for their personal routines.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care, bringing these parts of the nursery day together. In May 2025, children had opportunities to repeat developing skills rather than move immediately to something new. Number songs and comparisons of height and size brought mathematics into everyday activities.

Communication ran through the day. In May 2025, staff introduced vocabulary through conversation, songs and stories, then allowed children time to answer questions. Makaton supported children's understanding alongside visual prompts and key words. These gave children additional ways to follow what was happening and contribute.

Outdoor experiences included climbing and wheeled toys in May 2025, with opportunities to practise balance and coordination. Frequent trips explored the surrounding community and places further afield, while children also learnt about cultural similarities and differences. However, younger children needed more physical challenges, including opportunities within ordinary daily routines.

In May 2025, staff responded to children who struggled to settle with quiet singing and cuddles. Consistent behaviour expectations were accompanied by help with difficult emotions, making emotional support part of ordinary interactions.

Support for individual learning needs included collaboration with other professionals in May 2025. Additional funding, where available, was directed towards children's individual needs, and staff sought further help or funding when necessary.

Personal independence also featured in May 2025: children used cutlery, served themselves healthy snacks and accessed drinking water themselves. Conversations about food and learning to brush their teeth connected daily routines with health. Parents spoke positively about staff and their children's enjoyment of nursery.

The address is Unit 1 Hartley Apartments, Perceval Square, College Road, Harrow HA1 1ER. Opening hours are 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, and the nursery operates throughout the year.

In May 2025, the nursery received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four. That dated participation should be kept separate from the terms of an individual family's childcare arrangement.

• Physical activity for younger children. The May 2025 improvement action called for more demanding physical experiences for this age group. At a visit, ask how younger children's daily opportunities have changed.
• Staff development. In May 2025, supervision took place regularly, but identifying practice needing improvement was inconsistent. Ask how supervision now leads to specific changes in children's care and learning.
• Attendance and funding. The nursery opens throughout the year, while funded early education formed part of its May 2025 offer. Which booking pattern and funded-hours arrangement would apply to your child, including any meals or consumables charges?

Active Montessori Day Nursery suits families seeking year-round weekday care, with conversation, practical independence and outdoor activity prominent in its May 2025 inspection picture. The Good judgement provides a useful starting point. Younger children's physical challenges and the precision of staff development deserve attention when weighing the setting against your child's needs.