Wetherby House Montessori Queens Park

Songs chosen through babies’ babbling, stories created by preschool children and herbs grown in the garden give this Northwood nursery a recognisable character. Those January 2024 examples put communication and practical learning centre stage.

At its January 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated Wetherby House Montessori Queens Park Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that collaboration with parents and external professionals supported children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The nursery accepts children from birth to five years.

In January 2024, the nursery followed Montessori educational philosophy, with practical independence evident as children served food and poured drinks. Staff used these routines to introduce mathematical ideas, including quantities and whether a cup was empty or full. Everyday tasks became opportunities to learn.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children’s learning, development and care; here, the January 2024 examples included conversation, storytelling, number language and cooperative play. Babies’ sounds helped staff recognise their song choices, while preschool children explored what authors and illustrators do by making stories themselves.

Garden activity had a social purpose too. In January 2024, children gathered water for friends tending herbs and vegetables, combining growing with working together. Staff also talked about feelings and the experiences that made children happy or sad.

In January 2024, each child had a key person, while colleagues also knew about their development. This gave individual care a shared foundation across the team. For children with SEND, staff, parents and professionals held regular discussions about achievements and next steps.

Communication extended beyond those meetings. In January 2024, parents received photographs and learning updates through an online app alongside daily feedback. Staff considered babies’ interests during nappy changes, helping care routines fit around their activity. Induction covered safeguarding procedures, and ongoing training and meetings with the manager addressed staff development needs.

The address is Cornerways, Green Lane, Northwood, HA6 2UT. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures on bank holidays, during the final two weeks of August and over Christmas. These breaks matter for families arranging continuous childcare.

In January 2024, the nursery received funding for early education for three- and four-year-olds.

• Explaining healthy choices. In January 2024, children grew food and were encouraged to choose water, fruit and vegetables, but explanations of the health benefits needed development. At a visit, ask how those connections are taught now.
• Understanding boundaries. In January 2024, children responded to behaviour reminders, but staff needed to explain the reasons behind rules and their effect on other people. Look for how adults make those explanations meaningful to young children.
• Holiday cover. The August and Christmas closures interrupt the year-round opening pattern. Factor them into work and family arrangements.

This suits families seeking care from babyhood through the preschool years who value practical independence and close communication with staff. The January 2024 picture combines language-rich routines, garden cooperation and individual support, with clear development points around explaining health and behaviour. The holiday closures deserve equal weight in the decision.