The Grove Montessori

In April 2023, a seaside conservatory, a wood lodge and children choosing a book of the month gave The Grove Montessori a recognisable character. This Wanstead nursery combined imaginative spaces with practical independence: children were learning to handle cutlery, organise the lunch table and put on their own coats.

At its 6 April 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding and found safeguarding effective. That is a dated assessment, rather than a description of today's daily practice.

In April 2023, the nursery occupied a converted church hall arranged over two storeys. The seaside conservatory and wood lodge extended the outdoor learning space, with resources children could select independently. These were places for choosing and exploring, rather than simply following an adult-led activity.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care, connecting everyday experiences with their development. In April 2023, activities included drawing objects from close observation and contributing to spoken stories. Children could express an idea through pictures as well as words.

The book of the month linked home and nursery learning in April 2023: children selected it, parents shared in it, and staff built activities around it. Fiction and non-fiction were accessible throughout the setting. Puppets, rhymes and simple signing gave younger children additional ways to participate in communication.

Frequent outings in April 2023 included farms, galleries and museums, alongside experiences nearby. These extended learning beyond the nursery and introduced children to the natural world and their local community.

At the April 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received prompt, targeted help and that partnerships with parents were exceptionally strong. Workshops helped parents understand children's learning and support it at home.

In April 2023, babies' care routines included gentle individual conversation. Staff also modelled language children could use to resolve disagreements, giving them words for expressing needs and sharing resources.

Practical independence ran through the day in April 2023. Babies practised eating with spoons; older children helped prepare the table and load the dishwasher. Managing meals, handwashing and coats gave children opportunities to practise skills useful when moving on to school.

The Grove Montessori is on Grosvenor Road, Wanstead, E11 2EW.

In April 2023, opening hours ran from 7.30am until 6.30pm throughout the year, and children attended from three months to five years. Funded early education for three- and four-year-olds formed part of the offer at that date.

• The outdoor spaces. The seaside conservatory and wood lodge were central to outdoor learning in April 2023. On a visit, explore how children use these spaces now.
• Home and nursery learning. The book of the month and parent workshops connected children's experiences in April 2023. Ask how that communication works for families today.
• Attendance and costs. The April 2023 offer included year-round opening and funded early education. Which current booking patterns and written charge terms would apply to your child?

The strongest case here is for families who value children's independence, books and learning beyond the nursery building. The April 2023 account gives those priorities substance through shared reading, outings and everyday practical tasks. Its Outstanding judgement is significant, but a present-day visit should establish how that character translates into your child's experience now.