Englefield Green Montessori School

Book choices decided with counters, woodland searches for insects and songs accompanied by signs give Englefield Green Montessori School a recognisable character. In April 2024, these were practical ways of bringing counting, nature and communication into children's play.

The nursery has capacity for 22 children aged 30 to 60 months, at Bishopsgate Evangelical Church in Englefield Green. At its April 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated it Good overall and judged safeguarding effective. The strongest decision points are the hands-on learning examples and close communication with families, balanced against improvements needed in staff coaching and activities for younger children.

In April 2024, mathematics extended beyond a separate counting activity: children used counters to choose a shared book, compared the totals and checked their estimates by counting. That gave numbers a purpose children could understand.

The early years foundation stage is the required framework for children's learning, development and care; here, the April 2024 examples included stories, physical activities and learning about nature. Tweezers, spoons and little jugs gave children practice handling objects and pouring rice or beans, exercising the hand movements needed for writing.

Makaton sign language accompanied nursery rhymes, linking sung words with signs. After reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar, children examined living caterpillars with a magnifying glass and recalled vocabulary from the story. The book therefore led into direct observation rather than ending at story time.

Local woodland walks included looking for birds and insects. Weekly rugby coaching and dance sessions also featured in April 2024, adding different opportunities for movement to the nursery day.

In April 2024, key people knew children well, and staff discussed observations, interests and next steps together. Children practised everyday independence by pouring their own drinks and helping themselves to fruit.

At the April 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received very good support, with the special educational needs coordinator agreeing targeted plans alongside parents and other professionals. This provides a concrete picture of how individual support worked at that time.

Communication in April 2024 included daily care and learning updates, parents' evenings, online newsletters and an app. Families also received guidance on extending learning at home. Staff training covered the move to school, making transition preparation part of their professional development.

Bishopsgate Evangelical Church, Kings Lane, Englefield Green, Egham TW20 0UE is the nursery's address. Opening hours are 9am to 3.45pm, Monday to Friday, during term time; it closes for school holidays.

In April 2024, the nursery provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. That is a dated participation fact, rather than a guarantee of a funded place.

• Younger children's group time. In April 2024, some circle times lasted too long and younger children disengaged. On a visit, ask how group activities now accommodate different ages.
• Staff coaching. The April 2024 improvement priorities included more precise feedback on staff interactions. This matters because everyday exchanges shape children's learning and participation.
• Term-time planning. The nursery closes for school holidays. Families needing care throughout the year will need to account for those breaks.

For families seeking term-time care for children aged 30 to 60 months, this is a nursery worth considering for its practical learning and parent communication. The April 2024 picture includes counting with a purpose, signed songs and encounters with living creatures. Younger children's engagement in group activities and the development of staff interactions remain the important qualifications to that assessment.