Flying Start Montessori

In May 2026, a garden mound for cycling, strawberry plants to watch ripen and older children helping younger ones understand the day's routines gave Flying Start Montessori its character. This Fowlmere nursery has capacity for 22 children, with an accepted age range of 6 to 60 months.

At its May 2026 inspection, Ofsted awarded Strong standard across achievement, behaviour and routines, welfare, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, and leadership, and found safeguarding standards met. The practical appeal is a small overall setting with opportunities for children of different ages to learn together.

In May 2026, outdoor play happened daily: children jumped through tyres, constructed with large blocks and rode bicycles over a mound while adults discussed safe choices. These activities combined movement with opportunities to judge risks. Growing strawberries brought another kind of learning, as children explained why the fruit needed more time before picking.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the May 2026 activities connected physical play, conversation and learning about the natural world. Babies copied sounds and words, while older children practised conversations with changes of tone and expression.

Older children also earned independent access to a workstation. Local outings and festival celebrations extended experiences beyond everyday play; younger children joined activities alongside their older peers.

At the May 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that extended parent-and-child settling sessions helped children adjust, and that targeted plans, parental input and professional advice supported progress, including for children with SEND. For families, that connects the settling process with support shaped around the individual child.

In May 2026, a key-person arrangement sat alongside relationships with the wider staff team. Children sought comfort from different adults and settled comfortably to sleep. Staff gave jobs to children who found prolonged sitting difficult, adapting the routine to their needs.

Communication also had a practical purpose. Parents discussed interventions, and staff helped families access speech and language referrals. Where children attended another setting, approaches and support funding were coordinated between providers.

The address is Long Lane, Fowlmere, Royston, SG8 7SZ. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with year-round opening and closures at Christmas and Easter. Those holiday closures matter for families planning continuous childcare through the working year.

In May 2026, children practised taking turns through group games and learned to listen to one another. These are useful everyday preparations for the social demands of starting school.

• Settling arrangements. Extended stay-and-play sessions with parents formed part of the May 2026 approach. How would those sessions fit your child's needs and your working commitments?
• Holiday cover. Christmas and Easter closures interrupt the year-round pattern. Families needing care through those periods will need to plan around them.
• Further development. The May 2026 next steps called for a greater impact for disadvantaged children, children with SEND, children with past or present involvement with children's social care, and children facing other barriers. Families needing additional support should weigh that continuing priority alongside the targeted support described above.

The nursery's May 2026 arrangements suit families seeking a small setting with mixed-age interaction, active outdoor experiences and a substantial settling process. It combined practical independence with individual support. Its weekday opening window offers scope around working hours, while Christmas and Easter closures need to fit the family's childcare plan.