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Nursery at The Montessori Place
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Independence starts early at The Montessori Place: children choose practical work, learn alongside different ages and receive lessons individually or in small groups. The Infant Community serves children aged 15 months to three; approaching three, children can move into the Children’s House, whose mixed-age group spans three to six. These are distinct stages within the school’s Montessori approach.
At Hove, the setting occupies a renovated house at 45 Cromwell Road, opposite the Sussex County Cricket grounds. Ofsted rated early years provision Outstanding at the inspection of 15 to 17 July 2025. The judgement included provision for two-year-olds; children under two were outside its scope because their provision is separately registered and inspected. That distinction matters when choosing a starting age.
Hands-on materials give the day its direction. Children use them to explore skills and ideas appropriate to their development, with adults introducing work to an individual child or a small group. Different children can pursue different activities, either together or independently. For parents, the practical distinction is that learning centres on the child doing the work, rather than listening to a whole-group explanation.
Montessori guides keep track of what each child has mastered and where further practice would help. In July 2025, even the two-year-olds were supported to pursue their own ideas, and children sustained unusually strong engagement. Choice has a clear educational purpose here: children practise directing their activity with adult support.
Within the early years foundation stage, the youngest children also develop the social habits needed for shared learning. In July 2025, they took turns, shared materials and played cooperatively with older children. Mixed ages therefore mean more than sharing a room. They give children opportunities to practise consideration through everyday activity.
The adult role is that of a Guide, offering individual attention through personal lessons and knowledge of each child’s progress. This makes the relationship part of the learning itself: an adult can recognise when a child needs another introduction or more time to practise.
Parents as Guides extends the Montessori approach into family life. Programmes support expecting parents and families with children under three, sharing Montessori principles and ways to use them at home. For families choosing this approach, that creates a connection between what adults understand at home and the way children learn in the setting.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Ask the school how continuation within the Children’s House is arranged; if applying for Reception elsewhere, confirm the application route and deadline with that admissions authority.
Within The Montessori Place, the developmental move described is into the Children’s House as a child approaches three. Its three-to-six age grouping is a feature of the educational model, rather than a promise of admission. Keep that distinction clear when planning the next stage.
For three-to-four-year-olds, the full Montessori programme runs from 8.45am to 1.30pm, five days a week. Families can instead choose the 15 hours funded through the Early Years Educational Entitlement. The school year lasts 36 weeks, arranged into three terms averaging 12 weeks each, with a one-week half-term break in each term. The five-day programme is a substantial scheduling consideration for families seeking occasional sessions.
Book an introductory Open Day by emailing info@themontessoriplace.org.uk. This first visit is intended for adults attending without their children, allowing parents to explore the approach before a separate meeting involving their child. General enquiries and visit requests can also go through the contact form or by telephone on 01273 773 764. Contact the school for current charges.
The Infant Community covers ages 15 months to three. Children approaching three can move into the Children’s House, which spans ages three to six.
Children learn through practical materials, with lessons offered individually or in small groups. They work independently or alongside other children, while Guides follow their progress and identify where more practice is needed.
The full Montessori programme runs from 8.45am to 1.30pm, five days a week. The alternative is the 15 hours funded through the Early Years Educational Entitlement.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee Reception admission. Ask the school how continuation within the Children’s House is arranged; if applying for Reception elsewhere, confirm the application route and deadline with that admissions authority.
Yes. Email info@themontessoriplace.org.uk to book an Open Day, or use the contact form to request a visit. The introductory Open Day is intended for parents attending without their children.
