Oxford Montessori Schools Nursery Review

A classroom in converted farm buildings and low shelves in North Oxford give Oxford Montessori Schools’ two nurseries distinct settings for the same Montessori approach. Forest Farm Montessori Nursery shares its Elsfield site with the school’s primary and senior provision; Wolvercote Montessori Nursery offers a separate North Oxford setting. The everyday emphasis is on children choosing activities and learning to do things for themselves.

At Forest Farm, children can attend from their second birthday through to 5/6 years, with up to 20 children in a session and limited places for two-year-olds. Wolvercote caters for ages two to five and is registered for 26 children. These are separate settings, so families should distinguish their locations and attendance arrangements when choosing.

Montessori materials sit alongside the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), linking practical exploration with language, early maths, movement and social development. Children choose their work, while adults observe their interests and plan the next steps. Choice has boundaries. The aim is to build independence through purposeful activity rather than leave children to fill time.

Language learning combines conversation, stories and songs with small circle groups. Older children work on rhymes and building words; Read Write Inc supports phonics teaching, while WellComm assessments track communication and understanding. Counting, matching and exploring patterns give early maths a practical shape. Putting on outdoor clothing becomes another opportunity to practise independence.

The surroundings add substance to that approach. Forest Farm has a private garden, an adventure playground, a greenhouse and willow domes, alongside woodland and meadows. Children spend at least 20% of their time outdoors, exploring wildlife and seasonal changes. A sports barn provides space for play in wet weather. At Wolvercote, natural wooden resources and low shelving make the classroom accessible to children, with outdoor opportunities for gardening, climbing and balancing.

In February 2024, ISI found that early-years children made good progress, sustained attention in chosen activities and joined group learning confidently. Nursery role play about community helpers gave children a way to practise conversation while making sense of the world around them.

Key-person care gives families a consistent link with the teaching team. At Forest Farm, each teacher has key children whose development they observe and whose parents they keep in contact with; Wolvercote also assigns groups of key children to teachers. Both settings use Montessori and Early Years practitioners, with staffing ratios of one teacher to eight children aged three and above, and one to four under three.

Emotional development has a practical outlet too. In February 2024, nursery children used a feelings corner for quiet reflection, and early-years teaching helped them understand their emotions. That gives a child somewhere to pause as well as words for how they feel.

Support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and children learning English as an additional language is part of the nursery curriculum. Observation and early assessment help staff respond to individual development; partnership with families connects that work with the child’s life at home. Wolvercote shares regular progress updates with parents.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception as a separate application through the normal admissions route, meeting the applicable deadline rather than assuming that a nursery place settles the next stage.

Transition planning is a separate matter. Forest Farm takes an individual approach, involving the child, teachers and parents in the decision. Wolvercote children may move to local maintained or independent schools, or to Forest Farm. The educational connection should inform a family’s choice, rather than be read as an admissions entitlement.

Forest Farm’s term-time nursery day runs from 8.30am to 3pm. Early Bird Sessions run from 8am to 8.30am, with limited spaces and an additional charge; Create After School Club extends care from 3pm to 5.30pm at Forest Farm only. Contact the school for current charges.

For holiday care, Create Holiday Club caters for ages three to eleven, from 8.30am to 4.30pm. It operates during school holidays except Christmas and closes on public holidays and school INSET days. This age threshold matters for families choosing nursery care from age two.

Enquiries can go to the Admissions Team or to admin@oxfordmontessori.co.uk. Nursery visits can be booked with each setting’s supervisor. Appointments are required and visits are scheduled for 40 minutes. For Forest Farm, the main entrance is off the B4027.