Montem Academy Nursery Review

Learning sounds and getting to grips with mathematics begin in Montem Academy's nursery. The emphasis is on early learning supported by adults who understand young children, alongside developing the concentration needed to take part. This is nursery provision within a primary school on Chalvey Grove in Slough, rather than a separate setting.

At the inspection on 28 February and 1 March 2023, Ofsted found that children in early years developed sustained attention and made a positive beginning. For parents, those findings give the nursery a clear educational character: learning to listen matters alongside what children learn.

Sounds and mathematical skills are concrete starting points here. In February and March 2023, nursery children received knowledgeable adult help with both. That combination matters because it puts early language learning and number skills together, rather than presenting preparation for school as reading alone.

Listening also receives attention. Children in early years could stay focused on their work, giving them opportunities to engage with learning for more than a fleeting moment. For a parent considering a first school experience, the useful distinction is between simply encountering an activity and being supported to concentrate on it.

The nursery's educational character therefore rests on two connected features: help with specific learning and the development of attention. Adults support children as they begin working with sounds and mathematics; children's listening and concentration help them participate. These are practical foundations for taking part in learning with other children.

Adult support is central to the nursery findings from February and March 2023. Staff combined understanding of children's learning with care, so the early work on sounds and mathematics had support behind it. The implication for families is that the learning described here depends on adult involvement, rather than children being left to manage new skills independently.

Behaviour expectations begin in early years too. In February and March 2023, standards were exceptionally high at this stage. This gives the nursery's emphasis on concentration a social dimension: children are developing ways of participating as well as acquiring early knowledge.

The Park Federation also aims to respect families of every background and recognise each child's individuality. That is an inclusive intention, relevant to families considering whether the setting's values fit their own.

Separate admissions. Attending Montem Academy's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline.

Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two decisions. The nursery's early learning can be considered on its own merits; attendance must not be treated as confirmation of where a child will start school.

Montem Academy is on Chalvey Grove, Slough, SL1 2TE. Nursery enquiries can go to the academy office by telephone on 01753 528050 or by email at maoffice@theparkfederation.org. These direct contact details give families a straightforward route to begin an enquiry about joining the nursery.