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Nursery at Cobham Montessori School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Choosing work, tending vegetables and caring for the classroom give Cobham Montessori’s Children’s House its distinctive character. This is the nursery provision within an independent school, following the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) tradition. Independence is practised through everyday tasks.
The Children’s House covers 30 months to six years, while the school welcomes applications from age two. Group placement takes account of a child’s development after discussion with parents. Across the whole school, the limit is 35 full-time-equivalent places, with group size shaped by children’s needs. That figure is a school-wide limit, rather than a nursery allocation. Ofsted rated early years provision Outstanding at the inspection of 23 to 25 September 2025.
Montessori gives children choices within clear boundaries. In September 2025, children were learning to select activities, locate materials themselves and give others time to finish using them. Independence includes consideration for other people. Adults guide the process rather than leaving children to manage alone.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for assessing younger children’s development. It covers relationships and emotions, movement and communication, alongside early number work, literacy, creativity and understanding the world. For parents, this means progress is considered across everyday development as well as emerging academic skills.
Outdoor work is an option children can choose. A kitchen garden provides fruit and vegetable growing, while the lawn has climbing equipment, a pond and a mud kitchen. There is also a secure play area with an all-weather surface. These spaces give children different ways to explore beyond the classroom.
Cooking, sports and Yoganory feature in Children’s House afternoons, with specialist visiting teachers providing activities included in the fees. A July 2026 example shows the practical character of the learning: children used brushes, dusters and spray bottles to clean their classroom, and made paper Calla Lilies for Sports Day. Making things and looking after shared space sit alongside formal learning.
Settling starts with a short visit involving parent and child. Further settling days begin with a parent present before the child stays independently, making separation gradual. Families receive feedback during the opening weeks. At lunchtime, children bring packed lunches and eat together, giving the meal a social purpose as well as a practical one.
Additional needs should be discussed at the first enquiry so that support can be considered before entry. Lead Guides and the SENDCo share responsibility for identifying needs and planning support; parents have termly meetings, and specialist advice can be sought with their consent. Admission depends on whether suitable support and resources can be provided. Where applicable, families may be asked to fund specialist assessments or individual support if the child cannot access Surrey Local Offer services.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm Reception arrangements directly with the school.
The school usually gives preference to siblings, families intending to stay through primary education and families with a genuine interest in Montessori. That preference should be understood separately from a guaranteed Reception place. For children with SEND moving to another setting, the SENDCo liaises with potential next providers to plan the transition with families.
Term-time attendance can combine mornings and afternoons. Children under three usually start with at least two mornings each week unless agreed otherwise; the normal Children’s House expectation is at least five sessions weekly.
The Children’s House timetable runs mornings from 8:45am to noon, with lunch until 1pm. Afternoons end at 3:15pm Monday to Thursday and 1:40pm on Friday. Charging definitions use an 8:30am morning start and a 12:15pm afternoon start, so agree the booked attendance pattern when arranging a place.
Funding arrangements distinguish 15-hour and 30-hour EYFE entitlements. Charges for provision beyond the grant include snack food, trips, additional time, Montessori provision and extracurricular activities. FEET-funded children pay no fees. A lunch-hour charge does not apply when a child attends the afternoon session. Ask the school for current charges.
Use the admissions enquiry form for places and visits. Parents’ Information Sessions take place each term, offering a chance to understand the approach before applying.
The Children’s House spans 30 months to six years. The school accepts applications from age two, with group placement discussed according to development.
Yes, below normal school starting age. Under-threes usually begin with at least two mornings weekly unless agreed otherwise; the normal Children’s House expectation is at least five sessions a week.
Children bring packed lunches and eat together. Snack food is among the extras charged for provision beyond EYFE grant funding.
No. Confirm Reception arrangements directly with the school. The school’s preference for families staying through primary education should not be treated as a guarantee.
Complete the admissions enquiry form. Parents’ Information Sessions are held each term, and enquiries are invited to attend an Open Day.
