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Nursery at Grantham Farm 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Pouring, polishing and choosing an activity from the shelves give independence a practical meaning at the Children’s House. This is the nursery class at Grantham Farm Montessori School in Baughurst, with children aged 2–4.5 learning together. They remain until the July following their fourth birthday.
A converted barn houses the nursery’s open-plan classroom beside the primary classroom. The garden has paving and grass on a single level, giving outdoor learning a substantial physical setting. In September 2025, Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding. That is an early years judgement within the school inspection.
Choice shapes the day. Children select activities, work alone or with others, then put materials back for the next child. Adult-guided learning sits alongside this independent work. Morning snack fits around each child’s activity rather than interrupting everyone together; packed lunch separates morning learning from the afternoon.
The Montessori curriculum covers the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In everyday terms, children practise movement, communication and relationships alongside early reading and number work. Threading and pouring develop coordination and concentration; sensory materials explore colour, shape and texture. Maths begins with objects children can handle before moving towards written numbers. In September 2025, younger children used songs, rhymes and stories daily, with phonics introduced when each child was ready.
French uses games and songs, while classroom instruments support music and drama. Painting, cutting and printing give children further ways to express ideas. Outside, the nature garden and woodland support exploration through the seasons. Growing vegetables and learning about bees and butterflies connect that exploration to caring for living things. Mini-tennis, gymnastics, rugby and football add structured movement. This gives families a concrete picture of learning through activity, rather than a day built around sitting and listening.
Two introductory mornings precede a child’s start, with parents staying or leaving according to the child’s needs. Settling then proceeds at a pace agreed with the family. The team includes early years educators and a Montessori assistant teacher.
My Montessori Child gives parents access to photographs and developmental records; termly parent meetings provide another opportunity to discuss progress. SEND support involves the key person, the special educational needs coordinator and parents in assessing needs and planning action. Support plans are reviewed every three weeks, so adjustments have a regular review point.
Morning and afternoon snacks include fruit, vegetables, cheese and oatcakes. Water accompanies snacks and children can help themselves throughout the day. Children have a packed lunch. Food is therefore part of both the care routine and the practical organisation families need to plan.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal route for their chosen school and meet its deadline. For the independent Grantham Farm class, admissions involve two introductory mornings; place offers prioritise age readiness, registration order and siblings already attending the school.
Transition support is a separate matter. Children gradually move towards the Grantham Farm class or leave for another school, and the nursery works with local schools to prepare children for that next step. Familiarity and preparation should not be mistaken for an admission entitlement.
Term-time attendance offers mornings ending at 12.30pm, morning with lunch ending at 2pm, or full days ending at 3pm. Start options are 8.15am, 8.30am and 9am. After-school clubs run from 3pm to 4pm, with choices including art, sport and board games. Attendance days depend on space and cannot be guaranteed.
The school offers 15 funded hours weekly over 35 weeks for eligible two-year-olds and all three- and four-year-olds. Additional private hours are charged separately. Food, consumables and additional activities are itemised extras; these are optional and cannot be a condition of a place. Contact the school for current charges.
Logo polo shirts and sweatshirts are available new or pre-loved; uniform is optional for children receiving 15 funded hours. Personal tours can be booked with your child. Enquiries go to info@montessorigranthamfarm.co.uk or 07388 801 575.
The nursery covers ages 2–4.5, with children staying until the July after their fourth birthday.
Two-year-olds attend at least two mornings weekly, rising to three mornings in the term before their third birthday. For three-year-olds, the minimum is four mornings or the equivalent of 16 hours; for four-year-olds, it is four mornings and two afternoons or the equivalent of 21 hours. Attendance requirements can be discussed case by case.
Children have two introductory mornings before starting. Parents may stay according to their child’s needs, and settling continues at an individual pace.
Morning and afternoon snacks are provided, with water available throughout the day. Children have a packed lunch.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal route for their chosen school. Transition preparation does not guarantee admission.
