Our philosophy
We believe children learn best with freedom, not instruction
Every child at Claygate Montessori School chooses their own activities from a wide range of genuine Montessori materials, working at whatever pace suits them. Teachers guide rather than direct, stepping in to encourage and answer questions, not to tell children what to do next.
Read on to see how that same belief shapes settling in, a typical session, and everyday life at the school.
5.0 from 5 parent reviews · Ofsted Rated Outstanding
How we settle children in
Settling in at your child's own pace
Settling in is gradual and paced to your child, not fixed to a set number of days. Sessions build up as your child feels ready, with staff getting to know them, what reassures them, and how they like to spend their time.
This is a small, independent school, so your child is cared for by a familiar, experienced team from day one, not passed between changing faces.
Our commitment
If settling is taking longer than expected, we slow down and give it more time. There is no pressure to rush. We keep you in the loop throughout and adjust the approach based on what we observe.
Before day one
Your key person calls you
A short call before your child starts. We want to understand their sleep routine, what comforts them, what they love. We build the first week around what you tell us.
Days 1 to 3
Short visits with you present
You stay close while your child begins to explore. No pressure to leave until everyone feels ready. We watch carefully and get to know what your child needs.
Days 4 to 6
First short separations
Brief, calm goodbyes. We work with you on a simple and consistent farewell so your child begins to understand that you always come back.
Days 7 to 10
Building the routine
Sessions get longer. Your child starts to have a familiar face, a familiar sequence, and a familiar place. We share what we are noticing and stay in close contact.
End of week 2
Check-in with your key person
A conversation to share what we have observed and hear how things feel at home. If we feel your child needs more time, we take it. Settling cannot be rushed.
Day 30
How is it going
A sit-down to talk through how your child is doing, what they are enjoying, and what is coming next. An honest conversation, not a sign-off.
We understand what keeps you up at night
The questions every parent asks, answered honestly
These are not hypothetical worries. They come up on every single tour. Here is exactly how we address each one.
“Will my child cry every morning?”
Most children do in the first few days. That is completely normal. What matters is what happens next. Our 10-day Calm Start programme is designed to gently turn those early nerves into confidence. Within a couple of weeks, most children walk in happily and head straight to their key person.
“Will anyone really know my child?”
Before your child starts, their key person will call you for a short chat. We learn everything that helps them feel safe and settled: favourite games, comfort objects, sleep routines, little quirks. Your key person is the familiar face at drop-off and the person who keeps you updated at pick-up.
“What if they refuse to eat anything?”
Fussy eating at nursery is very common at first. We never force children to eat. Instead we offer the same nutritious meals in a relaxed, social setting each day. Once children see their friends enjoying food, most naturally start to try new things within a few weeks.
“How do you handle illness?”
We follow UKHSA guidance closely so our decisions are always clear and consistent. You will never receive a confusing or unexpected call. We explain our illness policy from the start so you know exactly what to expect. It helps keep everyone safe and avoids unnecessary worry.
“Will nursery ruin their sleep routine?”
Before your child starts we talk through their sleep routine together. We create a simple sleep plan that works for them, including nap times, calming wind-down routines and a quiet sleep space aligned with NHS safe sleep guidance. In the first few weeks we adjust things gently based on how your child responds.
“I will spend the whole day wondering if they are okay”
We send a daily update so you know how your child's day has been. You will see how they slept, what they ate, their activities and how they were feeling. In the first week we also send a quick reassurance update after drop-off, so you know they have settled happily.
How we build trust
What keeping children safe looks like in practice
Every nursery says children come first. Here is how we make that real every day at Claygate Montessori School.
The things that quietly keep children safe
Paediatric first aiders are on site at all times. Every sleeping child has regular sleep checks. Our illness policy follows NHS guidance so decisions are always clear and consistent. Allergy action plans are agreed with parents before a child starts and reviewed together regularly. If a safeguarding concern ever arises, it is referred immediately. No exceptions.
Honest communication, not brochure language
You can see our Ofsted report, meal menus, staff ratios and policies in full. If something goes wrong, we tell you the same day and explain exactly what happened and what we have done about it. Parents should never feel left guessing.
Experienced staff who stay
High staff turnover is one of the biggest hidden risks in childcare. We invest heavily in our team through training, supervision and professional development. Many of our staff have been here for years. When children see the same trusted adults each day, they feel secure and confident.
Funding and fees, handled clearly
We manage your 15 or 30 hours funding directly with the local authority. We remind you when codes need renewing and explain exactly how funding works. Invoices are simple and transparent. No hidden extras and no unexpected charges.
Safety and trust are built through small decisions every day. We are always happy to talk through any questions when you visit.
Book a tourWhat parents say
- ★★★★★
“When I visited other preschools with Emilio I didn't feel comfortable, like they were that eager for him to be there. I worried as he has autism and I was already anxious about sending him to school. As soon as I visited you I felt so much better. You were welcoming, friendly and accepting. I never had any issues with Emilio at school and I always felt like you all put his needs first and went out of your way to accommodate him. He absolutely loved school and I didn't worry about him at all when he was there. Now with Alvario I feel exactly the same. He loves it and I feel comfortable dropping him off knowing that he's with lovely people and safe. I would recommend Claygate Montessori to everyone and anyone with young children.”
Alvario Jimenez-Wallace
- ★★★★★
“We sent my daughter to Montessori mid pandemic after we moved to Claygate and haven't looked back. The staff are incredible and very understanding about our daughter's medical needs. Her progress since she started nursery has been amazing and her speech and language skills have come on leaps and bounds. It is a really nurturing environment and I love the fact that they don't separate the children by age group so they all get to interact together. The Little Kickers and French lessons are a great addition to the regular programme and my daughter seems to really love them. We are delighted that our little girl is able to attend such a wonderful nursery where she is so well cared for.”
Ruth Westlake
- ★★★★★
“Amazing nursery, and the staff don't get enough credit for the love, care and devotion they give to the children. Elyse started primary school today and if it wasn't for you, she wouldn't have been ready or confident enough to go.”
Melissa Bennett
Come and see us
Come and see a Montessori session for yourself
Come and see the classroom, meet the team, and get a feel for how your child would spend a session with us.