The Caterpillar Montessori Nursery School

At The Caterpillar Montessori we feel that all children have the right to an educational start which offers them the best opportunities to attain their full potential. A child’s first school experience has a great effect on their future feelings concerning school and the learning process and we hope that your child will enjoy the encouraging and enthusiastic atmosphere that the school offers, leading them to grow and develop through our caring and educational environment. The School has been operating since September 1989 and is Ofsted registered and inspected – our last inspection was in November 2013. We gained MEAB Accreditation in March 2011. This acknowledges our commitment to the Montessori philosophy within our prepared environment allowing a child’s natural path of development. We cater for the needs of the local families in the community from a range of backgrounds and cultures. We want children to feel safe in the absence of their parents, to recognise other adults as a source of authority, help and friendship and to be able to share with others the new learning experiences enjoyed at the nursery. Our philosophy is based on Dr Maria Montessori’s (1870-1952) child observations to produce a happy and stimulating environment where each child is treated as an individual who is encouraged to develop at their own pace discovering their own abilities with the guidance of the staff. The majority of our staff hold a Montessori Diploma and we maintain a warm and homely atmosphere with a good team spirit. We combine the Montessori method of education with the Early Years Foundation Stage.