The Old Rectory Nursery using Montessori Methods

08/05/2026

What do Sir David Attenborough and Dr. Maria Montessori have in common?

Both believed that humans are deeply connected to the environment and that care begins with observation, respect and wonder.

Dr. Maria Montessori taught children to care for the world around them through hands-on connection with nature, beauty, order, and responsibility.

Sir David Attenborough has spent a lifetime helping us see the extraordinary beauty and fragility of our planet.

Both understood that when we help children love and respect the natural world, they grow into adults who will protect it.

Happy 100th birthday, Sir David thank you for inspiring generations to care more deeply for our Earth. 🌿

05/05/2026

Loving our Montessori Mud Den.

Playing in the mud supports creativity, problem-solving and physical development, while also helping our children build resilience and confidence.

It encourages them to connect with nature, take healthy risks and experience the world in a hands-on meaningful way.

At our nursery, we proudly offer a technology-free environment, allowing our little ones the time and space to be present, curious and deeply engaged in real-life experiences like this.

No screens…..just imagination, nature and joyful learning.

05/05/2026

Some of you may remember back in 2019 Pepe Mum went through treatment for cancer.

We’re so proud to share that on 16th May, she will be taking part in the MoonWalk London to raise money for this very special cause.

We would love to support her as a nursery community. If you are able to donate, no matter how small, it would be hugely appreciated 💛

Thank you for your kindness and support.

Mum, I and our close family friends are walking the Moon Walk in London on the 16th of May for Walk the Walk raising money for Breast Cancer, a charity close to our hearts. Mum was diagnosed with brea...

20/04/2026

Respect in a Montessori classroom

Gently teaching children to care for their environment, look after the resources they use and take pride in their space.

That’s why we don’t tidy up for them, the children learn to do it themselves. With guidance and encouragement, they begin to understand responsibility and feel a sense of pride in the space they are part of.

We create calm, homely surroundings where children feel safe, comfortable and at ease.

Classroom etiquette is gently introduced and consistently modelled. Children learn to move carefully around the room, to carry materials with care and to return them ready for the next person.

They begin to understand the importance of not interrupting someone who is concentrating and how to wait patiently for their turn.

Through grace and courtesy, we support children in learning how to treat one another with kindness, respect and consideration. Skills that stay with them far beyond the classroom.

We don’t believe nursery should feel like a classroom.

It should feel like a home.

Our children grow into independent, confident individuals who understand responsibility, respect and pride.

16/04/2026

Today the children enjoyed a simple but meaningful activity pe***ng the washing out on the line. 🌿

This is a lovely example of a Montessori practical life experience, where everyday tasks become opportunities for learning. Activities like this help to develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, concentration and independence.

Most importantly, it reflects our approach where the children are truly at the heart of everything we do. By involving them in real, purposeful tasks, we empower them to feel capable, valued, and proud of their contributions.

Sometimes it’s the simplest moments that offer the richest learning 💛

16/04/2026

Kindness 💛

Today, one of our little ones brought in some stickers to share with a new friend who has just joined us. Such a small gesture, but one that meant so much.

In a Montessori environment, we gently nurture kindness through respect, empathy and everyday moments like these. We support children to care for one another, build friendships and feel a true sense of belonging.

It’s these little acts of kindness that make such a big difference ✨

03/03/2026

This morning, as part of our Montessori Care of Animals curriculum, we enjoyed a wonderful walk down to the farm to meet the baby lambs 🐑

The journey itself was full of excitement and discovery. Along the way we spotted geese and ducks by the water, deer in the distance and horses and cows grazing peacefully in the fields. We even saw tractors hard at work 🚜 and were amazed to watch a helicopter landing nearby!

These real-life experiences help the children develop a respect for animals, an understanding of where food comes from and a connection to the natural world around them. It was a morning full of curiosity and conversation.

01/03/2026

Six Years of Miss Clare 🥰

Six years at The Old Rectory door
and it feels like you’ve been here forevermore.
You bring the calm, the care, the steady way,
the quiet strength that shapes each day.

You don’t just work here. You hold the place,
with gentle hands and steady grace.
Safe and warm, where children grow,
learning who they are and who they’ll know.

You build their confidence, help them believe,
give them roots before they leave.
Not just lessons, not just plans,
but life skills shaped by caring hands.

For parents too, you’re always there,
with listening ears and patient care.
A calm, kind voice when days feel long,
making worries feel less strong.

For staff, you’re steady, kind and true,
a quiet strength that pulls us through.
Supportive, grounded, firm but fair,
the kind of leader people trust and share.

Six years of love. Six years of light.
Six years of making things feel right.

Happy 6th anniversary, Miss Clare🤍

25/02/2026

💪🌟 Fitness February! 🌟

This month, as part of our Additional Enrichment. Fitness February, we are proud to be supporting Miss Clare in her annual fundraiser for Cancer Research UK.

Miss Clare is taking on a squat challenge and the children have been busy helping her reach her goal!

They’ve been joining in with fun, age-appropriate movement activities that support their physical development, promote wellbeing and help them begin to understand the importance of helping others in our community. 🏃‍♀️🤸‍♂️

We love seeing the children cheering Miss Clare on and strengthening their own muscles at the same time!

If any parents or families would like to support this wonderful cause, donations can be made via Miss Clare’s fundraising page below. Every contribution, no matter how small, is hugely appreciated and helps support the vital work of Cancer Research UK. ❤️

👉 https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/clares-giving-page-22838

Thank you for your continued support!