Each of the rooms – Little Pips (ages 0-2), Little Buds (ages 2 to 3) and Butterflies (ages 3-4) is led by a senior member of staff who is supported by our highly experienced and qualified nursery practitioners. We also have a special Montessori classroom for one to one or group sessions.
From the moment they arrive until the moment they leave us to start school, the children at Little Pippins Montessori Nursery School receive all the emotional, educational and social support they need to prepare them for the next stage of their learning journey.
We are passionate about the journey we provide and like to ensure that each child starts this feeling calm and enjoying the experience, that’s why we offer our settling in package tailored to the needs of each individual child and family.
At the first settling in session, we invite you to stay with your child so that they can familiarise themselves with the environment they will be in and the key workers who will care for them, whilst still having a familiar face nearby. As your child becomes more comfortable in the nursery, you will be able to leave your child for short periods of time to build their confidence ready for a full session at nursery.
During your settling in visits, we will ensure that we understand your child’s individual needs and routine, along with their likes and interests so that we can tailor activities to support their development. We suggest two settling in sessions and these are free of charge.
We use online software to share evidence of your child’s daily learning experiences and links to your child’s development. We strive to develop a collaborative partnership, sharing information and maintaining continuity of care between home and our nursery setting. We also use newsletters, social media, emails, open days and more to support and maintain this vital communication.
The children receive refreshments and snacks throughout the day as well as a nutritious hot meal at lunchtime which is cooked in our kitchen.
We very much follow your baby’s home routine in Little Pips. In the very early years, children love to see, hear, touch and taste, so we ensure we stimulate all their senses, whether that’s listening to music, looking at stories, getting hands on with messy play or eating our lovely home-cooked food.
They can also sleep in a quiet corner when it’s time for a nap , with their sleep times being monitored, and when they are ready to go again, as well as our lovely indoor area, they have plenty of space outside to explore the world around them.
Only when we feel children are physically and emotionally ready to move to the next room in the main school building – Little Buds – do we begin the transitioning process, which involves ‘trial’ visits and introducing children to their new environment. Once we know they are happy, then move permanently to their next stage of their learning journey and all this is done via close liaison with parents.
At this stage of their early years development, we start to introduce a basic routine, so they are ready for their eventual move to pre-school (Butterflies).
Our toddlers benefit from many areas and whilst the emphasis is still very much about learning through play, we do begin to introduce more structure. The children are offered access to musical instruments, paint, messy play, outdoor provision and walks around the grounds. They can also continue to nap in a quiet corner.
When they are ready, we offer a more structured approach in terms of the Montessori materials in preparation for the transition to our Butterflies Room, which again is done in conjunction with parents.
The day starts with arrival & free play and we take a daily registration followed by songs, calendar and weather in circle time and lots of other activities, whether that’s tap dancing lessons, arts and craft , yoga, music lessons, PE, or playing outside.
To be consistent with the Montessori Method and the importance of promoting independence the children eat their lunch and snacks using glass and crockery along with real utensils, They help to set the table and tidy away after themselves including washing up and sweeping the floor.