Our Montessori Approach to Early Years Education
At Les Petites Étoiles, we offer a warm and inspiring environment where children experience a true Montessori early years education. Recognised by many families as one of the best Montessori nurseries in London, our approach is rooted in authentic materials, expert guidance, and a deep respect for each child’s natural curiosity.
A Strong Partnership with Parents
We recognise that parents are the first and most important educators in a child’s life. That’s why our Montessori childcare philosophy places great emphasis on working in partnership with families. We welcome open communication and make every effort to respect family traditions and individual childcare preferences — as long as they align with the nurturing ethos of our nursery.
Genuine Montessori Materials & Philosophy
We are proud to be a Montessori nursery in London that invests in the full range of authentic, carefully crafted Montessori materials. These are not only beautiful and inviting — often made from natural wood — but also designed to support each child’s development through purposeful hands-on learning.
Unlike many nurseries that adopt Montessori-inspired methods, our classrooms are fully equipped with genuine materials that reflect the true spirit of Montessori early education.
Individualised Learning Plans for Every Child
Each child is supported by a dedicated Key Person who closely observes their development, interests, and learning style. Based on these observations, we create a personalised learning plan that meets your child where they are — and supports them in becoming independent, confident, and capable.
This tailored approach is one of the defining features of our Montessori day nursery model.
Independence and Confidence Through Practical Life
In our thoughtfully prepared environment, children are introduced to real-world tasks using specially designed Montessori practical life materials. These activities help them develop fine motor skills, concentration, and most importantly, the confidence to say, “I can do it myself.”
This focus on Montessori independence-building encourages children to take ownership of their learning and self-care from an early age.
Developing Motor Skills and Deep Focus
Using the Montessori sensorial apparatus and a wide range of creative tools, children develop both gross and fine motor skills in a relaxed, supportive setting. From working with clay and messy play to mastering delicate tasks like pouring and sorting, every activity is a chance to build confidence and focus.
We carefully track each child’s progress, gently introducing new challenges when they are ready — not before.
Building Strong Foundations in Language and Numeracy
We introduce language and numeracy gradually and naturally through stories, songs, and games. Montessori materials are used to teach the alphabet phonetically, while numbers and early maths are introduced when each child is developmentally ready.
Children are encouraged to participate in small and large group discussions, helping them build a wide vocabulary and become articulate, confident communicators.
A Complete Curriculum: Montessori + EYFS
As a Montessori preschool in London, we combine the strengths of the Montessori method with the national Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Our curriculum covers all seven key areas of development, ensuring children are ready for Reception — and often beyond.Children remain with us up to the term after they start reception. We support each child in meeting (and often exceeding) the Early Learning Goals.
Celebrating Diversity and World Culture
We believe a well-rounded education includes cultural understanding. Our classrooms include real-life images, clothing, food, and music from around the world. These multicultural activities broaden children’s horizons and foster respect for different traditions, people, and perspectives.
Geography, Nature, and the Wider World
Children are introduced to geography and science through hands-on Montessori resources like puzzle maps, globes, and land/water form models. We also explore concepts such as air, soil, and water, while introducing flags and cultural symbols from every continent.
Our Montessori nursery curriculum helps children see the world with wonder and curiosity.
Biology, Botany & Real-Life Experiences
We bring science to life with puzzles and models that teach children about animals, plants, trees, and life cycles. Real experiences — like raising butterflies, seeing chicks hatch in an incubator in the classroom, or growing plants from seed — allow children to connect deeply with nature. Our nursery becomes a window into the wonders of the natural world.
History, the Solar System & Creative Exploration
Montessori timeline stories introduce children to concepts of time and history, from the dinosaurs to the modern world. We also explore the solar system using songs and interactive projects — including the ever-popular papier-mâché planets that children love to craft and arrange.
This integrated approach brings science, history, and storytelling together in an engaging, age-appropriate way.
Trips, Events & Experiences Beyond the Classroom
Throughout the year, we organise trips to places like the local library and nature spots — as well as a celebratory end-of-year excursion for children and their families. These outings extend the learning experience beyond the classroom and provide joyful shared memories for everyone involved.
Education for Life: The Montessori Way
Our goal is to offer more than a preschool experience — we want to nurture a lifelong love of learning. At this crucial stage, a child’s mind is at its most absorbent. Our experienced and caring staff are here to guide, support, and inspire — providing a Montessori early years education that builds the foundation for confident, curious, and capable learners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Montessori early years education?
Montessori early years education is a child-led approach that encourages independence, curiosity, and hands-on learning. At Les Petites Étoiles, we use authentic Montessori materials and trained educators to support each child’s natural development in a calm, respectful environment.
How is a Montessori nursery different from other nurseries?
Montessori nurseries focus on individualised learning plans, real-life tasks, and uninterrupted periods of concentration. Instead of group-led instruction, children choose their own activities from a carefully prepared environment — which helps build confidence, focus, and independence from an early age.
What are Montessori materials and how are they used?
Montessori materials are specially designed tools made to support learning through exploration. At our nursery, children use wooden puzzles, sensory activities, and real-life objects to develop motor skills, maths concepts, language, and more — all at their own pace.
Do children learn maths and reading in Montessori nurseries?
Yes, but in a more natural, child-centred way. We introduce language and numeracy through phonics, songs, stories, and hands-on materials. Children are never rushed — they begin when they’re ready, and build strong foundations through meaningful, play-based learning.
Is the Montessori method suitable for young toddlers?
Absolutely. The Montessori approach works beautifully in early years settings. Even our youngest children benefit from structured freedom, sensory exploration, and the calm, respectful routines that help them develop focus and independence right from the start.
How do Montessori nurseries support different learning styles?
Every child is unique — and that’s central to the Montessori philosophy. At Les Petites Étoiles, each child is observed closely by their Key Person, who creates a personalised plan to support their interests, pace, and learning style. This helps every child reach their full potential.
How do Montessori nurseries build independence?
We introduce daily routines and practical life activities — like pouring water, putting on coats, or preparing snacks — that empower children to do things for themselves. This focus on real-world skills builds confidence, coordination, and a sense of responsibility.
Do Montessori nurseries support creative learning?
Definitely. In addition to structured activities, children enjoy art, music, messy play, storytelling, and science experiments. From painting planets to raising butterflies, we nurture imagination and curiosity in every area of learning.
What age should my child start Montessori nursery?
Montessori works best when started early — many children join us between 6 months and 2 years old. The earlier they’re introduced to the environment, the more naturally they develop habits of independence, focus, and joyful learning that last a lifetime.
