Food
All home-cooked meals, snacks, teas, nappies and wipes are included in the fees. Fully funded children must bring a packed lunch and provide their own nappies and wipes.
Bardfield Montessori Day Nursery, located in Great Bardfield near Braintree, offers a nurturing and stimulating environment for children from 6 months up to school age. Housed in a charming converted barn on Bluegates Farm, the nursery benefits from its countryside surroundings, providing ample opportunities for outdoor exploration, including interaction with farm animals and nature walks.
" Children have the freedom to move between indoor and outdoor spaces, selecting activities that align with their individual developmental pace and interests. The nursery prides itself on a dedicated team of long-serving and qualified staff, including degree-level educated Director and Manager, who are committed to delivering exceptional care and early experiences.
They emphasise creating a joyful classroom atmosphere where children develop confidence, politeness, and a readiness for new challenges. The nursery aims to support each child in reaching their full potential, embracing diversity and providing inclusive education.
Parents are viewed as key partners in their child’s education and are encouraged to participate in nursery life.
Our ethos
The nursery's educational approach is rooted in the Montessori curriculum, utilising a "prepared environment" to encourage independent learning. They foster a joyful atmosphere where children can freely explore indoor and outdoor spaces, choosing activities that match their developmental pace and interests, aiming to build confidence, politeness, and readiness for challenges. Bardfield Montessori also values parents as essential partners in their child's education.
What it's like
Children show exceedingly high levels of confidence and independence, using complex words and asking many questions that demonstrate curiosity and eagerness to learn. They handle real-life resources with care and use their imaginative skills to create elaborate play scenarios. Babies consistently work above expected levels of development, showcasing their ability to use small beakers and pour milk from glass jugs.
Fees are calculated using a flat hourly rate regardless of the child's age, combined with a daily charge for the Integrated Montessori Package. Charges are billed as a fixed monthly amount. Government funding is accepted and stretched across the entire year.
Funding accepted
Good to know
Food
All home-cooked meals, snacks, teas, nappies and wipes are included in the fees. Fully funded children must bring a packed lunch and provide their own nappies and wipes.
Waitlist
Waiting list operates; priority given to full-time, all-year-round attendees, then staff children, and siblings of existing children.
Opening hours
Monday to Friday, 07:30-18:00, 51 weeks a year (closed between Christmas and New Year).
Age range
6 months to compulsory school age
Term time / All Year
All Year
Last inspected 13 April 2022
What it's like to attend
Children show exceedingly high levels of confidence and independence, using complex words and asking many questions that demonstrate curiosity and eagerness to learn. They handle real-life resources with care and use their imaginative skills to create elaborate play scenarios. Babies consistently work above expected levels of development, showcasing their ability to use small beakers and pour milk from glass jugs.
Inspector highlights
Inclusion & environment
Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive excellent levels of support. Staff meet with professionals, such as special educational needs coordinators and the local authority, who work alongside parents to support children.
Children's welfare and physical health are exceptionally well supported. Babies wear all-in-one suits to protect their clothes while they crawl, climb and generally enjoy getting messy in the extensive outdoor area. Older children immerse themselves in more physically demanding play as they challenge themselves to balance and climb between different sized tree trunk stumps.
Most recent inspection
13 April 2022
Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.
View full Ofsted reportOther Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Bardfield Montessori Day Nursery.
Braintree · CM7 4BP
Dunmow · CM6 3TD
Dunmow · CM6 3SH
Saffron Walden · CB10 2SA
Thaxted · CM6 2NJ
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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more