--- title: "Castalia Montessori Day Nursery and Preschool, London" url: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/castalia-montessori-day-nursery-and-preschool-e14-3ng-ey470006 description: "Castalia Montessori Day Nursery and Preschool in London — rated Good by Ofsted. See fees, opening hours, photos and contact details. Compare nearby nurseries." lang: en-GB --- Nursery Advice: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/ Claim Your Nursery: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/claim # Castalia Montessori Day Nursery and Preschool Ofsted: Good (May 2023) · 3.2 (5 Google reviews) · 21/23 Castalia Square, Docklands, London, E14 3NG · Tower Hamlets Number of places 26 places Age range 1–4 yrs Last inspected May 2023 Local authority Tower Hamlets ## About this early years setting Castalia Montessori Day Nursery and Preschool, situated in the heart of Tower Hamlets and a short walk from Canary Wharf, has been providing childcare for over 20 years. Formerly known as Headstart Day Nursery, it serves the E14 area and surrounding communities. The nursery is praised for its warm and kind staff who encourage happy, independent play by offering a diverse range of activities tailored to children's interests, as noted in their "Good" Ofsted report from 2023. The Montessori approach is central to their philosophy, fostering independence and self-esteem through a prepared environment that empowers children. The facility benefits from its location in an award-winning 1950s square with proximity to free open spaces and local parks, as well as convenient parking options for drop-offs and pick-ups. Castalia Montessori also emphasises parent partnership, encouraging families to be actively involved in their child's learning journey through tools like the EyLog Parent App, which provides updates on observations and development. They offer flexible booking patterns and a variety of funding options to support families. Our ethos Castalia Montessori Day Nursery and Preschool's philosophy is rooted in the Montessori approach, which fosters independence and self-esteem. They aim to create a prepared environment that empowers children, encouraging happy, independent play through activities tailored to their interests. The nursery also values parent partnership, actively involving families in their child's learning journey. What it's like Children arrive happily at this warm and welcoming setting and confidently separate from their parents, showing they feel safe and secure. Staff have high expectations for all children, who make good progress from their individual starting points and show positive attitudes to learning. Children receive lots of praise from staff, which helps to build their confidence and self-esteem. Montessori Approach Good Ofsted Rating Flexible Booking Parent Partnership ## Pricing & funding Funding accepted 15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds 15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs) 30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs) Pricing on request This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability. ## Key facts Opening hours 8.00am - 6.00pm (Mon - Fri) Term time / All Year All Year Registered with Ofsted 2014 Ofsted Inspection ## Ofsted rating for Castalia Montessori Day Nursery and Preschool Last inspected 31 May 2023 · Sapfo Pantzaki Safeguarding effective Overall effectiveness Good Quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good What it's like to attend Inspector highlights - Children arrive happily and feel safe and secure, forming strong bonds with staff. - Children make good progress and show positive attitudes to learning. - Opportunities for fine and gross motor skills development are excellent. - Communication and language development is a key priority, with staff reading enthusiastically and children engaged in singing sessions. - Partnership with parents is effective, with leaders supporting the whole family and signposting services. Areas to develop - 1 continue to develop staff's interactions with children to help enhance children's critical thinking skills even further. Inspection #10285975 · Source: Ofsted View full Ofsted report (https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50222751) Inclusion & environment ## How they support every child SEND provision All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are making good progress from their starting points. The staff team and leaders work closely with parents and outside professionals to identify and support children to achieve to the best of their ability. Outdoor space Children have excellent opportunities to develop their gross motor skills. During the day, they spend time in the garden, where they use bicycles, scooters and balls to build their physical skills. EAL / language support All children, including those who speak English as additional language, are making good progress from their starting points. The staff team and leaders work closely with parents and outside professionals to identify and support children to achieve to the best of their ability. ## Google Reviews of Castalia Montessori Day Nursery and Preschool 3.2 (5 Google reviews) alan chen 5 months ago Our three children have been attending Castalia Montessori since 2019, and we couldn’t be happier with the care they’ve received. They have always been well looked after, learning and making friends happily in a nurturing environment. While the premises may not look as polished as some other nurseries in the area, the real strength here is the staff. The turnover is very low, and Karen has been there since we first started — her and the team’s consistency and dedication are the main reasons we felt confident sending both our second and third children here. Every morning, our children feel extremely comfortable going in, which speaks volumes about the atmosphere. Communication is excellent too; we are contacted immediately if anything requires our attention. The only small downside this year is the limited number of pre-school children, which makes the setting more suited to younger age groups. That said, the quality of care and the stability of the staff more than make up for it. Highly recommended for families looking for a safe, caring, and consistent nursery experience. Read on Google (https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2xoUlgyTmZWWFEyUzJad1drdDFhR2sxVGs1SllsRRAB!2m1!1s0x2971ea9c81e3fa8d:0x4138d7b3a9810d85) S Ali 5 months ago This place has supported not just 1 of my boys but 3 of them. My youngest has started in September and there was worries with speech delay as he wasnt babbling at all at the age of 2. Since speaking to Karen and the team, he has progressed quickly where words are clear and positive. Cannot thank them enough for how happy the kids are and settled. Read on Google (https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2sxRVdqWXhlR3B4UjNsWmFFZDRlVzVpUlY5YWVtYxAB!2m1!1s0x2971ea9c81e3fa8d:0x4138d7b3a9810d85) Ess Kay 8 months ago Very unprofessional. Booked a viewing for the nursery (as advised). Turned up on the day and there was no one there to open the doors. Stood in the cold with my child for 15+ mins waiting for someone from reception to call back. Not only did they not call back, but they would not pick up subsequent calls. Terrible first impression and a reflection of what’s to come. Will not be going ahead with the application. Read on Google (https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2xGV2VrWnJTMnhPT1ZoelJsZ3RhVmRoY0haRlRGRRAB!2m1!1s0x2971ea9c81e3fa8d:0x4138d7b3a9810d85) Faj Ali 7 months ago Read on Google (https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2pCV1YwcDBiVUZLWDJNeGVHSmZlWGx2V25ObmJYYxAB!2m1!1s0x2971ea9c81e3fa8d:0x4138d7b3a9810d85) WENYU CHEN a year ago Read on Google (https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURBLU1LOU9REAE!2m1!1s0x2971ea9c81e3fa8d:0x4138d7b3a9810d85) Reviews from Google for Castalia Montessori Day Nursery and Preschool. See all on Google Maps (https://maps.google.com/?cid=4699743377804037509&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) Inspection history Date: July 2014 - May 2023 Good - October 2017 Outstanding - July 2014 Good ## Frequently asked about Castalia Montessori Day Nursery and Preschool ### Where is Castalia Montessori Day Nursery and Preschool located? ### What are the main strengths of this nursery? ### What are the opening hours at Castalia Montessori Day Nursery and Preschool? ### Does Castalia Montessori Day Nursery and Preschool have an Ofsted rating? ### How does Castalia Montessori Day Nursery and Preschool support children with SEND? ## Nearby day nurseries in London Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Castalia Montessori Day Nursery and Preschool. - Ofsted: Good <0.2 mi ### Rise 'N' Shine Nursery London · E14 9TS 4.8(71 Google reviews) https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/rise-n-shine-nursery-ltd-e14-9ts-2780379 - Ofsted: Good <0.2 mi ### Wonder Haven London · E14 9TS 5.0(38 Google reviews) https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/wonder-haven-e14-9ts-2668774 - Ofsted: Good <0.2 mi ### KidsLab Day Nursery and Preschool London · E14 9TS 5.0(50 Google reviews) https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/kidslab-day-nursery-and-preschool-e14-9ts-2600760 - Ofsted rating unavailable <0.2 mi ### Skylines Nursery London · E14 9TS https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/skylines-nursery-e14-9ts-2785676 - Ofsted: Good <0.2 mi ### Magic Roundabout Nurseries London · E14 9YQ 4.4(18 Google reviews) https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/magic-roundabout-nurseries-ltd-e14-9yq-ey221045 - Ofsted: Good 0.2 mi ### Docklands Montessori Day Nursery & Preschool London · E14 9FP 4.5(8 Google reviews) https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/crossharbour-montessori-day-nursery-e14-9fp-ey412586 See all nurseries in London →: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q=London ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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They have always been well looked after, learning and making friends happily in a nurturing environment.\n\nWhile the premises may not look as polished as some other nurseries in the area, the real strength here is the staff. The turnover is very low, and Karen has been there since we first started — her and the team’s consistency and dedication are the main reasons we felt confident sending both our second and third children here.\n\nEvery morning, our children feel extremely comfortable going in, which speaks volumes about the atmosphere. Communication is excellent too; we are contacted immediately if anything requires our attention.\n\nThe only small downside this year is the limited number of pre-school children, which makes the setting more suited to younger age groups. That said, the quality of care and the stability of the staff more than make up for it.\n\nHighly recommended for families looking for a safe, caring, and consistent nursery experience.", "datePublished": "2025-12-18T10:48:49.521815413Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "S Ali" }, "reviewBody": "This place has supported not just 1 of my boys but 3 of them. My youngest has started in September and there was worries with speech delay as he wasnt babbling at all at the age of 2. Since speaking to Karen and the team, he has progressed quickly where words are clear and positive. Cannot thank them enough for how happy the kids are and settled.", "datePublished": "2025-12-19T14:25:16.605653839Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 1, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Ess Kay" }, "reviewBody": "Very unprofessional. Booked a viewing for the nursery (as advised). Turned up on the day and there was no one there to open the doors. Stood in the cold with my child for 15+ mins waiting for someone from reception to call back. Not only did they not call back, but they would not pick up subsequent calls. Terrible first impression and a reflection of what’s to come. Will not be going ahead with the application.", "datePublished": "2025-09-18T11:40:05.163517713Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 1, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Faj Ali" }, "datePublished": "2025-10-04T13:54:08.987299719Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 4, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "WENYU CHEN" }, "datePublished": "2025-02-06T22:33:56.024083Z", "inLanguage": "en" } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/castalia-montessori-day-nursery-and-preschool-e14-3ng-ey470006#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Nurseries", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "London", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?region=London" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Castalia Montessori Day Nursery and Preschool", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/castalia-montessori-day-nursery-and-preschool-e14-3ng-ey470006" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/castalia-montessori-day-nursery-and-preschool-e14-3ng-ey470006#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where is Castalia Montessori Day Nursery and Preschool located?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Castalia Montessori Day Nursery and Preschool is at 21/23 Castalia Square, London E14 3NG. The nursery serves families in Tower Hamlets and the wider E14 area." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the main strengths of this nursery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Children settle quickly and build secure relationships with staff. The setting gives strong support for communication and language, with reading and singing woven into the day, and it provides effective chances for children to develop fine and gross motor skills. Partnerships with parents are also a clear strength." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the opening hours at Castalia Montessori Day Nursery and Preschool?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery opens Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 6.00pm. It operates for 51 weeks each year, so it is an all-year setting." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Castalia Montessori Day Nursery and Preschool have an Ofsted rating?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery has a Good overall grade, awarded on 31/05/2023." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does Castalia Montessori Day Nursery and Preschool support children with SEND?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Children with special educational needs and disabilities make good progress from their starting points. Staff and leaders work closely with parents and outside professionals to identify needs early and put support in place so each child can work towards their best possible progress." } } ] } ] } ] ```