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Le Ballon Rouge Montessori Day Nursery

Ofsted: Outstanding
(May 2022)
·
5.0(5 parent reviews) ·32 Crossfield Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 4LS · Southend on Sea
Number of places
50 places
Age range
1–4 yrs
Last inspected
May 2022
Local authority
Southend on Sea

About this day nursery

Le Ballon Rouge Montessori Day Nursery provides a nurturing and stimulating learning environment influenced by the Montessori Method, combined with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Located in Southend-On-Sea, the nursery caters to children aged 18 months to 5 years during term time, and extends its care to children aged 2-8 years during school holidays.

The curriculum focuses on developing independence, self-confidence, and self-care in children, fostering positive relationships, and encouraging effective communication. The nursery offers a diverse range of activities, including specialist teachings in Montessori, dancing, music, and French tuition.

Emphasis is placed on learning through play in well-planned environments, incorporating activities like sand, water, painting, and construction, alongside imaginary and role play. The nursery has consistently achieved "Outstanding" ratings from Ofsted, highlighting its commitment to high-quality childcare and education through experienced and dedicated staff, secure premises, and a comprehensive educational programme.

Our ethos

The nursery's pedagogical approach is a blend of the Montessori Method and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. It focuses on fostering independence, self-confidence, and self-care, with an emphasis on learning through play in well-planned environments. Specialised activities in Montessori, dancing, music, and French are offered.

What it's like

All children make the best possible progress at the nursery. They develop a deep understanding of what staff expect from them from a young age and work collaboratively. Children immerse themselves in imaginary play and take an active role in celebrating their own achievements, becoming engrossed in their learning.

Montessori MethodOfsted OutstandingSpecialist teachings (Dancing, Music, French)School holiday club

Pricing & funding

This nursery charges for additional hours, lunch, and snacks separately from government funding. Fees are structured by age bands, spanning 9-24 months, 2 years, and 3-4 years. Funded sessions are offered with tiered top-up rates depending on family working status and income level.

Funding accepted

15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • Government funding covers 15 or 30 hours of childcare but excludes meals, consumables, and extra hours.
  • Additional hours are charged at age-banded hourly rates.
  • Lunch supervision and daily snacks are charged as separate daily fees.
  • Tiered rates apply to funded sessions for 18 month and 2-year-olds based on working or low-income family status.

Key facts

Age range

18 months to 5 years (term time), 2-8 years (school holidays)

Opening hours

Mon - Fri: 8:00 - 17:00

Term time / All Year

Mixed

Session types

All-day care, Sessional care

Established

1998

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Le Ballon Rouge Montessori Day Nursery

Last inspected 11 May 2022 · Jenny Hardy

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding

What it's like to attend

All children make the best possible progress at the nursery. They develop a deep understanding of what staff expect from them from a young age and work collaboratively. Children immerse themselves in imaginary play and take an active role in celebrating their own achievements, becoming engrossed in their learning.

Inspector highlights

  • Staff are extremely well supported, and their morale is high, with managers valuing individual strengths.
  • Managers ensure children with SEND receive the necessary care and support, liaising with other agencies and providing specialist training for staff.
  • There is a calm and inviting atmosphere with consistent routines and expectations embedded from a young age across all rooms.
  • Staff interactions with children are consistently strong, with a qualified Montessori teacher leading small group sessions and parents understanding the Montessori ethos.
  • Children's learning is expertly sequenced, helping staff to check understanding and stretch learning further, and includes inclusive learning opportunities like cooking for all ages.
Inspection #10137544 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents comment that they understand the Montessori ethos, thanks to the information staff share with them.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive exceptional support. They form strong bonds with all of the staff within their rooms, turning to them for help and comfort. Managers work tirelessly to ensure that children with SEND receive the level of care and support they need, continuously liaising with other agencies and sharing vital information regarding children's welfare and needs. The whole staff team keenly participate in specialist training to support children with specific medical needs.

Outdoor space

Children play with purpose and enthusiasm. They become engrossed in their learning. For instance, they tip and pour water between different containers outside. They do not become at all distracted as the other children play enthusiastically around them.

Parent Reviews of Le Ballon Rouge Montessori Day Nursery

5.0
(5)
Eva Papis
a year ago

This is definitely the best nursery in Southend. Everybody is amazing, kind, helpful ad my daughter is always excited to go to nursery. From the moment we went for a visit i knew this is the nursery i feel comfortable to leave my little one. The learning structure is well set up and enjoyable for the children. I can't thank them enough for this amazing atmosphere. Million thanks

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Zec Richardson
a year ago

All 4 of our grandchildren have been to Le Ballon Rouge and I honestly could not think of one bad thing to say about it. They have all loved their time there and as well as having fun, their learning was massively increased. The staff are just amazing, so caring and just incredible!

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Tim Kay
9 years ago

3 years ago we were looking around to find the right place for our two girls, we came across Le Ballon Rouge Montessori and noticed that they had in 2009 an Outstanding Ofsted review. Now 2.5 years later both of our girls have had a wonderful learning time at this amazing venue. The staff are so caring and attentive to every one of the children. Suffice to say they have been awarded "outstanding" again in 2016. A wonderful place to learn, play and enjoy.

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Kimberley H
a year ago

The provision here is fantastic. I can happily say I trust the staff to support my LO, and she has blossomed under their care. Highly recommend.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Le Ballon Rouge Montessori Day Nursery. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: April 2010

  • May 2022Outstanding
  • March 2016Outstanding
  • April 2010Outstanding

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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