The Maria Montessori Nursery School in Berkhamsted, established in September 2004 as "Marlin Montessori Pre School and Day Nursery" and later renamed "Choo Choo Train Day Nursery" in January 2016 before adopting its current name, offers full-year childcare alongside a comprehensive Montessori education. This institution caters to children from 12 months until they transition to school, aiming to nurture their developmental needs to the highest standards.
The school emphasises a holistic approach to early education, fostering the mind, body, and spirit within a social community where personal relationships and skill development are paramount. They are dedicated to the Montessori philosophy, providing an environment that encourages children to develop individually, guided by their natural curiosity and the expertise of their Montessori teachers.
This approach cultivates self-discipline, self-confidence, and concentration, instilling a genuine love for learning. The school views these early years as foundational for life, prioritising the child's inherent being over mere goal achievement.
They also participate in government funding schemes, including the 15-hour entitlement for eligible two-year-olds and all three and four-year-olds, with the possibility of extending to 30 hours for those who meet the criteria. , Music and Dance and Montessori Work Cycle.
Our ethos
The Maria Montessori Nursery School is dedicated to the Montessori philosophy, providing an environment that encourages children to develop individually, guided by their natural curiosity and the expertise of their Montessori teachers. This approach cultivates self-discipline, self-confidence, and concentration, instilling a genuine love for learning. The school views these early years as foundational for life, prioritising the child's inherent being over mere goal achievement.
What it's like
Meaningful bonds quickly form between children and staff at this friendly and welcoming nursery. The key-person system is securely implemented, and effective systems are in place for all staff to know what children are working towards. Staff communicate highly effectively with one another to meet children's needs.
Funding accepted
This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.
Opening hours
Monday to Friday - Morning Session (08:00 AM - 01:00 PM), Afternoon Session (01:00 PM - 06:00 PM), Full Day (08:00 AM - 06:00 PM), School Day (09:00 AM - 03:00 PM), Breakfast Club (08:00 AM - 09:00 AM), After-school Club (03:00 PM - 06:00 PM)
Age range
12 months to school age
Last inspected 1 May 2025
What it's like to attend
Meaningful bonds quickly form between children and staff at this friendly and welcoming nursery. The key-person system is securely implemented, and effective systems are in place for all staff to know what children are working towards. Staff communicate highly effectively with one another to meet children's needs.
Inspector highlights
Areas to develop
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
They recognise the progress their children make and feel well informed about their children's learning.
They speak positively about the support and advice that staff provide them with.
Inclusion & environment
Open communication between parents and key persons ensures that any gaps in children's learning or development are swiftly addressed.
Opportunities for children to learn outdoors are strong. Despite having no dedicated outdoor space, children benefit from a wide range of daily opportunities to explore the local community. Staff allow children time to explore, and they speak to the children about the world around them.
Maria Montessori is an amazing nursery. My daughter has been attending here for a year and since her first day, she has felt happy , safe and loved , I am sad to see her leave for primary school next year to be honest! She has absolutely blossomed here, the staff are incredible and the activities they do with the children are outstanding. I love picking her up and seeing her happy face to show me the art or baking she’s been doing. My daughter always comes home with positive memories from the day and talks about her friends and key workers fondly. They do outside activities that involve the parents too (sports day, sponsored walks and museum trips etc..) The effort put in by the staff everyday is commendable! I very very highly recommend this nursery Many thanks to you all! Leah Sidhu
Read on Google
Our son started attending this nursery about a year ago, it took him a long time to settle in and the nursery put a lot of things in place to support him. The staff and management are brilliant, they put every effort to make sure my son’s individual needs are met, they organise fun events for the kids. Although the nursery has no outdoor space, they take the kids out every single day without a fail to enjoy the outdoor and see all the fun places around them, something I really love about the nursery. The teacher to child ratio is excellent. This Nursery is a distance from me but I am reluctant to take my son to another nursery and would rather deal with the commute.
Read on Google
Our son is very happy at nursery and it’s clear to see that the staff really care for him… especially Ben! I love that the children go on a daily walk in the community and play outside at Berkhamsted castle. The inside is small and slightly tired but this is negated by the fact that there is a lovely sense of community within the nursery and our son comes out with lots of lovely, funny stories about his day. They have catered for his allergy brilliantly and there are great opportunities to join in with what the children are doing during sponsored walks, sports day and watching their Christmas performance.
Read on Google
We have two children at the nursery and they both love their time there. The educators are wonderful and caring and they put a lot of time, effort and attention into the children's wellbeing and development. Their daily walks to the castle or canal are always a highlight, along with the crafts and activities they organise daily. Special mention to Sharon the cook who has been very accommodating with my son and his picky eating and helped encourage him to try a lot of new foods whilst at nursery. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a flexible and loving place for their children to attend.
Read on Google
We are very happy with this nursery. We particularly appreciate their use of the Montessori method, which has helped our child become more independent and curious. The teachers are always attentive and genuinely care about each child’s development. They observe the children closely and support them according to their individual needs. We’ve seen real progress in our child’s confidence and social skills since joining. Highly recommended for any parent looking for a nurturing and thoughtful early learning environment.
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Maria Montessori Nursery School. See all on Google Maps
Date: May 2025
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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
