Opening hours
Flexible drop-off and pick-up times between 8:30am and 4:00pm, subject to demand. Operates during Hampshire Schools term times with optional holiday clubs.
Meon Springs Montessori - Kilmeston
Ofsted: Good
(May 2025)
Number of places
18 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
May 2025
Local authority
Hampshire
About this early years setting
Meon Springs Montessori is a highly regarded nursery and pre-school located in Kilmeston Village Hall, Alresford, Hampshire. Catering to children aged 2-5 years, the nursery integrates various early years learning approaches including Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Forest School philosophies, alongside the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.
This blended approach fosters a stimulating environment where children can learn at their own pace, developing independence and a love for learning. The nursery benefits from a spacious garden and direct access to woodland and farmland, providing abundant outdoor learning opportunities throughout the year.
In addition to daily learning, Meon Springs Montessori offers specialist classes in dance, yoga, and physical education, as well as engaging forest school sessions and a gardening club. The nursery operates during Hampshire school term times, with the option of holiday clubs based on demand.
Parents consistently praise the nursery for its nurturing atmosphere and commitment to involving them in their child's educational journey. The team, led by Gemma O'Reilly, prioritises the individual needs of each child, ensuring a friendly, fun, and secure setting.
Our ethos
Meon Springs Montessori integrates Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Forest School philosophies alongside the EYFS curriculum, fostering independence and a love of learning in a stimulating environment. They prioritise individual needs and involve parents in their child's education, offering a friendly, fun, and secure setting.
What it's like
Children independently put their belongings away as they enter the nursery, and settle quickly due to the exciting activities available. Staff communicate with children, extending their learning and reminding them of rules, resulting in good behaviour. Children learn about growth, health, and the world through structured gardening, forest school, and weekly physical education sessions.
Montessori ApproachReggio Emilia ApproachForest SchoolOutdoor LearningTerm-Time Only
Pricing & funding
Funding accepted
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.
Request pricing →Key facts
Age range
2-5 years
Term time / All Year
Term Time
Food
Breakfast and hot lunch can be ordered.
Staff
Not specified
Waitlist
Not specified
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Meon Springs Montessori - Kilmeston
Last inspected 15 May 2025 · Harriet Povey
Overall effectiveness
Good
What it's like to attend
Children independently put their belongings away as they enter the nursery, and settle quickly due to the exciting activities available. Staff communicate with children, extending their learning and reminding them of rules, resulting in good behaviour. Children learn about growth, health, and the world through structured gardening, forest school, and weekly physical education sessions.
Inspector highlights
- Managers support their team well through regular supervision and professional development, including qualifications and online training.
- Managers have created their own curriculum based on the early years foundation stage, covering each area of development with end goals for learning progression.
- Staff identify children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and intervene quickly, working with external agencies when necessary.
- Children who speak English as an additional language are making good progress, with staff using home languages and working closely with parents.
- School readiness is extremely important, with a focus on developing children's confidence, independence, hygiene routines, good manners, and self-care skills.
Areas to develop
- 1review and improve the key-person system to provide more consistency for children.
Inspection #10394542 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
Staff identify children who may have special educational needs and/or disabilities. They are quick to intervene and support children, if needed. For example, staff have been working with children on their pronunciation of sounds to support speech and language development. Staff understand when to reach out to external agencies if extra support or guidance is necessary.
Outdoor space
Staff put on structured sessions in gardening and forest school, where children learn about the world around them and even grow their own vegetables. Children partake in weekly physical education, where they do a range of activities to support their gross motor development, learning skills such as throwing, balancing and moving in different ways.
EAL / language support
Children who speak English as an additional language are making good progress in their development. Staff use children's home language and work closely with parents to help support their communication and understanding.
Google Reviews of Meon Springs Montessori - Kilmeston
5.0
(5 Google reviews)
Siobhan Smith
9 months ago
Our son now loves going to nursery thanks to lots of patience and kindness from the staff. A lot of effort goes into activities for the children and plenty of time outside which we love! Every part of the nursery caters individually to the child, getting to know their individual interests/hobbies. I drop our son off feeling happy that he’s in safe hands and cared for which is so important for any parent.
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Michelle Bray
a year ago
My son attended Meon Springs aged 2-4. He was welcomed with kindness and lots of smiles from friendly staff. Meon Springs has a passion for nature and my son enjoyed the Forest School and Garden Club activities. They're in a quiet location away from main traffic and love anything to do with nature!
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Sweet City
a year ago
Our Daughter Attended Meon Springs, I cannot give them enough stars. Gemma is fantastic, her hard working team are outstanding. Nothing is ever too much and the mix of creativity is endless. Finding somewhere else of this quality would be next to impossible, Meon Springs is like no other.
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shannon r
9 months ago
My little boy attends the holiday club they run …. And have just signed him up here to start in September … really friendly staff and welcoming.
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Kennedy Stray
9 months ago
Reviews from Google for Meon Springs Montessori - Kilmeston. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Date: April 2019
- May 2025Good
- September 2019Good
- April 2019Inadequate
Frequently asked about Meon Springs Montessori - Kilmeston
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