Old School House Montessori Nursery

About this day nursery

The Old School House Montessori Nursery, located on the outskirts of St. Michael's, Tenterden, operates from a custom-built, oak-framed nursery building. The nursery follows the Montessori Method of education, while also integrating insights from other key educational theorists.

Children are grouped by age but are encouraged to interact and spend time with each other to foster a nurturing environment across different age groups. The nursery is dedicated to supporting each child's individual development and enabling them to reach their full potential within a stimulating and challenging Montessori setting.

The entire environment is carefully prepared, with materials readily accessible for exploration, allowing children to develop at their own pace. Each room functions as a "family within a nursery," staffed by consistent personnel who provide continuity and a sense of security for the children.

The nursery prides itself on maintaining high standards of care, with staff regularly attending training and increased staff-to-child ratios to tailor the experience to individual needs. The nursery is currently fully subscribed for all school cohorts of children born up until August 31st, 2025.

Our ethos

The nursery follows the Montessori Method of education for young children, as well as incorporating, respecting and using ideas from other important theorists. Our purpose is to support each child and enable them to fulfil their true potential. The Montessori environment is stimulating and challenging and allows each child to develop naturally at their own pace. The whole environment is “prepared” for the child, with everything within their reach ready for exploration.

What it's like

The leaders at the nursery have established extremely supportive settling-in procedures. Children and babies build incredibly strong bonds with the staff and are excited to come in and engage with staff and peers. Staff continue this attention to detail by implementing extremely supportive transition procedures to support children as they move through the nursery and on to school.

Pricing & funding

Some children during the term after their 2nd birthday may be eligible for Free For 2 Funding which is 15 hours per week for 38 academic weeks of the year (Maximum 570 per academic year). All 3 year olds are eligible for 15 universal hours funding for 38 academic weeks of the year. For some children an additional 15 hours per week extended funding for 38 weeks may be accessed. There is also a Voluntary Additional Service Charge for funded hours, which is allocated to ensuring healthy food options at snack time, and to facilitate festivals, birthdays and other activities, as well as maintaining the nursery's sustainability, standards, quality of care, staff training, and increased staff/child ratios.