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The Old School House Montessori Nursery

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Sept 2023)
·
5.0(3 parent reviews) ·The Old School House, De Montfort Road, LEWES, BN7 1SP · East Sussex
Number of places
48 places
Age range
1–4 yrs
Last inspected
Sept 2023
Local authority
East Sussex

About this day nursery

The Old School House Montessori Nursery in Lewes provides a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to learn and thrive. Since adopting the Montessori approach in 2002, the nursery focuses on fostering independence and confidence, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

The nursery boasts an open-plan classroom with a dedicated role-play area and an outdoor classroom, promoting a free-flow environment where children can explore and engage in activities of their choice. Additionally, a playground and a nearby nature field are utilised for weekly Forest School sessions, further enhancing outdoor learning experiences.

The nursery operates 51 weeks a year, from Monday to Friday, between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, closing only for the Christmas and New Year week and Bank Holidays. The dedicated staff team is highly trained and passionate about early years education, emphasising active teaching beyond basic childcare.

The Old School House aims to provide a balance of stimulating activities and a personalised approach, ensuring children receive comprehensive care and development.

Our ethos

The Montessori ethos underpins what we do. We believe children have an enormous capacity to delight in the world around them, and our job is to unlock that passion and fan the flames of life-long learning. We constantly strive to find new ways to develop children’s independence and confidence.

What it's like

Children make exceptional progress at this inspiring nursery. They are highly engaged and have an abundance of confidence. The strong key-person system helps children feel safe and form close, trusting relationships with staff.

Montessori-inspiredForest SchoolOpen 51 weeks a yearChild-centric

Pricing & funding

The nursery charges a voluntary daily fee for additional services, with rates varying depending on the child's age group. A fee is also applied for late payments.

Funding accepted

15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare

Good to know

  • Additional services charges are voluntary.
  • Late payment fees apply.

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm, 51 weeks a year

Food

Breakfast, lunch, tea, and snacks provided

Age range

9 months to 4 years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for The Old School House Montessori Nursery

Last inspected 7 September 2023 · Janet Thouless

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding

What it's like to attend

Children make exceptional progress at this inspiring nursery. They are highly engaged and have an abundance of confidence. The strong key-person system helps children feel safe and form close, trusting relationships with staff.

Inspector highlights

  • The provider is inspirational and has a clear and effective vision for the nursery, recently introducing further exploration of the nature field.
  • The highly qualified staff team has exceptional knowledge, implements an ambitious curriculum, and engages in extensive training and reflective practice.
  • Children make exceptional progress with communication, language and literacy, supported by skilled staff and engaging resources.
  • Children have excellent opportunities to develop physical skills, with young children strengthening muscles and older children setting up obstacle courses.
  • Children have excellent opportunities to learn about their local community, visiting the library and a local castle, and engaging in extracurricular activities like yoga.
Inspection #10260538 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents are complimentary about staff and say communication regarding their child's care and development is fantastic.

They feel involved in their children's learning and particularly welcome ideas on activities to do at home.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

Outdoor space

The provider has recently introduced further exploration of the nature field beside the nursery. This has enabled all children to discover even more about nature, such as growth and regrowth.

Parent Reviews of The Old School House Montessori Nursery

5.0
(3)

Reviews from Google for The Old School House Montessori Nursery. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history
Improved from Requires improvement → Outstanding in 2023

Date: November 2007

  • September 2023Outstanding
  • September 2022Requires improvement
  • November 2016Outstanding
  • March 2013Good
  • March 2011Outstanding
  • November 2007Outstanding

Frequently asked about The Old School House Montessori Nursery

About the setting

The Old School House Montessori Nursery registered in 2003. It operates in Lewes, East Sussex, open between 8am and 6pm, each weekday, all year round. The setting employs 12 staff, of whom three hold qualified teacher status, and is in receipt of funding for children aged three and four.

URN
EY241373
Registered person
The Old School House Nursery (Lewes) Ltd
Day care type
Full day care
Register
Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register
Establishment type
Childcare on non-domestic premises

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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