Pioneering education the Montessori way

The Green Cave Day Nursery is a long-established setting in Tunbridge Wells. In 2024, we were given the opportunity to expand into a new unit, and the decision was made to open a Montessori early years setting. Imagine our excitement! I’m Jane Martin, Deputy Manager of Green Cave Montessori Preschool, and I’m looking forward to sharing our Montessori journey with you.

The Montessori method

The Montessori method has always been an influence in our nursery; many of its elements are widely used in our practice.  However, the opening of a new site meant that we could fully embrace all aspects of the Montessori curriculum, giving our children the best possible preparation for school and beyond.

Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was a doctor, educator and philosopher, whose education method and teaching apparatus have been adopted worldwide.

The space, philosophy and teaching in a Montessori nursery promotes independence, curiosity about the world, and learning through personal interests at a child’s own pace.  The prepared environment is supported by teachers trained in delivering the Montessori curriculum. These teachers provide freedom within limits, with a consistent and nurturing approach.  When entering a Montessori nursery or preschool for the first time, a visitor will invariably remark: “My goodness, isn’t it calm in here?”  Yes, a calm environment is one of the many benefits of the Montessori classroom.

Our Montessori journey

When planning our new site, many considerations had to be taken into account.  The large room needed to be divided into distinct areas to accommodate different aspects of the curriculum, specifically, to provide corners and smaller areas for individual or small-group learning.  Firstly, we constructed a long, low wall at the front of the unit to create an area for the children to change their outdoor clothes and shoes, with space for named pegs on their level.  This area was important in order to encourage the children’s independence, whilst keeping the interior classroom as clean as possible.  Another low wall was constructed to divide the main classroom and art / cookery room; both areas were made accessible using low gates, giving good overall visibility for adults.

An important part of Montessori practice is organisation.  A child’s innate sense of order can be supported by providing accessible, clearly defined storage for a wide range of activities.  To encourage children to care for resources and put them away independently, it must be easy for them to do so, and obvious where items belong. 

We chose natural wooden, open shelves to divide our space and to provide the storage required at the children’s level.  The flexibility of the shelves meant they could be locked in place to be secure, but as they had wheels, they could be moved when necessary.  In our setting we currently use the back of one of the shelf units to display the dates, days and months of the year for circle time, and we roll it in and out of place each morning.

Our defined learning areas include Language, Maths, Sensorial, Practical life, and Cultural, and we have also created dedicated spaces for construction and loose parts, a puzzles shelf, a cosy book corner, an art room and a home corner.  

Many Montessori activities are designed to be used individually.  A shelf may contain many small trays or items, which are then transferred to a table or floor mat.  We chose tables and chairs, again in natural wood, of child size, to be located close to the shelves, to make it easy for children to move and use the activities. All our tables are left free and uncluttered for children to use for this purpose.

One design feature we were keen to include in the preschool was a child-height sink.  As part of our daily routine, a few children help to prepare the fruit for snack each morning using proper knives and chopping boards, under the guidance of an adult.  When all the children have taken their turn to have snack, one child will help to wash up the plates at the low sink.  Montessori practical life activities such as this promote a strong sense of enablement and can build confidence in children, especially those who are new to the setting.  Many of our children delight in the responsibility as well of the physical process of daily tasks, such as sweeping up sand with the dustpan and brush, wiping tables, or laying the table for lunch.

Our book corner is cosy and bright, enhanced with plants, to promote a calming space.  We use a small bookshelf that the children can access, and we rotate the books regularly, whilst keeping favourites permanently available.  There is a mixture of stories and non-fiction books, and regular visits to the library allow the children to make their own choices on a weekly basis.

The art room has been designed to be fully accessible to the children.  A low-level painting easel is permanently equipped with paper, pots of paint and aprons, thus minimising the need for adult help. Our older children have learn how to cut their painting from the easel, making it ready for the next child to use, and new or less settled children take comfort from finding a purpose-made space for their mark-making.  The art trolley is another essential item here.  With its many sections, we can provide paper, glue, collage items, tape, scissors, fabric, ribbon, card, pens and crayons, as well as storage for playdough.  A well-stocked art trolley allows a child freedom of expression, and endless scope for their own creativity; adults are on hand to facilitate but not control the end-result.  The art room is also great for cookery and open-ended activities such as sand or water play.

Five Montessori tips for your setting

Montessori is a specific approach, but many of its features can be replicated in any nursery, to enhance learning and promote well-being and calm.  Here are five things to think about if you want your setting to be more ‘Montessori’!

1. Use open, accessible, uncluttered shelving near low level tables and chairs.

2. Provide a variety of accessible art resources and an easel permanently ready to go.

3. Design a cosy, welcoming book corner.

4. Involve the children in daily tasks, providing equipment they can readily use.

5. Ensure children’s pegs are at their own height and there is space for changing outdoor clothes independently.

By making such small but meaningful changes, any setting can inspire a love for learning, and help every child thrive with confidence and joy – Montessori style.