OUR APPROACH
How we are with children.
Everything at Maple begins with how we listen, how we speak, and how we care.
Montessori, within the EYFS.
Maple is a Montessori nursery. That means children learn by doing — choosing real, purposeful activities from open shelves, repeating them as long as their concentration holds, and building independence one small task at a time.
We deliver this within the Early Years Foundation Stage, the framework every English nursery follows. The EYFS sets out what children should be learning; Montessori shapes how they learn it.
OUR PRINCIPLES
We speak to children, not over them.
Children are addressed with the same respect as adults — crouched to their level, listened to fully, never talked past.
We prepare the room, then step back.
When a child is absorbed in something, we protect that moment. Deep focus is where learning happens, and it is never interrupted for the sake of a schedule.
We prepare the room, then step back.
The environment does much of the teaching. Everything is child-height, real, and orderly — so children can act for themselves, and feel the quiet pride of "I did it."
Routines are consistent and calm. Children thrive when they know what comes next, and steadiness is what makes a nursery feel safe.
We keep the day steady.
THE LEARNING AREAS
Where learning happens.
Each room is arranged into clear, purposeful areas — every one with high-quality materials at the children's height. Our areas include Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Literacy, a Book Corner, Creative Arts, a Snack Area, and a Care & Cleaning Station.
Practical Life
The foundation — pouring, threading, dressing frames, food preparation, and caring for the environment build concentration, coordination, and independence.
Sensorial
Materials that refine the senses and lay the groundwork for language, mathematics, and scientific thinking.
The shape of the day.
OUR APPROACH
8.30 AM
Breakfast
A calm start. Children are greeted by name, settle at their own pace, and share breakfast together.
9.00 AM
The work cycle
Circle time
The community comes together — songs, stories, and a gentle start to the day.
An unbroken stretch of self-chosen Montessori activity — practical life, sensorial materials, early language and number work. A rolling snack is available when children are ready.
9.15 AM
Lunch together
Fresh, hot food, eaten together, with children helping to set and clear.
Outdoor learning
Garden time, whatever the weather — the outdoors is part of the classroom.
10.00 AM
Story time
A calmer stretch of the afternoon — stories and quiet activities.
Afternoon tea
A shared snack to see the day out.
Group activities
Creative experiences and topic work in small groups.
11.30 AM
12.00 PM
2.00 PM
3.30 PM
FROM 4 PM
A gentle close
Free play, outdoor time, and collection without hurry.
Routines vary slightly between age groups, particularly to accommodate sleep and care for our youngest children.