Business Details
25 Years
experience
Award-Winning Montessori Education in Nottinghamshire
Staunton Montessori Nursery School has been a trusted provider of early years education and academic tuition since 2001. Founded by Robert and Adrienne Staunton, our institution combines the Montessori philosophy with innovative teaching methods to create a nurturing environment for children aged 12 months to 16 years. Our team of highly qualified educators includes specialists in Montessori pedagogy, Forest School learning, and 11+ exam preparation. With a focus on individual development, we offer small-group settings that allow personalized attention to each child's needs. Our Forest School program, accredited by national standards, complements our curriculum by fostering outdoor learning experiences. The Tutorial Centre provides specialized support for grammar school entrance exams, GCSEs, and university-level studies.Recognized by Ofsted for outstanding nursery provision, we maintain strong partnerships with local primary schools to ensure smooth transitions for our students. Our facilities, housed in renovated barns within the Vale of Belvoir, combine historical charm with modern educational resources. We pride ourselves on creating a 'home from home' atmosphere where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. With over two decades of experience, we continue to receive accolades from parents, educators, and our Honorary Patron Dr. Miriam Stoppard for our exceptional childcare and educational outcomes.
Services
Montessori Nursery
Forest School
11+ Exam Tuition
English Language Lessons
University Mentoring
Childcare Services
Educational Assessments
Outdoor Learning
Special Needs Support
Parent Workshops
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We offer Montessori education with over 20 years of rural teaching experience
- Our Forest School program develops outdoor learning skills in natural surroundings
- Specialist 11+ exam preparation with proven success in grammar school placements
- Small group settings ensure personalized attention for every child
- Led by qualified educators with postgraduate specialisms in early years education
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Genuine care and love
Thriving learning environment
Outstanding staff
Magical nursery experience
Confidence development
Services
Montessori Nursery
Our Montessori Nursery provides educational day-care for children aged 12 months to five years. Using Maria Montessori's principles, we foster independence through practical life exercises and sensory learning materials. Our qualified staff create individualized learning paths that develop concentration, coordination, and social skills in a prepared environment.
Forest School
The accredited Forest School program delivers outdoor learning in natural woodland settings. Children engage in structured activities that build confidence through nature exploration, risk assessment, and environmental awareness. This complements our Montessori curriculum with physical development and team-building experiences in the Vale of Belvoir countryside.
11+ Exam Tuition
Specialist tuition prepares students for grammar school entrance exams including 11+, 13+, and scholarship assessments. Our experienced tutors use tailored learning strategies to develop verbal reasoning, mathematics, and exam techniques. We provide mock exams and personalized feedback to maximize success rates for local selective schools.
English Language Lessons
English language instruction caters to both children and adults through immersive learning methods. Our courses develop speaking, reading, and writing skills using Montessori materials and modern teaching approaches. We support international families and businesses with customized language programs for academic and professional contexts.
University Mentoring
Academic mentoring assists university students with study skills and Oxbridge interview preparation. Our postgraduate supervision focuses on education-related disciplines, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. We help learners develop critical thinking and research capabilities for successful degree completion.
People
Robert Staunton
Head Teacher
Robert Staunton holds an MA in Social Science and PGCE qualification from Cambridge University. With experience in special education and Montessori training, he has developed the school into a Teaching Practice Centre. He lectures at university level and mentors postgraduate educators while managing both the nursery and tutorial divisions.
Adrienne Staunton
Co-Head Teacher
Adrienne Staunton possesses a Montessori Diploma in Education and Fine Art Foundation Certificate. With extensive experience in leading UK Montessori schools, she oversees curriculum implementation and staff training. Her background in art education enriches the creative development aspects of the nursery program.
Dr Miriam Stoppard
Honorary Patron
Dr Miriam Stoppard, MB MD MRCP DSc OBE, serves as Honorary Patron. A renowned expert on pregnancy and child development, she has supported the school since 2005. Her medical expertise and advocacy for Montessori education strengthen the institution's commitment to child-centred learning.
Marella Edwards
Head of Green Apples
Marella Edwards leads the 2+ nursery group with NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and Education. Bringing experience from Nottinghamshire day nurseries, she specializes in toddler development and transition programs. Her focus ensures smooth progression for children moving to the 3+ Red Apples group.
Michelle Ellicott
Early Years Specialist
Michelle Ellicott combines Early Years Professional Status with accounting experience to support nursery operations. A former PriceWaterhouseCoopers tax associate, she contributes financial management expertise while providing hands-on childcare support through supply teaching roles.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We accept children from 12 months to five years in our Montessori Nursery and provide tuition for students up to university level.
Are you Ofsted registered?
Yes, our nursery provision is Ofsted-registered and has received outstanding inspection ratings for childcare and educational outcomes.
Do you offer after-school care?
While we no longer operate the Homework Club, our Tutorial Centre provides academic support for school-age children during regular hours.
Can you help with 11+ exam preparation?
Our Tutorial Centre specializes in 11+ and grammar school entrance exam preparation with experienced tutors and structured programs.
Is there outdoor learning available?
Yes, our accredited Forest School program offers weekly outdoor education sessions in natural woodland environments for all nursery children.
Do you provide English language tuition?
We offer English language lessons for both children and adults, including specialized support for international families and businesses.
Reviews (5)
Amye Louise
Mar 26, 2019
Report
Eveything about this place is amazing ! What a wonderful starting point for my little girl to learn and grow! Lily is only in Little Green Apples so we have lots of lovely years ahead of us but we cannot recommend such an incredible start for a child . From the location, the outdoor area to the staff ! Just wow ! Thank you ❤️
Aaron Taylor
Dec 20, 2018
Report
My daughter is currently studying for the 11+ - I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this school and Robert to anyone.
Joanne Tucker
Oct 30, 2018
Report
I wholeheartedly recommend the 11+ tutorials - our son has benefited greatly and the support, advice and information provided to parents throughout the year is excellent.
Sharon Arnold
Jun 05, 2018
Report
I love everything about the school . All the staff are all so amazing the sort of people you feel happy leaving your children with , the surrounding and the time spent outside, the activites the other children . Pippa-Rose has done so well in the past 6 months since she started in January.
Natalie Patricia Jackson
May 17, 2018
Report
Everything about this nursery is fantastic (staff, buildings, location & space, & the love, care and support the children get). What a wonderful start in life the children get going here. Love it!
