Business Details
35 Years
experience
Discover Denning Montessori School | Nature-Based Early Education
Founded in 1991, Denning Montessori School has been at the heart of the Fawley community for over three decades. We are dedicated to providing a Montessori and Forest School education that nurtures the holistic development of each child. Our approach is rooted in respect for individuality, fostering emotional intelligence, social responsibility, and a lifelong love of learning. Our team of highly qualified educators operates with smaller child-to-teacher ratios than EYFS requirements, ensuring personalised care and attention. With a strong emphasis on community values, we have seen generations of children thrive and return with their own families. Our environment, blending nature and structured Montessori principles, supports cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth.We prioritise safety through rigorous staff training and safeguarding practices. Our unique curriculum integrates the Early Years Foundation Stage with Montessori philosophy, offering hands-on learning experiences in numeracy, literacy, and environmental awareness. We maintain open communication with parents through My Montessori Child and regular meetings, celebrating every childs progress together. Our commitment to excellence was recognised through Jenny Blains nomination in the Top 5 Most Inspirational People in Childcare.
Services
Montessori Education
Forest School Program
EYFS Curriculum
Parent Partnership
Outdoor Learning
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience delivering Montessori education.
- Our smaller child-to-teacher ratios ensure personalised care and attention.
- We integrate Montessori, Forest School, and EYFS philosophies for holistic growth.
- Our team holds advanced Montessori and child development qualifications.
- Strong community ties enrich learning through unique local experiences.
What people say
Calm safe place
Nurtures children
Healthy happy schooling
Strong partnership with parents
Highly qualified team
Services
Montessori Education
Our Montessori program nurtures independence through self-directed activities. Children explore practical life, sensorial experiences, and academic foundations in numeracy and literacy. The environment encourages curiosity and critical thinking, with educators acting as guides to support individual learning journeys.
Forest School Program
Forest School sessions develop resilience and environmental awareness through outdoor exploration. Children engage with natural elements like fire, water, and land in secure woodland areas. Activities promote physical coordination, teamwork, and a deep connection to nature within a structured educational framework.
EYFS Curriculum
We integrate EYFS standards with Montessori principles to ensure comprehensive development. The curriculum covers cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth through play-based learning. Regular assessments track progress while maintaining child-led exploration and structured guidance.
Parent Partnership
Our open-door policy and My Montessori Child platform facilitate continuous parent-teacher collaboration. Settling-in sessions, home visits, and observation opportunities strengthen family involvement. Regular updates and events ensure parents actively participate in their child's educational journey.
Outdoor Learning
Outdoor activities blend physical development with environmental education. Children explore two secure outdoor spaces featuring gardening areas, climbing equipment, and loose-parts play. These experiences enhance motor skills, creativity, and ecological understanding through hands-on natural exploration.
People
Jenny Blain
Owner & DSL
Founder of Denning Montessori School since 1991, Jenny pioneered a Montessori-forest school hybrid approach. Shortlisted for national teaching awards, she combines three decades of childcare expertise with community leadership, nurturing generations of students while maintaining rigorous educational standards.
Renuka
Deputy & SENCO
Renuka oversees special educational needs provision, ensuring inclusive Montessori practices. Her expertise in child development supports individualised learning plans, while her collaborative approach strengthens team dynamics and educational outcomes for all children.
Jan
Deputy & DSL
Jan supports safeguarding protocols and daily nursery operations. With extensive Montessori training, she maintains high care standards and ensures compliance with child protection policies, providing continuity in the school's nurturing environment.
Catriona
Montessori Guide
Catriona facilitates Montessori classroom activities, guiding children through sensorial and academic materials. Her patient approach encourages independence while maintaining structured learning environments that align with Montessori principles and individual developmental needs.
Libby
Forest School Leader
Libby designs outdoor learning experiences that develop resilience and environmental stewardship. Her Forest School expertise creates safe, engaging natural spaces where children explore ecological concepts through hands-on activities and guided discovery.
Questions
What age range does Denning Montessori School cater to?
We provide education for children from birth to five years, following the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.
What makes your Montessori approach unique?
We combine Montessori principles with Forest School philosophy, offering nature-based hands-on learning in a secure rural environment.
How do you involve parents in the learning process?
We use My Montessori Child for progress updates, host parent-teacher meetings, and encourage classroom observations and collaborative learning.
Are you open year-round?
Our nursery operates for 34 weeks annually, structured around school term times.
