Business Details
36 Years
experience
Christian Montessori Nursery School in Newington
Founded in 1990 by Sally Fitchett, The Lighthouse Nursery School has been a cornerstone of early childhood education in South Oxfordshire for over three decades. Our purpose-designed facility in Newington provides a nurturing environment where children aged 1 to 5 thrive through the Montessori method. We integrate Montessori principles with the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, offering a balanced approach to learning that prioritises individual development. Our team utilises the My Montessori Child digital tracking system to monitor progress while maintaining a strong focus on practical life skills, sensory exploration, and language development. The school's rural setting supports outdoor learning through purpose-built spaces including The Field, which features planting areas and natural play elements.As a Christian Montessori institution, we cultivate spiritual awareness alongside social responsibility and self-discipline. Our flexible approach accommodates individual family needs while maintaining consistent educational standards. The school's physical environment reflects Montessori's six core components, including structured order, child-centred design, and natural elements. With over 30 years of experience, we combine proven methodologies with contemporary educational insights. Our commitment to quality is demonstrated through regular equipment updates and staff training. Parents benefit from our transparent communication and active involvement in their child's developmental journey.
Services
Montessori Curriculum
Holiday Club
Dance Classes
Cooking Classes
Childcare Services
Parent Support
Outdoor Activities
Digital Tracking System
Social Development Programs
Spiritual Awareness Activities
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- Montessori-based education since 1990 with purpose-designed facilities
- Integrated approach combining Montessori principles with EYFS curriculum
- Dedicated outdoor learning spaces including The Field
- My Montessori Child digital tracking system for progress monitoring
- Christian values fostering spiritual awareness and social responsibility
Services
Montessori Curriculum
Our Montessori curriculum combines traditional apparatus with modern educational insights. Children engage with structured learning materials across practical life, sensorial, mathematics, and language domains. The program fosters independent learning through child-led exploration within a prepared environment.
Holiday Club
The Seagulls Holiday Club provides childcare during school breaks. Activities include outdoor play in The Field, creative projects, and structured learning sessions. The program maintains Montessori principles while offering flexible booking options for working parents.
Dance Classes
Weekly ballet classes taught by a Royal Academy of Dance instructor. The program develops physical coordination, musicality, and performance confidence. Classes follow the Pre-Primary RAD syllabus while maintaining age-appropriate Montessori principles.
Cooking Classes
Hands-on cooking sessions teach practical life skills through food preparation. Children learn kitchen safety, measuring ingredients, and meal presentation. Activities align with Montessori sensorial development while promoting healthy eating habits.
Digital Tracking
The My Montessori Child system documents individual development through observational assessments. Parents receive regular updates on their child's progress across all curriculum areas. The digital platform maintains Montessori principles while providing transparent communication channels.
People
Sally Fitchett
Founder
Sally established The Lighthouse Nursery School in 1990 after identifying a need for quality Montessori education in rural Oxfordshire. With over 30 years' experience in early years education, she developed the purpose-designed facility in 1998 to better serve children aged 1-5.
Questions
What age range does The Lighthouse cater to?
We accept children from 1 to 5 years old, providing age-appropriate Montessori education and childcare.
How does the school incorporate Montessori principles?
Our curriculum uses authentic Montessori materials across four key areas, with child-led learning in a prepared environment.
Are there outdoor learning opportunities?
Yes, we have three outdoor classroom areas and The Field for planting, digging, and natural play activities.
Do you offer holiday childcare?
Our Seagulls Holiday Club provides care during school breaks with structured activities and outdoor play.
How do you track children's progress?
We use the My Montessori Child digital system to monitor development while maintaining Montessori observational methods.
Is the school affiliated with any religious organisation?
As a Christian Montessori school, we incorporate spiritual awareness into our curriculum while welcoming all families.
Reviews (1)
Guy Vam
Oct 16, 2017
Report
The name of this nursery is very misleading, I expected full waterproofs as we enter, and boat activities. OVERALL not good enough
