Business Details
23 Years
experience
Trusted Montessori Preschool in Harlow
Established in 2003, Smiles Montessori Pre School has been dedicated to providing exceptional early years education rooted in the Montessori philosophy. Our mission is to create a nurturing environment where children develop independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. With two purpose-built nurseries in Harlow and Newhall, we combine structured Montessori principles with innovative teaching methods to support children aged 3 months to 5 years. Our team of highly qualified professionals, including Montessori diploma holders and specialists in safeguarding and special educational needs, ensures each child receives tailored care and education.Recognised for three consecutive Outstanding Ofsted ratings, we prioritise continuous staff training and community engagement to maintain excellence. Our curriculum integrates practical life skills, sensory learning, and extracurricular activities like French and physical education, preparing children seamlessly for primary school. Parent testimonials consistently highlight our staff's dedication, the warm atmosphere, and the visible progress children make during their time with us.
Services
Montessori Education
Early Years Curriculum
Outdoor Play
Extra Curricular Activities
Parental Involvement
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We implement the Montessori Method with three decades of combined staff experience.
- Our nurseries hold three consecutive Outstanding Ofsted inspection ratings.
- Staff include Montessori diploma holders and specialists in safeguarding and SEND.
- We integrate practical life skills, sensory learning, and extracurricular activities.
- Parent testimonials consistently highlight exceptional care and educational outcomes.
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Fantastic staff
Thrived in caring environment
Improvements in child
Go the extra mile
Happy and confident children
Services
Montessori Education
Our Montessori Education programme follows Dr. Maria Montessori's principles, encouraging independence through self-directed activities. Children explore specially designed materials to develop cognitive, motor, and social skills. This approach nurtures confidence and prepares them for structured learning environments.
Outdoor Play
Outdoor Play sessions focus on physical development and environmental awareness. Structured and free play in our secure gardens teach risk assessment, teamwork, and respect for nature. Daily outdoor time ensures children engage with seasonal changes and natural ecosystems.
Extra Curricular Activities
Extra Curricular Activities include French, dance, and computer skills taught by external professionals. These sessions enhance language development, physical coordination, and digital literacy while maintaining a fun, engaging atmosphere for young learners.
Parental Involvement
Parental Involvement initiatives feature regular communication, progress updates, and home-learning resources. We host events to strengthen family connections and provide guidance on supporting children's development beyond the nursery setting.
Transition Support
Transition Support prepares children for primary education through structured pre-primary maths and English activities. Our curriculum aligns with school requirements, ensuring smooth adaptation to formal learning environments while maintaining Montessori principles.
People
Julia Jeffrey
Owner
Julia Jeffrey founded Smiles Montessori Pre Schools Montessori in 2003 with a Degree in Early Years Education and Montessori Diploma. With over 20 years' experience, she leads both nurseries, focusing on staff development and maintaining high educational standards.
Deena Sims
Manager
Deena Sims manages the Bush Fair nursery, holding a Level 4 Childcare qualification and specialising in safeguarding. She progressed from assistant to manager since 2015, prioritising outstanding care and staff training.
Hollie Cox
Manager
Hollie Cox manages the Newhall nursery with a Level 5 Childcare qualification and Montessori Diploma. Starting as an apprentice in 2005, she specialises in SEND and health & safety, creating nurturing environments for children and staff.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We care for children aged 3 months to 5 years across both our Harlow and Newhall nurseries.
How do you implement the Montessori method?
We use self-directed activities with specially designed materials, encouraging independence while following Dr. Montessori's three core principles of observation, freedom, and environment preparation.
What extra-curricular activities are offered?
We provide French lessons, dance classes, physical education, and computer skills sessions delivered by specialist external providers every alternate week.
How do you support transitions to primary school?
Our pre-primary maths and English activities, combined with structured routines, ensure children develop the confidence and skills needed for formal education environments.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
Our team includes Montessori diploma holders, Level 4 and 5 qualified childcare professionals, and specialists in safeguarding and special educational needs.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Jade McCarthy Byrne
Dec 09, 2016
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My daughter attended the Newhall smiles for a few months before moving to the bush fair site. She got on so well and the staff were lovely. I never had no worries or concerns leaving her here. would definitely recommend this nursery x
Alexandreia Valladares
Dec 03, 2015
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Absolutely love this school and all the teachers. I cannot praise everyone enough. My daughter absolutely loved it here and we were very sad to leave. However, she has developed and grown so much over the past year thanks to Smiles. Highly recommended xx
Miranda Le Sage
Mar 30, 2015
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Thank you to everyone at Smiles for taking care of our little boy for the last year. He has loved every minute and I know he will miss you all very much (as will we!!) Special thanks to Tina, Leti and Destiny x
Katie Williams
Feb 05, 2015
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Smiles has helped my daughter become a confident and outgoing little girl. I'm an overprotective parent but the staff have been great and she loves coming to smiles x thank you x
Mica Reynolds
Dec 19, 2014
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Would like to thank all preschool parents for their kindness in gifts this year, I am overwhelmed by how appreciative and thoughtful you all are. All your children are a pleasure to teach, and am happy that my daughter will be joining them in January, what lovely friends she will have x
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR XX love Miça and Jessica Reynolds xx
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR XX love Miça and Jessica Reynolds xx
