Business Details
Trusted Montessori Pre-school for Child-Centered Learning
At Caterpillars Montessori Pre-school, we are dedicated to nurturing young minds through a child-centred approach rooted in Dr Maria Montessori's educational philosophy. Our team of qualified professionals combines Montessori principles with modern early years practices to create a stimulating environment where children aged 2-7 can explore, learn, and grow at their own pace. With mixed-age settings and hands-on learning experiences, we foster independence, creativity, and social development while maintaining rigorous safeguarding standards. Our extracurricular clubs, including yoga, Spanish, and football, complement our core educational offerings, and our holiday clubs provide continuous engagement throughout school breaks.We collaborate with specialist caterers to deliver nutritionally balanced meals that exceed EYFS guidelines, ensuring children develop healthy eating habits. Through our commitment to individualised learning and emotional literacy support, we prepare children for successful transitions to formal schooling while maintaining transparent communication with families.
Services
Montessori Education
Childcare Services
Holiday Clubs
Extra-curricular Activities
Nutritional Catering
Highlights and features
- We implement authentic Montessori methods with qualified, experienced practitioners
- Our extracurricular clubs develop diverse skills beyond core education
- Nutritional meals exceed EYFS guidelines with zero added salt or sugar
- Holiday clubs operate during school breaks for continuous childcare provision
- Mixed-age settings promote peer learning and social development
What people say
Outdoor adventures
Library book preparation
Thoroughly enjoyed activities
Confidence development
Learning through play
Services
Montessori Education
Our Montessori education programme follows Dr Maria Montessori's child-directed approach, creating customised environments that nurture individual learning styles. Qualified practitioners guide children aged 2-7 through hands-on activities that develop cognitive, social, and motor skills. Mixed-age settings encourage peer mentoring while maintaining strict adherence to safeguarding and educational standards.
Holiday Clubs
We provide childcare during school holidays for children aged 2-7, open to both enrolled students and community members. Activities include outdoor learning, creative play, and structured sessions based on demand. Our flexible approach ensures children continue developing social and cognitive skills while maintaining safe, engaging environments throughout holiday periods.
Extra-curricular Activities
Our extracurricular programme includes yoga, Spanish language sessions, football coaching, cooking classes, and forest school outdoor learning. These activities run alongside core education to develop physical coordination, language skills, creativity, and environmental awareness. Specialist instructors deliver age-appropriate sessions that complement Montessori learning principles.
Nutritional Catering
We partner with specialist caterers to provide nutritionally balanced meals exceeding EYFS guidelines. Menus feature zero added salt or sugar, with organic milk options and allergy-friendly alternatives. Daily meals include fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, supporting children's growth while establishing lifelong healthy eating habits through carefully curated nursery food menus.
Childcare Services
Our childcare provision combines Montessori education with flexible session options for children aged 2-7. Services include breakfast provision, morning snacks, and extended care arrangements. We maintain strict staff-to-child ratios with qualified practitioners holding relevant childcare qualifications and safeguarding certifications, ensuring safe, nurturing environments that support family needs.
People
Angela Pagett
Principal, Safeguarding Lead & SENCO
Angela holds an Early Childhood International Montessori Diploma and CACHE Level 3 qualification. As SENCO, she specialises in supporting children with special educational needs through EY ELSA training, ensuring inclusive practices across all educational programmes.
Marguerite Portergill
Deputy
Marguerite possesses a Montessori Diploma and Level 3 qualification in Children and Young People's Workforce. Her expertise in early learning and childcare ensures consistent delivery of Montessori principles across all preschool operations and staff development programmes.
Denise Hall
Early Years Practitioner
Denise holds an Early Childhood International Montessori Diploma, applying her expertise to create engaging learning environments that align with Montessori's child-directed educational philosophy for children aged 2-7.
Lisa Stevens
Early Years Practitioner
Lisa brings PGCE Primary teaching experience to her role, combining traditional educational methods with Montessori principles to support children's transition to formal schooling through structured yet flexible learning approaches.
Sophie Dunn
Early Years Practitioner
Sophie holds an Early Years Educator Level 3 qualification, focusing on creating stimulating environments that encourage natural curiosity and developmental milestones through Montessori-approved materials and activities.
Questions
What Montessori qualifications do your staff hold?
Our team includes practitioners with Early Childhood International Montessori Diplomas, CACHE Level 3 qualifications, and PGCE Primary teaching credentials.
Do you cater for children with allergies?
Yes, we accommodate all dietary requirements and allergies through our specialist catering partner while maintaining strict food safety standards.
Are holiday clubs available for non-regular attendees?
Our holiday clubs welcome both enrolled children and community members aged 2-7, with sessions based on demand and parental preferences.
How do you support children's transition to school?
We use Montessori methods combined with structured learning materials and library book programmes to develop essential skills for formal education.
What extracurricular activities are offered?
We provide yoga, Spanish language sessions, football coaching, cooking classes, and forest school outdoor learning activities for holistic development.
How are meals prepared and what do they include?
Specialist caterers prepare balanced meals exceeding EYFS guidelines with organic milk options, fresh produce, and no added salt or sugar.
