Our Approach at Unique Child Montessori Day Nursery
A nursery where children settle in gently and learn at their own pace
Across our three London settings, teachers act as guides rather than instructors, observing each child closely and stepping back as they grow in confidence. Every day is shaped around what a child is ready for, not a fixed timetable everyone follows at the same pace.
Read on for how we help your child settle in, and for more on the curriculum thinking that shapes each day.
Settling In at Unique Child Montessori
A gentle start, shaped around your child
Starting nursery is a big change for the whole family. Before your child begins, their Key Person learns about the routines, relationships and familiar comforts they know at home. Then, across three settling-in visits, you gradually step back as they become comfortable with the room, the team and the rhythm of their day.
No child is hurried. If they need more time, we simply arrange another settling session and agree the next step with you.
Three sessions are a starting point, not a deadline.
Every child settles differently. We will never rush yours because they have reached the end of a fixed process. If they need more time, we’ll arrange additional settling-in visits and agree the next step with you when everyone feels they’re ready.
Before you start
Getting to know your child
Before their first session, your child’s Key Person will talk with you about their routines, interests and what helps them feel safe. Depending on the nursery and your family, this may happen in person, at your home or over a call.
Session one
Explore the room together
Your child’s first visit begins with you or another familiar adult nearby. They can explore the room, begin getting to know their Key Person and find their own labelled peg and bag waiting for them -small signs that they already belong.
The next sessions
A little time apart
When your child is ready, they spend a short period in the room without you. Their Key Person stays close while you remain available if needed. The time apart is then increased gradually over the following visits.
Building their confidence
Guided by your child
Every child settles differently. The number and length of visits will depend on their age, previous experiences and how they respond. We can slow the process down or arrange additional sessions whenever needed.
After they start
Continuing to check in
Settling doesn’t end after the final visit. Your child’s Key Person continues to watch how they are eating, sleeping, playing and forming relationships, while keeping you updated through conversations and the Famly app.
As they grow
Confidence at every transition
We take the same thoughtful approach as children move between rooms and become more independent. Familiar adults, gradual introductions and close communication with you help each new stage feel safe and manageable.
Montessori in practice
How the day is structured
Each room is set up with child-sized furniture and open shelves, so children choose their own activity rather than waiting to be told what to do next. Materials are designed to be self-correcting, a puzzle or a pouring exercise shows a child when something hasn't quite worked, so they learn to notice and adjust for themselves. Long, uninterrupted blocks of free play run between meals, rest and outdoor time, with staff observing closely and stepping in to teach a skill only when it's genuinely useful, not on a fixed schedule.
Our curriculum
Learning shaped around your child
We combine the EYFS with Montessori practice, guided by Birth to 5 Matters. Together, they support all seven areas of development: communication and language; physical development; personal, social and emotional development; literacy; mathematics; understanding the world; and expressive arts and design. Montessori practical life, sensorial learning, language, maths, cultural studies and creativity bring these areas to life. From secure, sensory learning for babies to growing independence and problem-solving in pre-school, our curriculum develops with each child.
Growing with us
One nursery, right through to school
Children can join Unique Child as babies and stay right through until school, moving from Tulips into Acorns and then Oakleys whenever they're genuinely ready for the next step. It means real continuity: the same caring team, the same wider community, watching each child grow up over several years.
Questions Parents Ask Us
The questions parents ask before choosing
Choosing a nursery brings up real questions. Here are honest answers to the ones we hear most, from settling in to getting to know your family.
“Will my child cry every morning?”
Some children cry at drop-off initially, while others walk straight in. Both are normal. We agree a calm, consistent handover with you and tell you honestly how your child settled once you left. If they remain distressed or need more time, we will contact you and adjust the plan together.
“Will anyone really know my child?”
Your child's Key Person gets to know them from the very first settling-in session, their comfort habits, what makes them laugh, how they like to be reassured. We ask you to share what matters at home too, so care here builds on what you already know from day one.
“What if they refuse to eat anything?”
It's common at first. We offer the same warm, seasonal meals in a relaxed group setting each day, breakfast through to afternoon tea, and never force a child to eat. Most children start trying new things once they see their friends enjoying the same food.
“How do you handle illness?”
We follow UKHSA guidance closely so our decisions are always clear and consistent. You will never receive a confusing or unexpected call. We explain our illness policy from the start so you know exactly what to expect. It helps keep everyone safe and avoids unnecessary worry.
“Will nursery ruin their sleep routine?”
Before your child starts we talk through their sleep routine together. We create a simple sleep plan that works for them, including nap times, calming wind-down routines and a quiet sleep space aligned with NHS safe sleep guidance. In the first few weeks we adjust things gently based on how your child responds.
“I will spend the whole day wondering if they are okay”
We send a daily update through the Famly app, so you can see how your child's day has gone: what they ate, whether they've had a nap, and what they got up to. It means you're never left wondering, even on your busiest days.
Safety & Safeguarding
The details that build real confidence
A few of the specific ways we keep every family properly informed and every child properly cared for.
The things that quietly keep children safe
Paediatric first aiders are on site at all times. Every sleeping child has regular sleep checks. Our illness policy follows UKHSA guidance so decisions are always clear and consistent. Allergy action plans are agreed with parents before a child starts and reviewed together regularly. If a safeguarding concern ever arises, it is referred immediately. No exceptions.
Honest, straightforward communication
You can see our Ofsted report, meal menus, staff ratios and policies in full. If something goes wrong, we tell you the same day and explain exactly what happened and what we have done about it. Parents should never feel left guessing.
Experienced staff who stay
High staff turnover is one of the biggest hidden risks in childcare. We invest heavily in our team through training, supervision and professional development. Many of our staff have been here for years. When children see the same trusted adults each day, they feel secure and confident.
Funding and fees, handled clearly
We manage your 15 or 30 hours funding directly with the local authority, so you're never left chasing paperwork or wondering where things stand. If anything changes, we tell you clearly and early.
Safety and trust are built through small decisions every day. We are always happy to talk through any questions when you visit.
Book a tourWhat parents say
- ★★★★★
“Unique Child Montessori Nursery is, without doubt, one of the best nurseries in the area. A good teacher is hard to find, and we are incredibly grateful for all the care and support shown to our little one. Thank you for everything you do. The team is always willing to listen to my views and makes me feel that my opinions as a parent are genuinely valued.”
Atif A.
- ★★★★★
“Amazing, professional care, with stimulating activities thoughtfully shaped around each child’s interests. The Montessori approach gives children the freedom to explore, make their own choices and develop independence at their own pace, while the teachers observe closely and provide support whenever it is needed.”
Martyna K.
- ★★★★★
“Unique Child Montessori Nursery is known for its commitment to supporting children and their families. The teachers are well qualified, friendly and approachable, helping to create a welcoming environment for both children and parents.”
Sophia M.
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Ready to see for yourself?
Book a tour to walk through the rooms and outdoor spaces, meet the team, and see the prepared environment for yourself.