Oakhouse Montessori, 77 Wimborne Road, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS2 4JR

Kindergarten - Two to Three years

Welcome Message from Casey Holdcraft & Paige Sheern

- Room Leaders

“Hello and welcome to the 2-3’s group.  We have lots of fun and there is lots to do to occupy inquisitive little minds!

We have two groups within this age range, Tweenies (2-2.5 years) and Kindergarten (2.5-3 years), who have free flow across two or three rooms (depending on the group), including our art rooms where we can get very messy and enjoy playing with playdough, painting, water play, drawing and sticking, as well as other fun craft activities. Our main play room is for our role play and small world activities, reading and literacy activities and construction. In these rooms we have a large variety of toys and activities which help us with our learning and imaginative play. We also have circle time each day where we sing, read stories, dance and talk about our interests.

The Kindergarten group is for the children who are 2.5-3 years old; the year before they go into our pre-school building.

The term after your child turns three years old we introduce them to Montessori activities. They will begin to have daily Montessori taster lessons where, in small groups, the children get the opportunity to learn and use Montessori equipment, using gross and fine motor skills whilst gaining independent self-help skills.  Your child will have free choice of the activities on the shelves and will receive one to one teaching when learning how to use activities and develop new skills.

We teach and encourage children’s independence which prepares and helps them as they grow older.”

Choosing a childcare setting for your child is a difficult decision, something that we at Oak House Montessori Nursery fully understand.  We encourage prospective parents to come and view the nursery, during which time you will be shown around the building, explained to how our daily routines are carried out, meet the staff that will be caring for your child and talking through any questions you may have.

Our kindergarten group is run by fully qualified, experienced staff. They are chosen for their knowledge and understanding of this age group and work hard to ensure your child’s individual needs are catered for.  This age group are provided with many new experiences to build their self-confidence and develop their own unique identity. Daily activities are planned weekly using the Early Years Foundation Stage framework to cater for each individual’s needs and interests and to ensure that a broad range of learning opportunities for the development of all areas of learning. Our kindergarten staff are always available for advice and support on topics such as ‘potty training’ and for every step of your child’s developmental journey.

Your Child's First Day

On your child’s first day you will be warmly greeted by the staff at the door where they will take your child and their belongings.  A member of staff will speak reassuringly to your child while encouraging them to take part in the activities provided.

Throughout the day you can phone us to find out how your child is settling, however if your child is upset and distressed, we will contact you. At the end of their first day a member of staff will discuss with you what activities they have been doing throughout the day, what they have eaten, nappy changes/toileting and sleep. Again, this is a good opportunity to ask any questions.

Services Provided

  • All food and drink are included in your session price.  We ask that you provide nappies and baby wipes if needed, a spare change of clothes in case of any little accidents, a pair of indoor shoes or slippers and appropriate outdoor wear. Please also provide a named beaker for water.
  • Weekly planning is completed by the staff caring for your child ensuring that a variety of activities are provided which cover all areas of learning and development.  By knowing the children in our care very well we are able to plan activities that we know they will enjoy which in turn will help them reach their developmental milestones.
  • We offer two settling-in sessions, free of charge.  During these you will be required to complete a few forms which will provide us with information that will ensure that we can plan for your child’s individual needs and preferences and make the transition between home and nursery easier.
  • We document your child’s day using the Famly App which details what they have eaten, their toileting and what activities they have participated in.
  • Your child will have a ‘Key Person’ who will document observations and photos to show what your little one has been doing whilst in our care.  This will continue through the nursery throughout their time here and once they have reached school age you can download this to keep as a memento of your child’s first five years.  This Learning Journey’ is available for you to view at any time on the Famly App; this will contain observations, artwork and termly evaluations which details the progress of their development.
  • Your child will remain in the main nursery building until the September before their 4th birthday, after this time they will move to our ‘Little House Preschool’.
  • We believe that children benefit most from early years education and care when parents and settings work together in partnership. Our aim is to support you as their child’s primary carers by involving you in the care and education of your child.
  • As a setting we ensure ongoing dialogue with you to improve our knowledge of the needs of your child and to support you as a family, we encourage you to speak with your child’s key person regularly to discuss any changes in routine, concerns or any exciting new things your child is doing. Advice on topics such as toilet training, behaviour, school transitions can be sought from any of our qualified, experienced staff.

Typical Activities

Daily activities are planned weekly using the Early Years Foundation Stage framework to cater for each individual’s needs and interests and to ensure that a broad range of learning opportunities for the development of all areas of learning.

Activities are set out to encourage a child’s interest and all equipment is stored at the child’s level so they can add toys to extend their play. The rooms are laid out with different activities.

The children are encouraged to play outside every day, they have the use of a large climbing frame, astroturf and a little village area. Activities such as ball games, obstacle courses and races are planned to develop gross motor skills.

Throughout the day staff supervise and interact with the children; promoting their learning and development whilst encouraging their independence and individual thoughts, ideas and opinions.

Kindergarden Mealtimes

We have our own Cook and Housekeeper so we are able to offer meals to suit a wide range of dietary requirements.  We aim to make all meals and snacks healthy and nutritious with appropriate portion sizes for your child.

At mealtimes children sit together to encourage them to develop social skills and table manners.  The children are encouraged and supported to feed themselves and to pour their own drinks to develop self-help skills.

Snacks: A snack is given during the morning and afternoon sessions where children are offered fruit or vegetables.  At all snack times children are offered milk; we also ask that you please provide a beaker or bottle for water to ensure that this available to every child throughout the day.