Cherry Tree Montessori nursery is located in Ashley Heath about 3 miles from Ringwood and about ½ mile from St Ives. The nursery is on the smallest High Street in the country in a grade 2 listed building with around ½ acre of well laid out gardens. The natural surroundings allow the children to play and explore safely – we even have an outside learning area. The nursery also provides off road parking for parents to drop off and pick up their children safely.
Our approach to learning is a hybrid approach, following Maria Montessori’s philosophy of encouraging children to develop individually in a happy, friendly and caring environment. We are also getting accreditation for becoming a Curiosity Approach setting an environment that fosters natural curiosity and creativity. In addition to this we provide Forest School sessions for our older children. In July 2023 were obtained a GOOD Ofsted rating.
We are a small, close-knit nursery, providing a home-from-home environment and are OFSTED registered for up to 24 children. We accept local authority funding for children aged 2, 3 and 4 years old, and accept childcare vouchers. We are open all year, from 8.00am to 5.00pm excluding Bank Holidays and a period of closure over the Christmas time. Children are welcomed into the nursery on a full-time, part-time, sessional or term-time basis. We also have a number of holiday club spaces for 5-8 years on all school holidays.
We are also pleased to announce that we have been winners of a National Award- the Youth Sport Trust award for Outstanding Early Years Physical Literacy Practice Award in March 2023. We believe that it’s important for children to stay active and learning through physical activity.
Read more here: https://youthsporttrust-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/dorset-nursery-celebrates-national-award-success
Ages and Stages
Babies from birth to 2 years old
In our Baby room we provide personalised care for all our babies. Having only a small number of babies at any time we can provide the right approach to their care and routine.
Toddlers – ages 2-3 years
We start to introduce the Montessori philosophy by increasing the child’s independence using Montessori Practical Life activities and everyday independence skills, as well as developing their social and language skills.
Pre School – ages 3 to 5 years
In preparation for school, the children are prepared using the Montessori philosophy. Children use the separate Montessori classroom, to carry out activities in small groups, enabling staff can give them quality time and teaching in a more formal environment.
The Forest School sessions are beneficial for children in a number of ways, including, develop good physical skills, creativity, independence confidence and a positive attitude to learning.
All the staff at Cherry Tree Montessori Nursery are very proud of the nursery and what we have achieved with the children within our care. You are welcome to come in and look around, meet the team and ask any questions you may have. Please contact us on 01425 477400 to arrange an appointment.