About

A nurturing space where children aged 2.5–5 years old flourish through independence, curiosity, and meaningful relationships.

Our Story

Founded in the heart of Blackheath Village, Village Montessori has been nurturing children for over 40 years.

Owner Melanie Simpson first discovered Montessori when her daughter attended the school over 30 years ago. Inspired by its philosophy, she trained as a Montessorian before taking over the nursery in 2000. She continues to teach alongside the team today.

We maintain a high staff-to-child ratio of 1:6 and employ fully qualified Montessori guides, creating a calm, supportive environment where every child is known as an individual.

“Our role isn't simply to prepare children for school. It's to help them become confident, curious and independent people, while building a community where families feel supported every step of the way.”

Melanie Simpson 

Proprietor & Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Why Village Montessori

Ofsted 2025 - "Strong Standard"

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Woodland garden

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Partnership approach to teaching

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Collaborative Montessori Accreditation 2023

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Ofsted 2025 - "Strong Standard" 〰️ Woodland garden 〰️ Partnership approach to teaching 〰️ Collaborative Montessori Accreditation 2023 〰️

Our Ethos

Everything we do is built on trust, respect and a belief in the potential of every child.

Our role is to prepare an environment where children can explore, make choices and learn at their own pace. By observing and guiding rather than directing, we help children develop confidence, curiosity, independence and a lifelong love of learning.

Our Montessori approach also supports children learning English as an additional language, with many activities demonstrated visually rather than through spoken instruction.

Meet the Team

Accreditations & Recognition

  • Ofsted — Strong Standard

    Following our December 2025 inspection, Village Montessori achieved Strong Standard across all areas, recognising the quality of our early years provision.

  • Collaborative Montessori Accreditation

    Accredited in 2023, recognising Village Montessori as a provider of authentic, high-quality Montessori education.

  • My Montessori Child

    Our secure digital platform connects learning at nursery with home, allowing families to follow their child’s development and progress.

Sustainability

Montessori believed that by developing a deep understanding of the world around them and learning about sustainable practices from a young age, children learn to respect and care for their environment. This is at the heart of our practice at the Village Montessori.

We employ a holistic, open-ended curriculum which promotes environmental sustainability and helps children understand the interdependence between people and the environment.

Read our Sustainability Policy

Thinking about joining us?

Find out how our admissions process works and 
register your interest.

Book a visit