Frequently Asked Questions

How do we contact you?

By post – Please address all correspondence to Mrs V. Roden, 20 Commonside, Downley, High Wycombe, Bucks. HP13 5XG.

By telephone:

Direct line to the nursery 01628 529414
Holiday and out-of-hours 01494 442057 or 01494 880607

By email : roden-sunshine@tiscali.co.uk.

How many children are there in a session?

We have up to 36 children in the main Montessori session and a child:adult ratio as low as 4:1 for our under 3s.

How many staff do you have?

We have 10 members of staff, 7 of whom work at any one time in the morning. Up to 5 members of staff are on duty in our quieter afternoons to provide more hands-on help for the younger and newer children.

How many of your staff are Montessori trained?

Currently 4 of our staff hold a Full Montessori Diploma, 2 others are currently working towards their Montessori qualifications. Other staff are also NVQ qualified. All staff follow a staff development program, receiving further training on a termly basis.

Can my child receive government funding if he/she attends Cookham Montessori School?

Yes, you can claim government funding from the term after your child has reached 3 years of age.

Can my child stay all day?

Yes, your child can stay from 8.30am to 3.30pm daily. However many parents select different combinations of starting and finishing times for each day of the week. You can select from start times: 8.30, 9.00, 9.30, 12.30. Finish times: 12.30, 1.30, 3.30pm.

Do you offer the full Montessori curriculum?

Yes, we offer a curriculum that encompasses all areas of the Montessori curriculum. This includes our practical life activities; sensorial exercises; language (including speaking, listening, reading, writing, spelling, grammar, prose and poetry appreciation), numeracy, science, history, geography, art, craft, cookery, drama, music, PE and dance. We have adapted our curriculum to ensure that we comply with the requirements of the Education Department’s Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. This curriculum is designed for children aged 0-6 years and sets out the learning goals which it is hoped that most children should have achieved by the time they enter Year 1 of their primary school. We are inspected regularly by Ofsted inspectors to ensure we are providing a high standard of provision

Can we see your Ofsted Report?

Yes. Please look for the relevant section on the ‘Reports’ page or visit the Ofsted website

How will I know how well my child is doing?

We hope to keep you fully informed about your child’s progress at all times. This is achieved in a number of ways. Firstly, we have an open-door policy in which you are able to observe your child during a session. Secondly, each term you will be invited to a confidential formal feedback session in which your child’s progress will be discussed in detail. Other confidential meetings can be arranged on request. A newsletter is distributed every week and other information is pinned on the school notice board. There is also time at the beginning and end of the session to pass over information. A Parent Information Evening is arranged each term in which a particular area of the Montessori curriculum is explained and ideas imparted for extending your child’s learning at home. And finally when children move into full time education parents receive a written report.

Do you organise school outings?

Yes, we aim to organise an outing each term. These outing are often related to the cultural topic we have been investigating at the time. In the past we have been to The Natural History Museum in London, the magnificent Hindu Temple at Wembley, Odds Farm Park. Beale Park, a classical music concert for children, our local dairy farm (to find out where the milk that we drink at break really comes from!) and the ever-popular Legoland.

Can I come and see the nursery?

You are most welcome to come and view a session in action. Please contact us to make an appointment.

Is there a waiting list?

We are usually very full. My advice is that you should come and visit the nursery before your child turns 1 year old. However, places do become available from time to time, so please do not let this put you off applying if you are looking for a place at short notice.

Which Primary School do the children transfer to?

Our children transfer to a great variety of schools. Many who live locally move on to our excellent range of local state schools. Some parents choose to send their children to nearby private schools. Other children who travel from further afield transfer to schools in their own district. We have details and personal knowledge of many of the primary schools in and around the Cookham/Maidenhead areas and are able to discuss the range of choices and their suitability for your child at the appropriate time.