Business Details
Montessori Child Care in Leeds & York
Established to provide exceptional early years education, York Montessori Nursery combines the Montessori philosophy with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Founded by Helen Gration, a dedicated advocate for child-centred learning, our nurseries in Leeds and York offer tailored environments that nurture independence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. With Ofsted Outstanding ratings at our Strensall location, we prioritise individual development through hands-on, sensory-driven activities.Our team of qualified professionals ensures each child thrives in a secure, stimulating setting, both indoors and outdoors. We actively engage parents and carers, fostering partnerships to support every child's unique journey. Committed to excellence, we adhere to rigorous safeguarding standards and continuously adapt to evolving educational insights.
Services
Montessori nursery
EYFS curriculum
Childcare vouchers
Early years funding
Tax-free childcare
Highlights and features
- We integrate Montessori principles with EYFS standards for holistic development.
- Our team includes Montessori specialists with qualifications above national averages.
- Strensall nursery holds consecutive Ofsted Outstanding ratings.
- Learning environments adapt daily to children's evolving interests and needs.
- We champion government funding options to improve accessibility for families.
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
Services
Montessori nursery
Our Montessori nurseries in Leeds and York provide immersive learning environments for children aged 05. Using child-led activities and sensory resources, we cultivate independence and curiosity. Each room is tailored to developmental stages, with staff trained to observe and respond to individual interests, ensuring a personalised educational journey.
EYFS curriculum
We deliver the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum alongside Montessori principles. This dual approach ensures school readiness through structured learning in literacy, numeracy, and creativity, while maintaining flexibility to adapt activities based on children's evolving needs and observations.
Childcare vouchers
We accept government-approved childcare vouchers to help families manage nursery fees. This scheme allows parents to reduce costs through tax-free contributions, making high-quality early education more accessible without compromising on the Montessori-led care we provide.
Early years funding
Eligible families can access Early Years Funding to cover part of their child's nursery fees. We guide parents through the application process, ensuring they maximise available support while benefiting from our Ofsted-registered, Montessori-inspired educational framework.
Tax-free childcare
Our nurseries participate in the Tax-Free Childcare scheme, enabling parents to receive government top-ups for childcare costs. This initiative supports families in accessing our Montessori-led programmes, which blend structured learning with natural curiosity-driven exploration for children aged 05.
People
Helen Gration
Founder
Helen Gration BA Hons EYT founded York Montessori Nursery, driven by her passion for child-centred education. With over two decades of experience, she champions Montessori principles and advocates for children's rights, ensuring high staff qualifications and continuous curriculum development.
Christine Coates
Nursery Manager
Christine Coates oversees the Moortown nursery, bringing expertise in Montessori methodologies and early years leadership. She ensures daily operations align with educational standards while fostering a nurturing environment that prioritises each child's developmental needs.
Karen Furniss
Nursery Manager
Karen Furniss manages the Strensall nursery, maintaining its Ofsted Outstanding status through rigorous quality standards. Her focus on staff development and child-led learning ensures a consistent delivery of Montessori principles across all educational activities.
Rachael Powell
Nursery Manager
Rachael Powell leads the Fulford nursery, specialising in creating inclusive environments that reflect Montessori values. She works closely with families to support children's transitions and developmental milestones, ensuring alignment with EYFS requirements.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide childcare for children from birth to five years old across our three nursery rooms: Babies, Toddlers, and Pre-school.
How does your Montessori approach differ from traditional nurseries?
Our Montessori-led method prioritises child-led learning with sensory resources and individualised activities, unlike rigid, schedule-based approaches found in traditional settings.
Are you registered with Ofsted?
Yes, all our nurseries are Ofsted-registered, with Strensall holding consecutive Outstanding ratings for educational quality and childcare standards.
Can I access government childcare funding?
Yes, we accept Early Years Funding, Tax-Free Childcare, and childcare vouchers to help families reduce nursery costs while maintaining high-quality care.
How do you involve parents in their child's learning?
We maintain open communication through regular updates, observations, and parent meetings to ensure alignment with home environments and developmental goals.
What safety measures are in place during the pandemic?
Our nurseries follow government guidelines with enhanced cleaning, risk assessments, and flexible attendance policies to ensure child and staff safety during the pandemic.
