The Montessori Method, brought to life across three unique settings in Hockley
Developed by Dr Maria Montessori over 100 years ago, the Montessori method is based on a deep understanding of child development. Children are natural learners — curious, capable and driven to explore. Our role is to follow the child.
In a Montessori environment, children choose their own work from a carefully prepared range of materials. They work at their own pace, revisiting activities as many times as they need. Educators observe, guide and support — never direct or dominate.
The result is children who are confident, independent, genuinely motivated and ready for whatever comes next.
The Montessori curriculum is built around five interconnected areas of development.
Real-world activities like pouring, sweeping, dressing and food preparation build concentration, coordination, independence and a sense of order.
Carefully designed sensory materials help children classify and understand the world — refining sight, touch, hearing, taste and smell.
Rich storytelling, songs, conversation and phonics-based materials build vocabulary, comprehension and early literacy in a natural, joyful way.
Concrete, hands-on materials make abstract mathematical concepts tangible — children literally hold and feel numbers, quantities and relationships.
Geography, science, history, art and music broaden children's understanding of the world and their place in it — fostering wonder and respect.
Authentic Montessori rooted in a genuine love for children and community.
We believe in joy. Learning should be meaningful, exciting and deeply satisfying. Our settings are warm, welcoming and full of life.
Every member of our team is trained in the Montessori method. We invest in ongoing professional development so our practice is always growing.
Our settings sit within Hockley's primary schools, creating natural, supported transitions and strong links between early years and primary education.
The Montessori method and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework are beautifully complementary. The EYFS's seven areas of learning map naturally onto Montessori's five curriculum areas, and both share the same fundamental principle: that children learn best through play, exploration and positive relationships. At Jelly Beans, we meet all EYFS requirements while staying true to the Montessori approach that makes us who we are.
Great education starts with children feeling safe, loved and settled.
Meals are a social, Montessori moment — children help prepare, serve and clear up, building independence and community at the table.
Every child begins with a gentle, personalised settling-in programme. We work with families to ensure the transition is positive and unhurried.
Our dedicated SENCO works across all three settings to ensure every child — regardless of additional needs — is fully included and supported.