Information for Parents

Jelly Beans Montessori has three settings that together cover children from birth to school age:

• Jelly Beans Day Nursery (Southend Road) — ages 0–3, with a dedicated Baby Room (0–2) and Toddler Room (2–3)
• Jelly Beans Open Air (Chevening Gardens) — ages 2+
• Jelly Beans at Plumberow (Hamilton Gardens) — ages 2+

If you’re not sure which setting is right for your child, just get in touch and we’ll help guide you.

Opening hours vary by setting:

• Jelly Beans Day Nursery — Monday to Friday, 0730am–6pm, open 50 weeks a year
• Jelly Beans Open Air — Monday to Friday, 0730am-6pm - open 50 weeks a year
• Jelly Beans Pre School — Monday to Friday, 0730am-6pm - open 50 weeks a year with term time spaces available

All settings are closed on bank holidays, for one week at the end of August, and for a short period over Christmas. Please contact your chosen setting directly for exact term dates and holiday arrangements.

Yes. We accept government-funded early education places for eligible children:

• 15 hours free childcare for eligible 2 year olds
• 15 or 30 hours free childcare for 3 and 4 year olds

We also accept Tax-Free Childcare. Funding availability may vary by setting — please contact us to confirm what’s available at your preferred setting and to discuss how funding applies to your individual hours and schedule.

We take settling in seriously. Every child begins with a personalised settling-in programme, designed around their individual needs and your family’s schedule. This typically involves a series of short visits — first with a parent or carer present, then gradually building up to full sessions independently.

Every child has a dedicated key person who builds a close relationship with them and their family from the very start. There’s no rush — we work at your child’s pace, and we’ll always communicate openly with you about how things are going.

We encourage children to wear comfortable, practical clothing they can move freely in — things that can get messy! For all settings, please provide:

• A few spare sets of clothes (labelled)
• A water bottle
• Any comforters or special items for younger children

For Open Air Pre School specifically: children spend every day outside whatever the weather, so please send them in puddle suits, wellies, a warm fleece and — in winter — a snowsuit. We keep a supply of spare waterproofs but it really helps if children arrive ready to go.

Yes, we provide breakfast, two hot meals and two snacks through our wonderful catering company, Zebedees. All dietary requirements, allergies and cultural needs are carefully catered for across all settings. We work closely with parents to ensure every child’s needs are met safely and thoughtfully.

Developed by Dr Maria Montessori over 100 years ago, the Montessori method is based on a deep respect for the child as a natural learner. In a Montessori environment, children choose their own work from a carefully prepared range of materials, work at their own pace, and are guided — never directed — by trained educators.

The result is children who are genuinely curious, independently motivated and confident in their own abilities. You can read more on our Our Approach page.

We’re proud of our “Good” inspection results across all of our three settings.

All settings are registered with OFSTED and fully compliant with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.

The best first step is to book a visit — come and see the setting for yourself, meet the team and ask as many questions as you like. Visits are free and there’s no obligation.

Once you’re ready to apply, speak to the setting directly or use our contact form. We’ll guide you through the process, check availability and discuss your child’s start date and sessions.