Learning & Development at Little Tots

Our Educational Philosophy

At Little Tots, we believe that children have a natural tendency to learn. Our approach uniquely combines the time-tested Montessori Method with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, creating a comprehensive educational experience that honors both individual learning styles and developmental milestones.

The Montessori Method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, Italy's first female Doctor of Medicine, emphasises child-led learning within a carefully prepared environment. Meanwhile, the EYFS provides the essential framework that ensures all children develop the fundamental skills needed for school readiness across seven key areas of learning. By weaving these approaches together, we create an environment where children have the freedom to explore and choose their learning path while ensuring they develop the communication, physical, personal, social, and academic skills that will serve them throughout their educational journey.

The Montessori Difference

Young children possess what Dr. Montessori called the "Absorbent Mind" – a remarkable ability to effortlessly absorb information from their environment, just as a two-year-old naturally learns their native language without formal instruction. In our carefully prepared learning environment, children use all their senses to investigate and understand their world in this natural, delightful way. You'll discover independent children who not only do things for themselves but also think for themselves – helping each other, solving problems independently, and tidying up without being asked. As they learn to read, write, and count, they simultaneously develop perseverance, learn to accept guidance, and make thoughtful choices, creating a foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth.

“My daughter has gained so much confidence in her physical and language skills. She likes going to forest school and getting involved in nature activities. It is also nice that she has the wider age group and she learns how to act with younger kids and how to be kind.” - Desislava, Parent

What your child will experience

Our curriculum seamlessly blends the Montessori Method with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, ensuring your child receives both the freedom to explore and the structured support they need to thrive.

  • Your child will develop confidence and independence through real-world activities like buttoning, polishing, washing up, and sweeping. These activities help children feel secure while developing the fine motor skills essential for later academic learning, including the correct pencil grip needed for writing.

  • Through specially designed Montessori materials, children explore concepts like length, width, texture, and colour. Each piece of equipment isolates a single concept allowing children to learn without fear of failure while developing spatial awareness and mathematical understanding.

  • We support every child's communication journey, from early listening skills to reading and writing. Using sandpaper letters and phonetic activities, children learn speech sounds before building words. We particularly support children with English as an additional language and those with special needs through PECS and Makaton sign language.

  • Children progress from recognising numbers and counting objects to understanding the four mathematical processes. Through hands-on materials and practical activities, they develop confidence in problem-solving and learn mathematical language like "more than," "less than," and comparative concepts.

Four Montessori Learning Areas

  • Every child is encouraged to take pride in themselves and their abilities. Through praise and encouragement, children develop independence, self-esteem, and confidence while learning to express their views and feelings both individually and in group settings.

  • Our spacious, well-equipped garden provides endless opportunities for gross motor development through cycling, climbing, building, and swinging. Meanwhile, our Practical Life activities strengthen fine motor skills through spooning, pouring, and scissor work – all essential preparation for writing.

  • Children explore the natural world through our garden, Forest School experiences, and allotment visits. We welcome diverse visitors to share their cultures, faiths, and beliefs, helping children make sense of the world around them through real-life experiences.

  • Creative expression flourishes as children use various materials and tools to create, explore, and communicate their ideas and feelings.

EYFS Learning Areas

Our Teaching Approach

We maintain a 1:1 teacher-to-child ratio for Montessori activities, ensuring each child receives individual attention as they progress through language, sensorial, and mathematical concepts. Our qualified staff are constantly alert to each child's learning level, actively supporting them to achieve their personal goals and reach their full potential. Meet our team here!

Enriching Experiences

Beyond our core curriculum, we offer exciting extracurricular activities that complement and enhance your child's learning journey. Our Forest School sessions allow children to explore, create, and take age-appropriate risks in the natural environment, developing confidence, resilience, and a deep connection with nature. Through yoga, children learn mindfulness, body awareness, and relaxation techniques that support their emotional wellbeing and physical development. Our dance sessions encourage creative expression, rhythm, and coordination while building confidence and joy in movement. These enriching experiences work alongside our Montessori and EYFS approach to nurture the whole child – mind, body, and spirit.

Your Child’s Journey

Every child is unique, and our individualised approach ensures that whether your child is naturally curious about numbers, drawn to creative expression, or fascinated by the natural world, they'll find the support and encouragement they need to flourish.