Experiences
What we get up to
Early Phonics
Our practitioners plan daily playful
experiences for our children to help them to tune into sounds, build vocabulary, and
develop their communication skills in a natural, enjoyable way.
Rather than formal lessons, we use songs, rhymes, stories, music, and
environmental sounds to help children listen carefully and use their voices with
confidence. Our older children explore phonics in a developmentally appropriate way
— noticing rhythms, clapping syllables, joining in with repeated phrases, and tuning
into the sounds around them.
Music
Music plays a vital role in stimulating all areas of the brain, helping children to tune in, engage, and develop in a variety of ways. To support this, we have an experienced outside music teacher who visits twice a week to bring rhythm, melody, and fun to our setting. In addition, we offer a daily singing session where children can join in, explore their voices, and enjoy the power of music as part of their everyday learning experience.
Spanish
Our older children take part in weekly music based Spanish sessions, which
introduce them to a new language in the most natural and enjoyable way. These
lively sessions build confidence, support listening and attention skills, and give
children the chance to explore another culture through music. The children join in
with songs, copy actions, repeat simple words and phrases, and enjoy the fun of
learning together as a group.
Introducing a second language at this age supports memory, communication, and
curiosity about the wider world. Most importantly, the sessions are joyful, playful, and
full of energy — giving children a positive early experience of language learning that
stays with them.
Football
​Our football sessions with Mr. Ross are always a hit! Once your child meets him, they’ll instantly warm to his energy and enthusiasm. Mr. Ross is fantastic with young children and not only teaches football, but also incorporates key aspects of the "Characteristics of Effective Learning" into every session.
Outings
We’re incredibly fortunate to have the charming Cheadle Village right on our doorstep, offering us a wealth of opportunities for outdoor learning and adventure! Abney Park is a favourite spot for our Welly Walks, where we embrace the outdoors in all weather conditions, bringing our learning to life in nature. Our dedicated staff are trained to deliver activities that nurture self-belief, boost confidence, enhance communication, foster problem-solving skills, and support emotional well-being. The children absolutely love these experiences! We also love getting out and about in the local village. Our children enjoy regular trips to the local shops, weekly visits to the library, and even a stop at the local cafés for a babycino and toast. The warm welcome we receive from the community makes these outings extra special.
Outside learning
Our garden space is complete with a working mud kitchen, playhouse, sandpit, deconstructed role play area, bike track. In addition to this we are lucky enough to be so close to Abney park which provides us with a superb environment for our weekly welly walk. We strongly believe in high quality outdoor learning as it offers unique opportunities for understanding the world as well as exposes the children to a degree of risk that you can’t gain from inside.
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Food
Babs is at the heart of our kitchen at Mini Montesaurs, bringing a wealth of nursery
catering experience and a genuine passion for creating nutritious, homecooked
meals for young children. Every dish is prepared with fresh, healthy ingredients,
ensuring our children enjoy meals that are both wholesome and delicious.
Our open plan kitchen allows Babs to stay connected with the children throughout the day — chatting with them over the counter, sharing smiles, and being part of the warm, family feel of our nursery. She loves involving the children in simple cooking experiences, giving them the chance to explore food in a fun, hands on way while fostering a positive relationship with healthy eating. Babs is highly experienced in catering for a wide range of allergies and dietary needs. She takes great care to provide thoughtful, tasty alternatives so that every child can enjoy their meal and no one ever feels left out. At Mini Montesaurs, food is more than just fuel — it’s part of our nurturing
environment, and Babs plays a big role in making mealtimes happy, inclusive, and
full of flavour.