Provision
Five outstandings at once for nursery chain
A Montessori nursery chain has been rated outstanding in all five of its inspected settings.
Children at Tudor House
The Tudor House Montessori group has three nurseries in Burgess Hill and two in Lindfield, West Sussex.
Owner Carole-Anne Benson said, 'I am very happy to have gained outstanding in all five of our settings. However, we are always looking at ways to improve things, make changes and build on our good reputation.'
Lavender Lodge Montessori in Burgess Hill was the most recent setting to gain top marks from Ofsted last month. Inspectors commented on the excellent support staff provide, helping children to feel secure and confident, as well as the management's clear commitment to their staff and the nursery as a whole.
Ms Benson praised her staff members' dedication and their ability to work well as a team. She said that the nurseries' relatively small capacities had helped to create a 'home from home' environment.
Ms Benson acquired the first setting, New Hickory Montessori Nursery in Lindfield, 13 years ago when she was working there part-time, and the manager approached her about buying the setting. She had no previous experience of running a nursery but her husband persuaded her that she could make the nursery a success.
Since then she has opened four more nurseries in Lindfield and Burgess Hill to cater for increased demand for childcare places in the area.
She said that limited space and building regulations have prevented her from developing purpose-built settings and she has had to convert existing buildings, including an old nursing home and a doctor's surgery.
Ms Benson said she takes a hands-on role at the five settings, while her husband does the accounts and any building work that is required.
Over the next few years, she is hoping to expand on the provision and develop the nurseries' outdoor space, introducing separate areas for babies away from the older children.
