change nursery place

[Lakalla]

Has anyones child been to a Montessori nursery and found it quite strict more school like? I’m considering changing my 3 year old due to a few reasons really. I know my child cry’s when there due to missing me but is not allowed there comforter ,which I know they can’t have it once at school but I still think 3 is young. There’s a few other reasons too. But I just wondered if anyone found there child enjoyed a normal nursery more ? I’m just not sure as this montersorri nursery has been rated outstanding by OFSTED but it just doesn’t seem very fun.

Yeah Montessori isn't generally much fun for kids. I'd avoid it like the plague, to be honest.

My twins are in montissori although I didn't choose it because of that. They have comforters but are only babies - I know they are allowed them during the day as we often have to hunt for it on pick up
They seem to have much more fun that my eldest childminder who looking back now didn't take them anywhere or do anything with them.
If they are just turned 3 I can understand why you might want them to still have a comforter but if they are nearer 4 I'd be trying to wean them off it

Montessori isn't really 'fun' in the traditional sense.

It's sort of calmer than fun. It's more about them being content and engaged.

I'm not sure that Montessori would have forbidden an upset child from having their comforter though. That seems more a policy of your specific nursery, maybe because they don't want to risk it getting lost/ruined. Tbh I think you may well find that policy/behaviour in other nurseries, it's unlikely that it's Montessori specific.

My DD went to a Montessori nursery from 12 months to 2 years. We changed nurseries because we moved house. There isn't a Montessori near us she isn't in one now.

I found that she flourished academically at the Montessori but she was unhappy. I couldn't work out why as it was during covid and we were unable to build a relationship with the staff or go inside.

She's happier at the non Montessori but she's not stretched enough academically (she's very bright). She is happier though, mainly because of the caring nature of the staff.

I'm torn about what's best. The Montessori she was at was part of a chain and staff were all young and hadn't been there long, whereas she's at an independent small nursery now where staff have been there for donkey's years. So I think the staff and their experience mean more than the academic approach, even though we use Montessori methods at home.

I’m surprised at this account of Montessori - I always thought it was child-centred and led and assumed that meant friendly…! Can someone explain?

OP what other options do you have? Any you like? Long waiting lists around here…

I think it was that particular nursery in covid lockdown rather than the Montessori method of teaching itself, which I use at home with DD.

I've looked at other Montessori nurseries and schools within the county and they seem really good - but too far away to be practical.