Unity Montessori is an Outstanding nursery (OFSTED) located in Woodside Park, North London, staffed by fully qualified Montessori teachers (MCI & AMI).
Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When I was choosing a nursery, I visited four local settings. I chose Unity because it was the only nursery that genuinely followed the Montessori philosophy rather than simply using the Montessori name. Unlike other nurseries, Unity allowed me to spend meaningful time in the classroom with my son while the children were there, rather than rushing me through a quick tour or showing me around when the nursery was empty. This gave me a genuine insight into how the mixed age environment worked, how the children learned alongside one another and seeing the interactions between the staff and children was incredibly reassuring. It was clear that the staff understood each child's individual personality, interests, and needs. They genuinely cared about the children and wanted to be there, rather than simply doing a job. Most importantly, I saw children who were confident, happy, and thriving in a real home-from-home environment rather than simply a childcare setting. I have sent both of my children to Unity. The settling-in process was excellent. I was able to spend time in the classroom initially before gradually stepping away, while remaining nearby upstairs if needed. The nursery supported not only both of my children through the transition but also me as a parent! Unity understands how to settle children in the best way without unnecessarily prolonging any anxiety. While this can sometimes feel harder for parents than for the children themselves, the reassurance and guidance from the staff made all the difference. They were flexible, supportive, and understood that, more often than not, it is the parent who needs the most reassurance! When our eldest son started school, he made the transition with confidence. He understood what to expect, and Unity had prepared him exceptionally well, helping him develop the independence, resilience, and confidence he needed for this important next step. Our youngest is due to leave for school this month, and I am genuinely emotional that, after six wonderful years with Unity as part of our family life, our journey is coming to an end. We are incredibly sad to be saying goodbye, but also immensely grateful and proud of everything the nursery has helped our children achieve. Unity provides a genuinely unique experience for children. The children lean about different cultures and events celebrated throughout the year. Children are also free to explore both indoors and outdoors throughout the year, following their own interests and curiosity. During the summer months, the children spend lots of time outside enjoying water and sand play, painting, planting and watering flowers, eating lunch outdoors, reading in the garden, and taking part in thoughtfully planned activities that the teachers refresh and rotate daily. The children enjoy trips to the theatre, local farms, train spotting and a weekly Forest School during the summer months, giving them valuable opportunities to explore the wider world and develop confidence, independence, and a love of learning. The children's progress and development are clear to see, and the care, dedication, and passion of the staff shine through in everything they do. I have recommended Unity to many friends and parents at my children's school, and I would continue to do so without hesitation. The staff have been at the nursery for years and their experience and dedication means you know your child is in safe hands with adults who truly care about their wellbeing and development. The children themselves are kind, thoughtful, and respectful, and whenever Unity children meet at parties, parents often joke that you can always spot the "Unity children" because of how caring and independent they are. I truly believe that giving children the best possible start in life helps shape the adults they become, and both of my children are kind, caring, and independent. I genuinely believe Unity has played an important role in that. It is no surprise that Unity has been recognised as an Outstanding nursery by Ofsted. Thank you to Alex and the Unity team!Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After nearly three wonderful years with Unity Montessori Nursery, I wanted to share our experience in the hope that it helps other parents who are currently where we once were: trying to choose the right place for their child. What we found at Unity was far more than a nursery. It was a calm, safe and thoughtful environment where children are genuinely seen as individuals and supported with real care, attention, patience and respect. From our very first visit, what stood out was the quality of the interaction between the teachers and the children. It never felt like people managing a room full of children. It felt like people who genuinely care about childhood and understand how important these early years are. Over the years, we watched our child grow enormously in confidence, communication, independence, curiosity and social skills. Unity creates an environment where children are encouraged to become more independent at their own pace, while also learning kindness, responsibility, respect for others and the value of clear boundaries. Another thing that became increasingly obvious to us over time was how much thought, effort and care goes into creating meaningful experiences for the children. There is always something interesting happening — creative activities, crafts, sensory play, themed learning and new experiences that gently encourage children to explore the world around them. We particularly appreciated the Forest School programme, where the children regularly spend time outdoors in nature, building confidence, learning responsibility and cooperation, and developing a connection with the natural world that is becoming increasingly rare for children growing up in a city. You can genuinely feel that resources, time and energy are invested in giving children a rich and varied childhood experience, rather than simply providing childcare. What probably impressed us most throughout these years was the attentiveness of the staff. There were several occasions when very small details or changes in our child were noticed and thoughtfully mentioned to us. That level of observation only happens when people truly know and care about the children as individuals. A huge thank you to Alex for creating and protecting such a special environment, and to Sung, Hannah, Alena, Rumni and all the wonderful teachers who helped shape such an important part of our child’s early years. The warmth, consistency and dedication of the whole team have meant more to our family than we can properly express. We would recommend Unity wholeheartedly and without hesitation to any parent looking for a nursery where children are not simply looked after, but genuinely known, encouraged and nurtured.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I visited more than 6 places and Unity was the only one that feels to me yes, it should be like this. Approaches of the teachers, their knowledge on the childhood education, and the comfort they give the parents are the top reasons why I choose Unity. Beside this,the place is really clean,child-friendly as you know security is first for the families as we are leaving our precious ones.. It was really impressive as the team knows the structure very well and very welcoming and warm for all kind of questions.The materials you are using, as they are not tools. The team also knows the history and benefit behind these materials and how can they contribute to children. The transparency, the knowledge and experience and the approach to children. You are almost covering all the cultures and between this granularity your approach was unique and like your brand unity:) Even if we are coming from different cultures and as an immigrant I just felt the inclusion and diversity. After my girl joined Unity her motor and soft skills developed very well. Her language is improving and she feels safe and loved which is the most important one. Settling was impressive.I just followed my inner feelings and teacher guidance then the result just came.. the other reason was my girl feels being loved and important in this place.She knows she is in safe hands. The way you comforted me and allowed me to be part of the settling in process was really important for me, as secure attachment between family and child is critical for me.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We originally started our search when our son was about a year old and visited 3-4 nurseries then. Later, when he was about two, we started looking at more nurseries as we were not happy with what we had previously. We had almost signed up for another outstanding rated nursery in the area but backed out because we felt that it was well run but a bit mechanical in a way. We felt that there were too many children and teachers don’t have the time to build an emotional connect with them. We chose Unity for a few reasons: firstly we had looked at Ofsted ratings for nurseries in the area. Second, the Google reviews were absolutely genuine and great, which compelled us to at least come and visit. Third, we liked the Montessori ethos and the website material. But it was our first visit that blew us away. We loved the atmosphere that it was so calm, only a few children in the fairly open space. Children looked to be confident, doing things independently. There were no signs of distress. The thing that convinced us was Alex’s knowledge of child psychology I.e. supporting children from their perspective not just meeting their care needs. She is knowledgeable enough to not only understand where we come from, but support us in our parenting approach. Keeping the child’s true interest in mind was something we were looking for. The most important thing is the ratio of teachers to children. We have not been to any other nursery that has this kind of ratio above 2 years old. My son settled immediately when he started as Alex was so thoughtful to arrange a session to get familiar with the setting. The way she approached my son, without saying anything but just playing alongside him, I knew she would be able to get any child to settle quickly. It’s been a few months and we’ve been so happy! I feel a sense of relief knowing my son is in a place he’s cared for.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The initial conversation was lovely, very warm and inviting. Our first visit - the peacefulness of the setting and calmness of the children created a beautiful atmosphere- I could see our daughter fitting in well. Loved all the activities and how they connected to the real world. The quality is beyond what we have seen at other nurseries in the past as our old children had been to nursery, it was very much colouring and toys. At Unity there are many more real world learning via play. Exploring differ cultures, food, seasons, a place to eat, a place to read, the structure is there for children to explore at their own pace and at ease. It’s one large open calm setting, all the children can play/learn/engage together which is unique. Also love that children take their shoes off - great for their little feet and makes it home from home. Very convenient that children can leave outdoor clothes and wellies. Great that there are facilities for packed lunches to be warmed up so children can enjoy warm food. We also say what an amazing place it is for children to blossom. The caring nature of all the adults there, you can really tell they care, they want the best for the children and it really shines through. All cultures are celebrated, and children are taught in-depth and properly. The things our daughter comes out with when she comes home it’s brilliant. She is picking up so much and it’s because of the influence of the adults. We have never experienced anything like this with our older children, which makes me sad that they did not have the same experience. If I had know about Unity before they would all have come! Alex you communicate everything so clearly it’s lovely and you really put us at ease. Our daughter is the youngest child we have put into nursery she was 2yrs 3months. Usually we put children into nursery from 3 and they stay home with us whilst we juggle work. I really felt as ease at Unity, you responded so well to her needs. And hygiene is a real big focus for us. It’s so clean at Unity and doesn’t smell! You really treat the children with so much care and attention as if they were your own child. This is a rarity and something I have never experienced before. We know she is in a safe warm and loving place. You are like family, and have treated us as such. I don’t think this love and uniqueness could be found anywhere else. Unity and what you have created is a unicorn! I feel that the universe looked after us when we found you. Also the week in pictures! The best weekly newsletter! Absolutely highlight of our week. We felt the settling in process was appropriate as initially we could wait upstairs to see if she settled. I think you have to go through it, the longer you stay then it probably becomes harder for the child. From our parents meetings we really can tell the ethos is to go with the child’s interests and at thier pace which is great and nothing in forced. We think our daughter would say it’s her family away from home. A place that has taught her so much, how to be further independent, be responsible for her things and conscientious of her surroundings. She said I love Unity, Alex, Hannah, Sung, Rumni and all my friends!Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have had our son Gibson at Unity for over a year and can wholeheartedly recommend it. The most important thing for us in a nursery is the quality of education and its impact on the child. What we really appreciate about Unity is how seriously they take Gibson's education, and how big an impact it has had on him. The staff all really care, and Gibson really likes his teachers and fellow students. The nursery atmosphere feels very focused, we hadn't appreciated the phrase "play is the work of the child" until we saw how Unity operated. The children seem focused, challenged, and happy without being chaotic. It was as if they were under a spell, something we rarely manage to achieve at home. The parent meetings were outstanding — perhaps the best we have ever attended. Sung provided so much information and was so serious about Gibson's development, while also providing a written version to read afterwards. The weekly "our week in pictures" and My Montessori Child updates give a real window into what the children are doing and how we can support their learning at home. We also appreciated Unity's focus on international languages and encouraging bilingual development at home, the ability to bring our own lunch, the no-sweet-snacks policy, and the thoughtful approach to naps and potty training — gently encouraging independence while letting children make their own choices. Many nurseries feel like an okay place to leave your child. Unity takes the education part much more seriously. Gibson is doing very well, and everyone he meets is very impressed with his development and abilities — people often say "he doesn't seem like a 3 year old" after speaking with him. We are so happy with Unity that our younger daughter Mae will be starting there in October. Gibson's own verdict: "It's good, I like it."Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you’re looking for a nursery that offers an authentic Montessori approach, Unity is the answer. I am passionate about Montessori way of learning. When we were visiting different nurseries for our boys, we noticed that many had “Montessori” in their name, but in reality it was only a small part of their activities. Very few truly and consistently follow the Montessori ethos in everything they do. Unity is one of those rare places. I’ve read the reviews left by other parents and completely agree with what they’ve shared. In addition to that, there are two things in particular that I feel Unity does especially well, even beyond what you would normally expect from a Montessori nursery. The first is their creative craft work. The activities are carefully thought through and prepared by Alex and her team, and they introduce children to nature, culture, aesthetics, techniques and a wide range of sustainable materials in a very natural way. Through simple but purposeful activities like cutting, drawing, sewing, threading, pasting and so on, the children develop fine motor skills, explore different textures, and use their imagination, all while genuinely enjoying what they’re doing. Our boys were always proud to bring their creations home. Pieces like candle holders, Christmas decorations, and self-portraits were so lovely that we still bring them out and display them during festive seasons. The second is the outdoor environment. Unity places real value on outdoor play and treats it as an extension of learning rather than just a break from the classroom. The outdoor space is thoughtfully planned and changes with the seasons, which keeps it interesting and engaging for the children. In spring, there are garden areas for planting, home for caterpillars, and picnic spots for meals and snacks. Summer brings water play with a “pool” or “beach” setup. In autumn, children collect fallen leaves using trays and brooms, and in winter they might enjoy a small campfire gathering or build snowmen. When the weather allows, the children also walk to the nearby park, where they continue exploring and discovering the natural world. This balance of indoor activities and outdoor experiences is something we really valued at Unity. Alex and her team are exceptional. Their dedication, warmth, and expertise have meant so much to our family, and I truly cannot thank them enough for the care and guidance they gave our boys. As parents, we were incredibly proud when Unity was awarded Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted last year, an achievement that is absolutely well-deserved.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our daughter loved her time at Unity. The staff are caring, warm, compassionate and trustworthy. We felt she was safe and happy. Our daughter struggled to settle in at two different child care settings prior to starting at Unity, but within a few weeks she was happy and settled. She flourished in confidence as a result of the nuturing environment provided by the staff at Unity. She managed to do extremely well in private school assessments and moved onto Haberdashers Girls School. We highly recommend Unity to anyone considering a nursery.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Unity is an exceptional nursery. I visited many nurseries in and around North London while searching for the right place for my son, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have found Unity. It is a true Montessori setting where every child is treated with kindness, respect, and genuine care. The team truly listen to the children and meet them exactly where they are. My son started as a shy and quite timid child, yet Unity embraced him for who he was and helped him grow into himself. Through their nurturing, patient approach, they fostered real confidence in him. It is genuinely a child-led environment where children are encouraged to flourish and become the best versions of themselves, all within a calm and supportive space. It is clear that Alex is deeply passionate about giving the children the best possible start to their education. Every Christmas she gifts the children something handmade by her mum, which says so much about the love and thought that goes into the nursery. Over the years they’ve taken the children to the local theatre, set out paddling pools in the summer so the little ones can splash and enjoy the sunshine, and in winter they’ve roasted sweetcorn around an outdoor fire while sipping hot chocolate. That’s on top of the rich indoor activities on offer – baking bread and cakes, learning Spanish, making and playing with salt dough, moulding with clay, knitting, and so much more. My son left Unity last summer and is now thriving in Reception. He had already covered much of what was taught in the first term at school thanks to the strong foundation he received at Unity (it certainly wasn’t coming from us at home!). More importantly, he loves learning. He’s curious, confident in asking questions, and happy to express his ideas – all a reflection of the way children explore and learn at Unity. I was genuinely sad when he left because it had been the most perfect first educational setting. I always felt he was safe, happy, and understood there. When I expressed how emotional I felt about the transition, Alex reassured me that he was ready for his next step. That meant so much and showed how the team care for us as parents as much as they care for the children. I cannot speak highly enough of Unity, and I’m so proud that both my son and now my daughter attend. Choosing Unity has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my children.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have sent both our children to Unity now; our youngest has just left. We looked at a number of nurseries in the area but Unity was the best one for us. From the first time we met Alex, we knew this was the best place for originally our son and we did not hesitate to send our daughter afterwards. One of the big differences we found between Unity and the other Montessoris/nurseries is that as Alex owns Unity and runs it, you can see her passion for the development of the children come through. Her warmth and caring attitude to the children was reassuring for my wife and I. Alex and her team have an excellent knowledge of how to develop the children's skills for learning, including the vertical learning aspect, from which both our children have benefited greatly. The main hall has a variety of "stations" for the children to learn and explore, keeping the children challenged every day. Alex and her staff are always responsive to our many questions. The settling-in period is well considered and benefits the children in the long term. Via the Montessori My Child platform, we are regularly informed about what skills our children has developed that week, what goals they have achieved and what we can do at home with them to reinforce what they have learnt at Unity. Both our children left Unity ready to start Reception. The focus from Unity on learning how to learn is evident. We would recommend Unity to anyone that is looking to send their child to a kind, caring, safe and nurturing environment where their child will flourish.
Our week in pictures ☀️🦋🌳
#summerdays #butterflylifecycle #unitymontessoriwoodsidepark #northlondonmumsanddads #northlondonmumsanddads
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A very special week enjoying the sunshine and making the most of every moment. ☀️💦
We truly took advantage of this beautiful, hot weather, playing with water, enjoying al fresco lunches, and spending our days exploring, creating, and having fun outdoors. These simple moments are the ones that make the sweetest memories. 🌿💛
#sunnydays #northlondonmums #unitymontessori #makingmemories #summermoments
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A summer day at Unity☀️😎⛱️
#summervibes☀️ #waterplay #yogaforchildren #playistheworkofthechild #unitymontessori
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Some of our last week’s moments in pictures 🌸
#bakingwithchildren #fruittasting #forestschool #montessorieducation #unitymontessori #northlondonmumsanddads
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Our week in pictures💛
#bakingwithchildren #creativity #lookingafterourenvironment #holisticeducation #montessorieducation
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Some of our moments at forest school this week. It was a bit cold and windy, but the sun shined throughout the day for us 🌳😊☀️.
#forestschool #unitymontessori #northlondonmums #learninginnature #woodsideparkmums
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