Ashley Cross Montessori
GoodBirth to 8+Open for decades
A day nursery in Poole for children from birth to 8+, open 08:00 to 17:00, 5 days a week. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Good by Ofsted in March 2025. Open since 2008, with 30 places.
Places, hours and the day
Who they take, when they are open, and what a day there includes.
Where it is
BH14 0JUWhat the inspector found
One grade is one visit. A run of them tells you whether it has been good for years or has only just got there.
Ofsted inspector, 28 March 2025 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
Children enter this welcoming nursery and settle happily on arrival. Staff are kind and caring and form positive and friendly attachments with children. Babies receive plenty of cuddles and affection from staff, and appear happy and secure. Staff are sensitive to children's individual needs and give them good support when children move on within the nursery. Older children move around the play areas confidently and show positive attitudes to learning.
The manager and staff plan a broad and balanced curriculum. There is a focus on developing children's independence and confidence. Staff sequence learning effectively to help children to build on their skills and understanding. For example, babies begin to thread large beads, developing their manipulative skills. They smile broadly and say, 'I did it!' as staff praise their efforts. Older children show good levels of dexterity when they carefully use scissors and create models using play dough.
Children get to know the established boundaries that help them feel secure. Staff gently guide their good behaviour and explain, for example, why running may not be a good idea indoors, but they can enjoy running safely outside. Children interact positively with their friends and play cooperatively. They show kindness to others, for example, by sharing resources.
What Ofsted told them to improve
To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should:
- review the organisation of mealtimes so that the length of time children spend waiting is reduced to enable staff to support children's language and social skills further n strengthen the quality of staff engagement and their interactions with children to fully support and extend their learning consistently.
- 28 March 2025Good Safeguarding: Yes
- 21 June 2019Outstanding
- 7 October 2014Good
Rated Good or Outstanding at 3 of the last 3 graded inspections.
Still missing for Ashley Cross Montessori
- What it costs
- Funded hours
- Youngest age taken
- Meals
- Nappies
- Waiting list
No dataset holds any of this. Two parents telling us the same thing puts it on the page for whoever looks next.
What to ask them
None of this is in any national dataset and this setting has not published it, which is exactly why it is worth asking.
- What does it cost, all in? What is on top: meals, nappies, late pick-up, and what happens if you are late.
- Can I use my funded hours here? Whether they stretch them over the year, and the minimum days you have to book.
- Is there a place for my child's age? Baby rooms fill first and waiting lists are common.
- Who would my child's key person be? And how long have the staff been there. No dataset holds this and it matters more than anything above.
- Can I visit at a busy time? Mid-morning on a weekday tells you far more than an empty room after hours.
Day nurseries within a couple of miles
This one is first. Tick it and one or two others to see them side by side.