Every child deserves a bright start
Welcome to Bright Start Montessori, where we aim to nurture and inspire young minds by learning through play.
Welcome to Bright Start Montessori
Based in Orpington, Kent, we are an early years education provider for children aged between 2 and 5. Bright Start Montessori was established in 1991 by Directress Michelle Steadman, and has served the local community by delivering excellent pre-school education for 35 years.
The pre-school is based in a spacious hall with two additional smaller rooms, and we are lucky enough to be set in two acres of woodland. Our outdoor patio and garden areas are used regularly for studying nature, learning, and play.
We are passionate about Early Years education and believe that through combining the teachings of Montessori alongside the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance, we create an environment where young children thrive.
“The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn.”
- Maria Montessori
Why choose Bright Start Montessori?
A safe & happy environment
Dedicated to providing a safe, happy, caring and challenging educational environment for our children.
Practical life skills
Encouraging independence together with hands on experiences of everyday activities which enhance both life skills and school readiness.
Carefully crafted activities
Building concentration, problem solving and persistence to foster the child's curiosity and love of learning.
Experienced, nurturing staff
A team of highly experienced, nurturing staff; all of whom hold a qualification of NVQ Level 3 or higher.
Open door policy
An open door policy with our parents and carers, app updates at the end of each session, and ongoing opportunities to discuss progress with keyworkers.
Outdoors every day
Regular time spent outdoors during free play and exploring nature.
Settling-in sessions
Settling-in sessions prior to starting, allowing your child to experience the setting and build bonds with the teachers.
Morning extras from age 3
A number of morning extras to enhance your child's learning, including Mandarin, Nature School, Yoga and Musical Theatre.
Montessori & the EYFS, hand in hand
The Montessori approach is intertwined throughout Bright Start, and we model ourselves on teaching care of self, care of others and care of the environment. Fostering independence, concentration, a love of learning and a sense of order are at the heart of everything we do.
Each child is assigned a keyworker, who works on bespoke targets to help each child achieve their maximum potential. We also follow the 7 areas of the EYFS, and children are encouraged to be curious, interested, excited and motivated to learn:
Communication & Language
- Enhancing vocabulary
- Expressing needs, thoughts and opinions
- Developing listening skills
Personal, Social & Emotional
- Expressing feelings and emotions
- Learning social skills
- Fostering confidence and independence
Physical Development
- Enhance fine motor skills
- Balancing, coordination and control
- Refine gross motor skills
Literacy
- Exposure to the written word
- Early phonics
- Name writing
Mathematics
- Learning to order in sequence
- Number recognition
- Problem solving
Understanding the World
- Care of the environment
- Celebrating different cultures and faiths
- Life cycles
Expressive Arts & Design
- Music
- Exploring different materials
- Messy play
“Observe little children, observe them anywhere you can.” - Maria Montessori
A nurturing environment, led by an experienced team
Michelle Steadman
Mrs Steadman has worked in the pre-school environment since 1988, and in a Montessori environment since gaining her Diploma with the London Montessori Centre in 1990. Passionate about early years education, she has educated generations of children with enthusiasm and dedication.
Karen Chandler
Having taught in a variety of Montessori settings since 2001 and gaining her Montessori diploma in 2008, Karen has over 25 years’ experience of teaching early years. A designated safeguarding lead and qualified SENCO, Karen is passionate about supporting the needs of all children, ensuring inclusive practice and enabling children at Bright Start to reach their full potential.
Ciarah Cook
Having left the corporate world during her maternity leave in 2017, and with an underlying passion to teach, Mrs Cook began working at Bright Start in 2022 and completed her Montessori Level 4 Diploma in 2023. Mrs Cook has a strong desire to implement Montessori practices throughout the pre-school and nurture the children’s love of learning.
Leanne Sinfield
Miss Sinfield brings over 18 years' experience in early years, with a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare, a Foundation Degree in Early Years and a Level 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistant Diploma. As part of the Bright Start team since 2020, Miss Sinfield is passionate about giving children a caring, nurturing and stimulating environment where they feel happy, safe and supported.
Our policies
Everything we do is underpinned by clear, regularly reviewed policies. Tap a card to read the full policy.
Safeguarding
View policy (PDF) → ⛑️Health & Safety
View policy (PDF) → 🧸Early Years Practice & Safer Sleeping
View policy (PDF) → 💛Support for Children with SEND
View policy (PDF) → 🌈Promoting Inclusion, Equality & Diversity
View policy (PDF) → 🍎Food Safety & Nutrition
View policy (PDF) → 🤝Working in Partnership
View policy (PDF) → 🌍Environmental Sustainability
View policy (PDF) →Looking for a policy that isn't listed here? Please email us and we'll happily send you a copy.
Sessions to suit your family
| Session type | Days | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Morning session (inc. lunch club) - 4 hours | Monday – Friday | 9.30am – 1.25pm |
| Afternoon session - 3 hours | Monday – Friday | 1.30pm – 4.30pm |
| Morning session - 3 hours | Monday – Friday | 9.30am – 12.30pm |
| Full day (inc. lunch club) - 7 hours | Monday – Friday | 9.30am – 4.30pm |
Fees & enhanced provision
Sessions that are not funded are charged at £28.75 per session (3 hours).
Our enhanced provision includes our lunch club and/or extra-curricular activities, plus the option for your child to attend a mini session before they start. Enhanced provision is available alongside your Government funded sessions:
- Lunch Club (12.30 – 1.30pm) - includes lunch and one hour of childcare at £13.20 per day.
- Morning extra-curricular activities for children 3+ years, 9.20am start - Nature School, drama, yoga, Mandarin and musical theatre at £12.30 per activity.
Early Start
Children can start pre-school from 9am at a cost of £4 per week for one early start to £10 a week for 5 early starts.
Please note, spaces are limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Deposit, invoices & cancellation
To secure your child's place, we ask for a non-refundable registration fee of £50 and a deposit of £200, deducted from your first chargeable invoice but otherwise non-refundable. The £250 total is due when you enrol your child.
Parents are billed termly in advance and payment is due before the first day of each term.
One term's written notice is required (by the first day of term), or fees in lieu, if your child leaves before the natural Primary School intake term.
Order pre-school uniform
Sweatshirts, cardigans, polo shirts, fleeces and backpacks in sizes XS, S and M. Order online and pay by bank transfer - we're happy to exchange if the size needs changing.
Help with childcare costs
Tax-Free Childcare is a government scheme that supports working families - check if you're eligible. Find out more about all Government funded childcare support at beststartinlife.gov.uk. The following is available if eligible:
Early Learning for 2 year olds
Up to 15 hours of free childcare for eligible parents of 2 year olds.
Find out more →2 Year Old Working Family Funding
Up to 30 hours of free childcare for eligible working families of 2 year olds.
Find out more →3 & 4 Year Old Universal Funding
From the term after your child turns 3, apply for up to 15 hours of funded childcare per week (equates to 5 sessions).
Find out more →3 & 4 Year Old Working Family Funding
An additional 15 hours on top of the universal funding for eligible working families.
Find out more →Our year at a glance
Autumn 2026
1 September – 18 December 2026
Half-term: 19 – 30 October 2026Spring 2027
4 January – 25 March 2027
Half-term: 15 – 19 February 2027Summer 2027
12 April – 16 July 2027
Half-term: 31 May – 4 June 2027A look around our setting
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Loved by families across our community
Both my two attended Bright Start, and we couldn’t have wished for a warmer, more caring environment for them. The atmosphere is so personal and welcoming, every member of staff is approachable, and you can genuinely see how much they love and care for the children. Both of our children absolutely thrived there, growing in confidence, independence and happiness.
The care for the children is always genuine and excellent. Communication is great and I feel like I can always approach staff on the door with any questions.
Staff at Bright Start genuinely care about our children. We chose the setting even though it is not the most convenient for us, because we didn't see anywhere else that compared. We feel like family.
A happy place for the children, brilliant extra-curricular activities and a nurturing environment.
My daughter absolutely loves coming in every day, and it's clear how much care, patience and effort you put into creating such a positive environment.
We have been so impressed with Bright Start and my daughter loves all the staff as they are so friendly and caring. It's reassuring to know how well she is cared for and supported at pre-school.
We'd love to show you around
If you have any questions regarding hours, fees or funding, please get in touch and we would be happy to help. To enquire about a place for your child, please complete the enquiry form.
- ✉️Email
admin@brightstartmontessori.co.uk - 📞Phone
01689 850904 - 📍Find us
Bright Start Montessori
Crofton Oak Scout and Guide Hut
Crofton Road, Orpington
Kent BR6 8JE
Crofton Oak Scout and Guide Hut
Crofton Road, Orpington BR6 8JE
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