FAQ’s


General FAQs

Yes, we have a choice of uniform including a jumper, cardigan, polo shirt and t-shirt. These can be purchased at the pre-school. Uniform helps children feel part of the pre-school and helps keep your child’s own clothes clean and safe. Children can wear any trousers or skirts and are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes that are good for running around in. Please clearly name all of your child’s uniform and clothing.
On our last inspection we were rated good by Ofsted. Click for Report
We operate above the ratios required by the EYFS. Please see our staff page for more information about our teachers.
Yes, we have a buggy storage area inside the garden. Please fold your prams down and take valuables home with you. Children’s bikes and scooters can also be stored here. We cannot accept responsibility for any items left in this area.

Before your child starts

Yes – we would love to meet you! Please click here.
Please return a registration form to office@kiamenamontessori.co.uk along with a £50 registration fee and a copy of your child’s birth certificate.
We will be in contact to confirm we have received your child’s application. Closer to your child’s start date we will contact you again to offer you a place. We will ask you to return some forms along with a £150 refundable deposit.
Yes – your child will be offered a 1-hour settling session prior to them starting.
You will be told your child’s key teacher when you come for their settling in session. You will also receive an information sheet about your child starting in their book bag. After 6 weeks we will arrange a meeting to discuss how your child is settling in and answer any other questions.

Life at Kia Mena

We ask that all children attend for a minimum of 4 sessions. Morning and afternoon sessions are counted individually.
No, your child does not need to be potty trained. If they are in nappies, please provide spare nappies, wipes and nappy sacks in their book bag. Please communicate with us when you are ready to start potty training at home so that we can work with you.
We do not offer a set nap time. We have fold out beds for any child that needs a nap at any point and nap times are logged on My Montessori Child.
We provide snack time food and drinks twice a day, we charge a weekly fee of £1.50 for this. Snack time includes a variety of fruit & vegetables, a carbohydrate and a dip. If your child is staying for lunch, they should bring their own packed lunchbox from home. We put a lunch time advice sheet in their bookbag when they first start but please contact us if you would like another!
If your child is unwell before attending pre-school they should stay home to rest and recover. Please see our policies for exclusion periods. If your child is unwell whilst at pre-school we will contact you to collect them as soon as possible.
If you want to, you can practice your child’s sounds and numbers at home using the books we put in their bookbag. Children are always learning so just getting out and about and exploring the world together is encouraging their learning and development!
The best way to get updates is to log on to My Montessori Child. Here, you will see a new observation on your child once a week. You can also see slideshows and group observations of activities the children have been completing together throughout the week.

Funding, Fees & payments

Please see the terms and conditions for more information on this. Prices increase each April.
Yes, please see more about available government funding here.
Yes, please contact us for more information.
Payments can be made to: Kia Mena Montessori Pre-School 09-01-27 88827865
We ask that each terms fees are paid before the start of term. If you want to pay monthly, this needs to be agreed before the start of term with the first payment being received in advance.
Additional fees can be seen in our terms and conditions

Common Questions

In the UK, children typically start preschool around the age of 2 to 3 years old. At Kia Mena Montessori Preschool in Beckenham, we welcome children from age 2, providing a gentle introduction to early learning through the Montessori method.
Yes, 4-year-olds can attend nursery in the UK. Many children continue in preschool until they transition to Reception class at age 5. Our Montessori preschool near Beckenham is designed to meet the developmental needs of children aged 2 to 5, including 4-year-olds preparing for primary school.
Absolutely. Montessori preschools, like Kia Mena Montessori, offer a child-led learning environment that encourages independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love for learning. Many parents in Beckenham choose Montessori because it supports both academic and emotional development.
Montessori preschools focus on self-directed, hands-on learning using specially designed materials. Children are encouraged to choose activities that interest them, promoting independence and critical thinking. Regular preschools often follow a more structured curriculum. At Kia Mena Montessori Preschool in Beckenham, we combine the best of both: structure with freedom to explore.
Montessori is ideal for children who are curious, enjoy exploring, and benefit from a calm and respectful environment. At Kia Mena Montessori Preschool, we invite parents to visit our Beckenham setting, meet our team, and see how your child responds to the Montessori approach.
In the UK, the terms nursery school and preschool are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences: • Preschool usually refers to early education settings for children aged 2 to 5, with a focus on preparing them for primary school. Preschools like Kia Mena Montessori Preschool in Beckenham often follow specific educational approaches like Montessori, promoting independence, social skills, and early literacy. • Nursery school can include both daycare and educational care, often accepting children from birth to 5 years. Nurseries may be more focused on full-day childcare, especially for working parents, and may not always offer a structured curriculum. At Kia Mena Montessori Preschool, we combine the nurturing environment of a nursery with the educational focus of a preschool — offering a unique Montessori experience for children aged 2 to 5 in Beckenham BR3.
It’s best to start looking at nurseries or preschools at least 6 to 12 months in advance of when you’d like your child to start. In areas like Beckenham, high-quality settings like Kia Mena Montessori Preschool can fill up quickly, especially for popular morning sessions. We recommend: • Booking a tour early to see the environment and meet the staff. • Joining a waitlist if needed for your preferred start date. • Asking about funded childcare availability, especially for children aged 3+. To check availability or arrange a visit, call us at +44 20 8658 9009 or visit kiamenamontessori.co.uk.

When to Start Looking at Nurseries: Discover the best time to start looking at nurseries and how early planning can help secure the ideal place for your child’s early years education.

What Age Do Kids Start Preschool in the UK? Wondering when children start preschool in the UK? Learn about the typical age range, development readiness, and what to expect from your child’s first steps.

How Do I Know If Montessori Is Right? Find out if the Montessori method suits your child’s personality and learning style. We guide you through the signs Montessori might be the right fit.

Can a 4-Year-Old Go to Nursery in the UK? Yes! Learn about the options available for 4-year-olds in UK nurseries, including preschool pathways and government-funded places.

Differences Between Nursery School and Preschool: Understand the key differences between nursery schools and preschools in the UK and which might be the best fit for your child’s early development.

Difference Between Montessori and Regular Preschool: Explore how Montessori preschools differ from traditional settings. We break down teaching styles, routines, and benefits


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