Montessori Teacher – Nursery – Merton

We are looking for a passionate and dedicated Montessori Teacher to create a warm, nurturing, and inspiring environment where children can explore, discover, and thrive.

Working within the Montessori philosophy, you will encourage independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning through carefully planned, child-led experiences. You’ll develop and deliver an engaging, age-appropriate curriculum, guiding children through self-directed activities while supporting their individual development and wellbeing.

You will have responsibility for your own group of key children, building strong relationships with them and their families. You’ll plan stimulating activities, outings, and learning experiences that ensure every child enjoys a meaningful, enriching, and happy time at the school.

Montessori Education and Child Development

• Create and maintain a safe, welcoming and stimulating Montessori learning environment.
• Prepare and organise age-appropriate Montessori materials and activities that encourage independence, exploration and self-directed learning.
• Observe children's interests, abilities and developmental progress, adapting learning experiences to meet individual needs.
• Support children's physical, emotional, social, intellectual and cognitive development through purposeful activities and play.
• Encourage practical life skills, concentration, confidence, independence and respect for others.
• Plan and deliver engaging learning experiences in accordance with Montessori principles and the EYFS framework.
• Maintain accurate observations, developmental assessments and learning records for key children.
• Plan and participate in educational outings and enriching experiences that extend children's learning.
• Promote an inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported and able to achieve their potential.

• Maintain a safe, caring and hygienic environment for babies and young children.
• Supervise meals and mealtimes, including supporting the preparation of bottles and food where appropriate.
• Ensure children's dietary requirements, allergies and individual care needs are consistently met.
• Conduct daily safety checks of the learning environment, resources and equipment.
• Follow safeguarding and child protection procedures, promptly reporting concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and infection prevention.
• Comply with all nursery policies, procedures and relevant EYFS welfare requirements.

• Build positive, professional relationships with parents and carers, providing regular updates on their children's learning and development.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain a consistent and supportive learning environment.
• Support the Room Leader in the effective day-to-day running of the nursery room.
• Participate in team meetings, training and professional development opportunities.
• Contribute ideas and initiatives that enhance the children's experiences and the wider nursery environment.
• Undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the role, as directed by the Room Leader or Nursery Manager.

• Minimum of 1 year's experience working in a nursery or Early Years environment.
• A genuine interest in Montessori education and child-centred learning.
• Understanding of the EYFS framework and the developmental needs of young children.
• Ability to plan and deliver stimulating activities that support children's social, physical, emotional and intellectual development.
• Strong observation, assessment and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to support children with differing abilities, interests and additional needs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• A patient, compassionate and respectful approach to working with young children.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to remain calm, adaptable and effective in a busy nursery environment.
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.

• Montessori Diploma (desirable)
• NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce or equivalent (essential)
• GCSE Maths / English at Grade C or above or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths.

• Current Paediatric First Aid certification.
• Current Safeguarding certification.
• Current COSHH certification.
• Current Food and Hygiene certification.

• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Physically able to carry out the requirements of the role.
• Flexibility to work various shifts as needed.
• Enhanced DBS on the update service (or willingness to apply for one)*.