Prima Montessori & Day Nursery

Elm Court Estate, Unit C, Capstone Road, Gillingham ME7 3JQ
Review Us
10 110 Reviews
  • Prima Montessori & Day Nursery, Gillingham
Prima Montessori & Day Nursery, rated Good by Ofsted (July 2022), provides reliable childcare for children aged from birth to 5 years.

Adopting a Montessori inspired approach with the Early Years Foundation Stage national curriculum, the nursery and its passionate staff go above and beyond to prepare the children for the modern world and to ensure they are set up to grow and succeed. The Prima Montessori & Day Nursery philosophy is to enable each child to reach their potential and encourage the development of their own identity.

The nursery is conveniently located at Elm Court, with parking available to make drop offs and pick ups as easy as possible.
Show Prima Montessori & Day Nursery on the Map

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Ashleigh Lafford (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 25

Total Places for Children

  • 112

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Nursery fees are dependent on the age of your child and your specific childcare requirements. Funding options are available, including the government’s 30 hours funded childcare, for working families with 3-4-year-old children and we also accept the Government Tax Free Childcare Scheme and childcare vouchers.
    Please call us to request pricing and availability.

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:00-19:00
    Tuesday 07:00-19:00
    Wednesday 07:00-19:00
    Thursday 07:00-19:00
    Friday 07:00-19:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Parking

  • There are free parking spaces located outside the Nursery for drop-off and pick up.

Prima Montessori & Day Nursery Reviews (110)

10

Prima Montessori & Day Nursery has a Review Score of 10 (9.952) out of 10, based on 33 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Prima Montessori & Day Nursery has 110 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 106
  • 4
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 110
  • 2
  • 5
  • 33
  • 77
Reviewer Connection to Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
  • 94
  • 15
  • 1
Total of 110, showing 41-60
Review from Shona H (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son attended the nursery for around three years and they was absolutely amazing! I tried so many nurseries before and this was by far the best. The carers are so lovely and really care about the children. I loved the garden area and the location of the nursery. I would only ever recommend here.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Thank you for the review and saying we are the best!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from B C (Mother of Child) published on 2 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending for the last six months. This is a superb nursery, I couldn't ask for a better place for my son to go to. My son needs support with his developmental delays and the staff always goes above and beyond. The children are offered indoor and outdoor opportunities daily to further
their education. My son is also offered freshly cooked meals daily which are catered to my child's needs. The nursery and staff are always welcoming and the facilities are perfect for my child's needs.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Thank you for the review and saying we are a superb nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Sarah T (Mother of Child) published on 28 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Both my boys have been looked after at the nursery. My youngest can't wait for his nursery days and very much looks forward to playing with all his friends and taking part in all the fabulous activities the staff put on. The staff all know him by name and always greet him with a smile.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Thank you for the review and great to see both of your children making friends at our nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from C S (Mother of Child) published on 28 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My eldest son attended Prima Montessori & Day Nursery from the age of fourteen months and I could not have been happier with his experience, he built amazing relationships with the staff and children during his time there. So when it come to sending my youngest son to nursery I had no doubts about where
to send him. He has been attending Prima since he was twelve months old and has again built amazing relationships with the staff who are fantastic and regularly mentions his older brother which is lovely. They keep us updated with a daily diary including regular updates of his progress through exercises and pictures. The development of both my children academically and socially has been brilliant and I wouldn't send them anywhere else.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Thank you for the review and lovely to hear your son has built so many wonderful relationships at nursery and made new friends.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Linda S (Mother of Child) published on 28 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going to Prima Montessori for five months now. He had a number of settling days at the start, more than the average as my son had a bit of separation anxiety and this helped him transition to full nursery days. The staff were fantastic and over the first few weeks really took the time
to get to know my son and find out what he enjoys. They even took on our reward sticker chart method for my son's toilet training! My son is thriving and I can't praise the team enough for all their efforts and kindness. I feel my son is in an environment that challenges him and is fun. It's heartwarming when he comes home and describes his day using new words and phrases that show me the staff are promoting interaction with other children and themselves.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Thank you for the review and saying staff are fantastic!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Scarlett M (Mother of Child) published on 28 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was quite apprehensive and nervous about my son starting nursery so young at the age of seven months, being the youngest but from the open day to the settling-in sessions the staff have made me feel at ease. They are polite, warm and do everything they can for him in my absence. It has made me feel
confident to go to work and know he is being well looked after, learning through Montessori he has become so independent playing at home, learning new motor skills and the most sociable baby! He loves interacting with babies, children and adults everywhere we go and this has definitely come from being in the social setting at Prima nursery. We love receiving the photos, daily log and videos of him. They will be stored as special memories to come!
I have also been treated with paintings of fireworks, Halloween spiders, autumn finger tree painting and more. I love the fact he is so creative and I have been given so many ideas to help me at home! Thank you to all of the staff here!
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Thank you for the review and we are glad you are happy leaving your son at nursery. Great to see him learning new skills and being more sociable.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Linda B (Mother of Child) published on 28 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have to say, my son has been going to this nursery since he was one year old and he is doing amazing. He has come a long way with his learning to speak. (two years old now) He is always asking to go back in when I pick him up. Communication with the manager and staff is fantastic, we keep each other
in the loop with the progress of my son. We have another little boy who will also be joining this fab team. I must do a shout-out to the lady who looked after our first child and would love her to look after our second. Also, a shout-out to the lady for looking after our boy now, couldn't be happier with this nursery.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Thank you for the review and great to see your son developing in his speech.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from A T (Mother of Child) published on 25 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son attends Prima Montessori and loves it. The staff are fantastic and attentive and give excellent care to my 2.5-year-old. He has made great progress and has a lovely bond with his key worker.
Staff give feedback at the end of each day, and you get a log of what activities your child has done,
what they've eaten and how long they have slept that day.
I can't praise the nursery enough!
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Thank you for the review and for saying the staff are fantastic.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Mark S (Father of Child) published on 11 October 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter attended Prima Montesorri and very much enjoyed her time there. She left having made friends with pupils and staff. The team are highly attentive and provide good feedback at the end of each day. This is also the case when development goals or milestones are reached. They provide a wide
range of activities, both indoors and out. The menus provide a variety of food with plenty of healthy snacks on offer throughout the day. Communication is frequent via email but not overly so. Parents and carers are kept up to date with all relevant news and future plans. We highly recommend this nursery.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Thank you for the review and great to hear your daughter enjoyed her time at our nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Mariam P (Mother of Child) published on 18 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son went to Prima Montessori & Day Nursery for a short while, but while he was there I just cannot sing their praises enough. This is such an amazing nursery, being a first time mum, I was very sceptical about finding the right nursery and after viewing a few nurseries, I fell in love with Prima
Montessori & Day Nursery on their open day. My son had such a lovely bond with all the staff and they always gave me really good feedback at the end of each day and on the portal. They really put a lot of thought and love into making the nursery what it is and we were really gutted we had to leave but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything else. I will like to say a BIG thank you to all the staff at Prima for being so caring to my little one and we miss you.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Thank you for the review and saying we are an amazing nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Ewa E (Mother of Child) published on 6 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a wonderful nursery where every little thing has been considered. Nothing is too much trouble and additional events brought into the curriculum such as growing their own chicks give such wonderful experiences.
In addition, when my child first went to nursery he developed an awful medical condition
that was only first presented at the nursery, their quick thinking and excellent efforts here meant we had a diagnosis from the hospital very quickly, with the specialist congratulating those that had dealt with this at the nursery.
I trust them completely and know they go above and beyond every day.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Thank you for the review and saying Prima is a wonderful nursery and that we have taken great care with your child.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from A O (Father of Child) published on 19 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My boy loves being at nursery, it's such a wonderful place to be and he's surrounded by great people which is all we can ask for.


He always comes out with a smile on his face, always full and the updates provided to us directly from the Prima nursery and via the app gives us the best opportunity

to see our child grow.


We really couldn't ask for anything more as a parent.

Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Thank you for the review. It is great to hear you are happy with our nursery. It's lovely to see your child having a wonderful time.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Carly G (Mother of Child) published on 17 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been attending Prima Montessori for 10 months now, starting in the baby room. I was anxious about her starting nursery so young but it has been absolutely brilliant for her. She loves going to "school" and is always so happy when we pick her up. Her carers are amazing, so kind, and
caring and make us feel like they are as proud of her achievements as we are. The office staff are very hands-on and show that this is not run solely as a business but that all members of staff are passionate about the children and their well-being.


The hours available were key factors for us. Both I and my husband are self-employed and this offers us the flexibility we need with our childcare. The fact that they ensure our daughter is so happy in their care, relieves some of the "mum guilt" and allows me to be fully present when working. I would highly recommend Prima Montessori and have already put my son's name down on the waiting list for when he is older.

Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Thank you for the review. It is lovely to hear your daughter is so happy coming to nursery. We love taking care of all the children and watching them grow and develop.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Laura J (Mother of Child) published on 17 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can't recommend Prima Montessori highly enough.


My son can't wait to go to nursery on his two half days; he has settled incredibly quickly and has the most amazing relationships with his key workers and nursery room leader.


We get daily updates, including pictures, and it is abundantly clear

that he is thriving. It is obvious that his developmental, emotional, and social needs are being met at nursery with the highest degree of diligence.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Thank you for the review. We love having your son at our nursery. Great to hear he has settled in with his key workers and is enjoying nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Mat M (Father of Child) published on 15 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both our children have been attending this nursery, one from 4 months old, and they both come out full of energy and smiling ear to ear. They have both become very independent and caring individuals, and highly recommend this Prima Montessori.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Thank you for the review, it's great to hear your children are happy at nursery and that they have both become very independent.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Zoe D (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When I first walked into the nursery a few years ago I just knew this was the nursery for my son.
Both of my sons have attended here one is currently still attending. Staff are absolutely great and we have built a really good relationship with the staff over the years. I am updated regularly and if
there are ever any issues these are looked into straight away. My son absolutely loves going in and his self-development has really grown. I would definitely recommend to my friends and family without a doubt.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Hi, thank you for saying the staff are great! It has been lovely to see your son grow in self-development and enjoying nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from A P (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery has been a huge part of my daughters development. I am always very impressed with what she comes home and talks about when discussing her day. She often learns new skills and is consistently practicing ways of becoming more independent which she thrives off. The staff communicate well with
parents and I always feel like I know what she has been up to due to the pictures and notes shared on the app at the end of each day. She particularly loves all of the songs they sing. My second daughter will be joining her next year!
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Hi, thank you for the review, it's lovely to hear the nursery has been a big part of your daughters development. We love that she is a part of our family!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from John W (Father of Child) published on 16 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have 4 children and all of them have been to Prima Montessori. The staff are exceptional and my oldest child still remembers fondly the time she spent there. Interestingly, many of the staff still ask after her, and the others, as they remember them all. This shows low staff turnover, probably because
they are happy there and it shows in the way they look after my children and the friendly way they always talk to us when we collect them.
I can wholeheartedly recommend Prima to everyone.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Hi, it's lovely taking care of your children and thank you for saying the staff are exceptional!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from K M (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We chose Prima Montessori due to it's outstanding and credible Ofsted report and it certainly has lived up to expectations. There is great focus on personal development of a child and encouraging independence. The staff are very welcoming and friendly and the stimulating environment made it very easy
for my children to settle there. The staff constantly monitor the progress of children and as parents we are kept fully informed through a daily log which includes photos and observations. For us, Prima Montessori is more than just a nursery and an extension of home life as their values are in line with the early year's stage and a great foundation for building character and preparing children for the next stage of school life.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Hi, it is great your children have settled into nursery and become part of our family. We love taking care of our little ones!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Victoria H (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I’ve been using Prima Montessori for my little girl since January 2020 and I have to say I wouldn’t have gone anywhere else. She loves going to nursery, the activities she gets up to during the day have enabled her to excel beyond her age. She was able to write her own name before she even turned 4!
The staff are amazing, the rooms are so engaging for the children and really allow them to explore their own interests with the guidance of excellent room leaders. She also gets plenty of garden play, which she adores. The lunches she gets are well balanced and she loves them. I will definitely be using Prima for my second daughter when the time comes, cannot recommend highly enough.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Hi, it's lovely to hear your little girl loves coming to nursery and is developing and exploring her interests.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.952)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.952) out of 10 for Prima Montessori & Day Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 33 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 33 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.952 for Prima Montessori & Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (378 Excellents x 5) + (14 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 394 Ratings = 4.952
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Prima Montessori & Day Nursery is based on 33 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 112 number of registered child places is 22.4, which has been reached with 33 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

Loading

Loading Loading

Loading

Loading

Awards / Recognitions (3)

Meet the Team (2)

Toni

Toni O'Brien

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2004

Hi, I’m Toni O’Brien and have worked at Prima for 19 years and for the past 13 years as Nursery Manager. I have an NVQ3 in childcare and working in partnership with parents, I ensure the smooth running of the nursery on a day-to-day basis. I am the Designated Safeguarding Lead.


I have attended Eat Better, Start Better, health nutrition training and ensure that children have healthy and well-balanced meals.

Amy

Amy Stanton

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2013

Hi, my name is Amy and I am the deputy manager working alongside Toni. I have been here at Prima Montessori for 8 years starting off as a Level 3 apprentice and then working my way up to Room leader, Third in charge and then Deputy. I help with the day-to-day running of the nursery from opening and closing the building, liaising with parents, visits for new parents, maintaining ratios and supporting staff. I specialise in the under 2’s age group and oversee their reports ready to take to their 2-year reviews with their health visitor. I am the wellbeing champion at Prima, a designated safeguarding lead and have Level 2 in understanding Autism.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Prima Montessori & Day Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Prima Montessori & Day Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.