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 61-80
Review from K S (Father of Child) published on 16 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our child goes to this Nursery, the staff are brilliant and our child loves going every day, The facilities on site our amazing and it's excellently managed would highly recommend sending your children here.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Hi, thank you for the review and saying staff are brilliant.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Lorna G (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little boy loves Prima Montessori, it took him a little time to settle but he looks forward to going and seeing his friends and the activities they do. Even on his days he’s not in nursery he will ask if he’s going in to play and see friends. He always comes out with a smile on his face, the staff
always make a fuss on him and that’s lovely to see and so important to know he’s looked after by friendly and caring staff.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Thank you for the review, great to hear your son loves Prima!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Aiden D (Father of Child) published on 16 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been coming to this nursery now for just over a year and I am extremely content with how the nursery cares for her. The children are always learning while still doing fun activities and can be seen via daily updates such as pictures or videos. I would definitely recommend this nursery
to other parents.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Thank you for saying you would recommend us to other parents. It's always a joy having your daughter at our nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Darren S (Father of Child) published on 16 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Prima Montessori are an excellent nursery. Since my little boy started there he has developed so much and has really developed his character and personality! I wouldn’t send any of my children anywhere else. They are so supportive to him and we get regular updates on what he’s been eating and his activities
throughout the day
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Thank you for the review and for saying we are an excellent nursery!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Danielle M (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
After my 1st son left Prima Montessori over 5 years ago he has gone on to excel in school both socially and academically! I now have a two-year-old and was so excited to be able to send him to Prima. I still visited other nurseries in the local area so that I was able to make an educated decision on
whether Prima was still the best place to send my son and in my opinion, the other nurseries are nowhere near as educational and established. During these Covid times Prima have done an amazing job at ensuring both their staff and children are kept safe with the measures they have introduced across the nursery. Having an online portal with daily pictures and detailed accounts of what my child is getting up to through the day while at nursery is amazing! I can honestly say Prima is the best nursery! The manager has extensive experience and has worked at Prima for many, many years, along with a number of the other staff. They will all bend over backwards to support your child’s needs! Amazing nursery!
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Thank you for saying we are the best! It's lovely to hear your first son is doing so well and we will continue to take care of your two-year-old to help him grow and develop.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Hannah P (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has moved up to the senior monti’s room now and I have really noticed a difference in him. He is more confident, coming home and telling me he has new friends and new teachers that he now speaks too. He was very shy before, he goes in with no fuss now. The staff are super helpful and are always
available to discuss any concerns or anything if needed.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Thank you for the review and it is lovely to hear your son has grown in confidence.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Richard G (Father of Child) published on 16 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been going to this nursery for a year now and we would recommend this nursery to anyone. Her first Xmas at the nursery and the bits she makes and what the staff do with her is really good. She always comes out happy.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Thank you for the review and it's lovely to hear your daughter is so happy at nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Jenny A (Mother of Child) published on 25 November 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been using this nursery now since 2017 and couldn't be happier with our experience. The staff are excellent and the children learn so much whilst having lots of fun. As a working mum, the hours of 7 until 7 are a real bonus - and it's a comfort to know that the children are happy despite a long
day away from home. I would definitely recommend this nursery.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Thank you for the review, it's great to hear you are happy with the nursery and team.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Nicola S (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Prima is a great nursery. I started my daughter there and was very impressed with how settled she was and the care she received. My son soon joined her and they had an amazing experience getting to do forest school and I felt like all the staff genuinely cared for them. Now my youngest has just joined
in April, it’s a little different with Covid but I was so pleased he still got to look around and do taster sessions to ease him in. Everyone there is really friendly. I love the new addition that I get sent pics and updates of what he's been up to while he is there. Also, I like the varied food they are given. Would definitely recommend here!
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Hi, thanks for leaving a review, Its great to know your children enjoy nursey and are having an amazing experience!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Charlotte B (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A lovely welcoming nursery. My eldest son attended now ten and there was no question of where I would send my now three-year-old. Excellent facilities and the staff are absolutely amazing at settling the children in. I would highly recommend this nursery to any parents looking for a nursery placement
for their child.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Hi Charlotte, thank you for saying the team are amazing!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Samantha W (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son joined the nursery in January 2020, just after his third birthday. He had only been looked after by family before so this was a big step for him but the staff took the time to help him settle in and find his feet. I love the app updates and the little catch-up with staff about his day and how
he's been. He really enjoys his time there and he gets more confident every day.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Hi, thanks for the review, it's great that your son is enjoying nursery and growing in confidence.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Helen N (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has attended this nursery since she was 6 months. I cannot fault them. The whole team are friendly and professional and my daughter loves it. I originally signed my daughter to another nursery and quickly moved her after settling in sessions. I wish I found Prima before this experience.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Hi Helen, thanks for leaving a review, we are glad you are happy with the team at Prima.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Damola A (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son absolutely loves this nursery, they are very attentive to the children. I have no complaints and he has been developing very well since attending. I would definitely recommend this nursery to others.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Hi, thank you for leaving a review and saying you would recommend us to others!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Michelle A (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We moved to the area in August 2020 and wanted to find a nursery that was like my daughter's previous one. We were able to visit Prima at one of the open day weekends, despite COVID. We absolutely loved the facilities they offered and how clean and organised the rooms were. The staff were all very friendly
and welcoming to my daughter. Their COVID implementation has been great and has made me and my family feel safe sending our children to Prima. My daughter has had the best final year of nursery before heading to school. It was also great that my husband was able to see my daughter at her graduation ceremony. My son now attends the nursery and loves it just as much as my daughter did. I also like that I can see what my children have been doing and eating for the day via the ParentZone app. Thanks, Prima Montessori!
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Hi, thank you for leaving a review, it's lovely to hear your children enjoy nursery!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from J N (Mother of Child) published on 13 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We visited many nurseries before making our choice. It's by no means our closest, nor the cheapest but we feel it is worth it for the experience our son gets here. From our first visit, we could see the staff were caring, kind and took an interest in each of the children in their care. The rooms are
well resourced and offer children opportunities to be independent learners as well as experiencing structured play activities. Our son has been attending for a year now and loves his days and the relationships he has made; both with other children and adults. The staff are always friendly at the door, each member greeting our son by name. I would certainly recommend the nursery to others. The addition of the Eylog app has also been a great way of seeing photos of what our son is achieving and reading the observations written. It is also useful to read about his naps, food and toileting each day on a quick, easy-to-open daily diary. We shall look forward to our youngest starting next year.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Thanks for leaving a review, great to hear your son is enjoying nursery!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Courtnie M (Mother of Child) published on 13 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son recently finished nursery here. All the staff are super friendly and were really great with him and they really focus on building skills from recognising letters and numbers and make learning fun with great activities and we loved seeing pictures of what he would get up to in class and his progression
via the app which became available during lockdown. My son loved his time there and they are truly like a second family hence why we are sending our other son there. They are a fantastic nursery and we wouldn’t go anywhere else.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Hi, thanks for leaving a review and saying we are a fantastic nursery!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Amy P (Mother of Child) published on 10 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child started in January 2020, despite lockdown we were still able to view the nursery and had settling sessions which was a great relief. The staff are always welcoming and helpful. They all take time to speak to my child and myself and they are quick to contact parents should the need arise. The
menu choices have enabled my child to continue to eat a varied diet, something that was important to me when looking for a nursery.
I enjoy being able to see what my child has been interested in during the day and what new things they have been investigating. I’ve recommended the nursery to a number of friends and their children now attend as well. Whilst it may be one of the more expensive nurseries around, I do feel it is worth the cost. I don’t have to worry about packing snacks, nappies, wipes, etc on a daily basis which makes the morning routine much easier!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Valli D (Mother of Child) published on 10 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Prima Montessori is the best nursery. Both my sons loved going to Prima. My little one was at Prima from his 1st birthday to Aug 21, before joining the school. The manager is very helpful in arranging any extra sessions, if available. All the staff would tell us how they were doing every day. Pandemic
made contact with key workers difficult, but with the introduction of an app, this was made easy. Pictures on kids activities were uploaded online and comments on both sides were added, so made it much easier to see what they are doing. I have recommended Prima to a few friends and colleagues and they all told me that they liked the nursery and were glad to send their kid there.
Thanks, Prima!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Chanonne G (Mother of Child) published on 9 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going to Montessori and I have already seen a positive change in him. He is very confident and his vocabulary has really improved. He has developed really good interpersonal skills and is very organised when playing. This is a great nursery for your child to grow and excel. I'm really
pleased so far.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Hi, thank you for leaving a review, great to hear your son is doing well and has grown in confidence and has developed good skills.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Deborah H (Mother of Child) published on 2 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started here when she was just 6 months old. I had looked around other nurseries which had absolutely nothing wrong with them but, not really wanting to go back to work anyway, I had a bit of a meltdown about sending her into childcare! Then I visited Prima Montessori and it was a complete
turnaround. I was actually excited for her to start! It's one of the more expensive nurseries in the area but so worth it. Fast forward 3 years and I am sending two more children who are in the midst of completing their settling in sessions. Again, I'm excited for them to be joining and know they are going to have a lot of fun, learn so much and be in the hands of the friendliest staff. I'm also so glad they started using eylog which means I get pictures and updates to my phone.
Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Prima Montessori & Day Nursery
Hi Deborah, We are happy to hear you are pleased with the nursery and have sent 3 children to join. We will continue to send you pictures and updates!
  • 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.