Little Elms Montessori Nursery

Elm Court Community Centre, 363 Mutton Lane, Potters Bar EN6 3BP
Review Us
9.9 22 Reviews
  • Little Elms Montessori Nursery, Potters Bar
Welcome to Little Elms Montessori Nursery.

Little Elms believes in nurturing young minds and hearts to help children flourish in a safe, stimulating, and loving environment. Dedicated and experienced staff are passionate about early childhood education and committed to providing personalised attention to each child.

Why choose Little Elms Montessori Nursery?

a. Innovative learning programs: The curriculum is designed to ignite curiosity and foster a love for learning through play-based and hands-on activities.

b. Qualified and caring staff: The team consists of highly trained professionals who are not only educators but also compassionate caregivers.

c. State-of-the-art facilities: The setting offers spacious classrooms, a vibrant outdoor play area, and a variety of age-appropriate resources to ensure children’s physical, social, and cognitive development.

d. Holistic development: From language and literacy to physical coordination and social skills, the nursery focuses on the holistic growth of each child.                

e. Montessori enriched environment: The team is very passionate about the Montessori way of education and their aim is to encourage children to be independent and confident.

f. Extra curricular activities: The nursery has activities like Yoga, Drama and Football to reinforce their physical, cognitive and PSED skills.

Join the Little Elms family and watch your child grow, learn, and thrive! Conveniently located in Potters Bar Community centre with flexible hours.
Show Little Elms Montessori Nursery on the Map

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Owner

  • Nishrin Alibhai
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Nishrin Alibhai (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 10

Total Places for Children

  • 50

Age Range

  • from 2 years 0 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00

When Closed

  • 1 week at Christmas & 1 week in Summer

Parking

  • They have parking onsite

Little Elms Montessori Nursery Reviews (22)

9.9

Little Elms Montessori Nursery has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.895) out of 10, based on 22 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Little Elms Montessori Nursery has 22 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 20
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 22
  • 10
  • 13
  • 22
  • 0
Reviewer Connection to Little Elms Montessori Nursery
  • 22
Total of 22, showing 1-20
Review from Carol C (Mother of Child) published on 3 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children attended Little Elms Montessori, and we couldn't be happier with the experience. We initially chose the nursery for its Ofsted Outstanding rating, and it truly deserves that and more. The staff are warm, caring, and deeply knowledgeable in the Montessori approach. Our children thrived
both emotionally and academically, making incredible progress during their time there. The nursery has a homely, nurturing feel, with a beautiful outdoor area surrounded by nature. Drop-off is easy with the convenient car park. The meals are healthy and well-loved by the children. Communication with parents is excellent, with a clear and effective strategy in place. We are so grateful to the manager and the entire team for their dedication and care. I wholeheartedly recommend Little Elms to any parent-it's a truly special place where children flourish.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from M B (Mother of Child) published on 2 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Review for Little Elms Montessori Nursery:
My daughter attended Little Elms Nursery, and I couldn't be more grateful for the care and support she received. When she first started, she didn't speak any English, but thanks to the amazing teachers and the wonderful staff, she now speaks English confidently
and has improved so much.
Little Elms is a fantastic nursery with a caring and attentive team. The children are engaged in a variety of activities every day, and the environment is both nurturing and supportive.
I'm especially thankful to everyone who helped my daughter not only with her language development but also with her social skills. She used to struggle to make friends, but now she interacts happily with others.
I deeply appreciate the hard work and dedication of the staff-you've made a real difference in my daughter's life, and I will always be thankful for that.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from M P (Mother of Child) published on 2 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has attended this nursery for over a year and we are very happy with the time, care and support provided to help them develop in all areas.
Thank you for helping my child flourish and be ready for the next part of their education journey! You will be missed!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from D P (Mother of Child) published on 29 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Little Elms Montessori Nursery has been a wonderful experience for our family, and I highly recommend it to any parent looking for a nurturing and enriching environment for their child.
My son has attended Little Elms for the past two years and will be starting school this September. My daughter has
also been attending for the past year and is excited to continue for another year. Both of them have gained a wide range of skills, knowledge, and good habits during their time at the nursery.
We truly appreciate the Montessori method of teaching by the well-trained staffs.The nursery also has a lovely outdoor play area that my children have thoroughly enjoyed. Most importantly, they have always been happy and excited to go to nursery every day We are extremely satisfied with our experience and grateful for the role Little Elms has played in our children's early years.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Lydia G (Mother of Child) published on 30 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been incredibly happy at Little Elms Montessori and has absolutely thrived. As a teacher of over 10 years, I can confidently say this is a fantastic educational setting.
The teachers and nursery nurses are warm, kind, caring, and genuinely dedicated to the wellbeing of every child.
The activities are thoughtfully planned, with a lovely mix of creative, educational and multicultural experiences. There's also a good variety of extra-curricular activities.
Communication with parents is excellent, and a healthy lunch is available if you don't want to send a packed lunch-another thoughtful touch.
We actually moved further away during our daughter's time at the nursery, but chose to keep her there because of how happy and supported she felt. The management has been flexible and understanding throughout.
We are so grateful to all the staff for the care and support they've shown. We will miss the nursery hugely. A heartfelt thank you!
Reply from Nishrin Alibhai, Manager at Little Elms Montessori Nursery
Thank you so much for your kind words. We are thrilled to hear that your daughter has enjoyed her time with us and that you are happy with the care she receives. It's always our goal to provide a…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Joan D (Mother of Child) published on 25 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Teachers are good, my boys improved remarkably in their speech. They learnt to be a lot independent. They have learnt to eat various foods , when they used to be choosy. I have seen a lot of discipline even when they are home. Thank you staff.
Reply from Nishrin Alibhai, Manager at Little Elms Montessori Nursery
Thank you for your kind review, much appreciated
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Joyce A (Mother of Child) published on 24 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Elms Montessori nursery have great teachers who are always there for the children, and understand their need also have patience to the children. Their Montessori model of nurturing children is unique and when my kid is there am at peace since I know he is safe
Reply from Nishrin Alibhai, Manager at Little Elms Montessori Nursery
Thank you so much. We value your trust in us.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Niloofar G (Mother of Child) published on 21 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the staff and teachers prefect my child happy and feel at home.
Helpful and responsible any time when my kids with them.
They always answer texts phone.
My son when coming home he is always clean and tidy.
I really appreciate them.
Reply from Nishrin Alibhai, Manager at Little Elms Montessori Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review. We value your trust in us.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from A V (Mother of Child) published on 15 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely amazing nursery with wonderful caring staff. Thank you for everything you do to stimulate learning and genuinely care for the children. You all do a wonderful job.
I'm very thankful that my daughter attended to Little Elm's Nursery
Reply from Nishrin Alibhai, Manager at Little Elms Montessori Nursery
Thank you for your kind review, much appreciated
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from N D (Mother of Child) published on 8 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child is very happy and has a good tme . The Nursery is excellent and the staff are lovely. We would high my recommend this nursery to everyone . The Montessori method is great and they have a large playground
I am very happy
Reply from Nishrin Alibhai, Manager at Little Elms Montessori Nursery
Thank you so much. We appreciate your trust in us.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Fatemeh K (Mother of Child) published on 3 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started at 2 years old, I was very anxious about leaving him for the first time but The staff were amazing with helping her transition into nursery and also reassuring me with regular feedback of how she was doing. The manager is very supportive and helpful.
Reply from Nishrin Alibhai, Manager at Little Elms Montessori Nursery
Thank you for your trusting and supporting us always, it is much appreciated .
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from A H (Mother of Child) published on 3 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely amazing nursery with wonderful caring staff. Thank you for everything you do to stimulate learning and genuinely care for the children. You all do a wonderful job. The staff are hardworking and friendly, my child always looks forward to going to nursery
Reply from Nishrin Alibhai, Manager at Little Elms Montessori Nursery
Thank you for the wonderful review, much appreciated.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Neetu D (Mother of Child) published on 30 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little girl has been at Little Elms for a year now and we couldn't be happier. The staff are all super friendly, and I really feel that they care for the kids and help them develop their little personalities. My daughter who is about to be three, is always looking forward to going to her nursery
and keeps talking about her friends and teachers there.
As parents, we appreciate the good communication and how well-organised it is. But the most important thing is that I feel that I can totally trust them to look after our kids.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Shobhna S (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff shows love, care, and affection to the little ones. Facilities are clean and safe. A healthy and safe environment is provided to the children. They are also flexible and accommodating. My child is happy to go to the nursery which is one of the very important aspects for me. The settling period
for my child was not painful and was quick.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Elena T (Mother of Child) published on 29 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Little Elms is a lovely nursery with everything you'd hope for. Both my children attend there and always look forward to going in. The teachers are very caring and supportive of any of our needs and always go above and beyond. They have a great outdoor area too which the kids absolutely love.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Jessica F (Mother of Child) published on 29 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Little Elm's Montessori Nursery for around 7 months (my son also attended but is now in school) and it is a brilliant nursery with wonderful, caring teachers. It is clean, tidy and a great space for lots of fun!
The staff keep the children thoroughly entertained with
lots of different thought-out activities all in line with the Montessori philosophy. We are updated daily with things the children have done via an app which is very nice. They also teach the children independence and real-life skills such as how to clean up and chop vegetables etc which helps prepare them for the real world!
They have a lovely outdoor play area too and my daughter absolutely loves going to nursery. I feel confident knowing she is in safe hands when she is there with very professional and caring adults.
I highly recommend Little Elm's Montessori Nursery!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from M C (Mother of Child) published on 7 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery is so wonderful.
The teachers are brilliant and so loving towards all of the children.
My son struggled a lot at the start because of severe anxiety and the staff have been fantastic from the day he first started. They were great at helping both my son and myself during this stressful
transition period.
Thank you to all the staff at this fantastic nursery.
My son has learnt so much since joining here and he looks forward to coming in every day.
Thank you, Little Elms.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Caroline C (Mother of Child) published on 27 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Little Elms Montessori Nursery is a fantastic nursery. I highly recommend sending your child there. All the staff are friendly and enthusiastic and they go above and beyond in the care of all the children. The nursery is always clean and tidy with a big sized field for the children to run around in
and play football. They also have a wooded play area which is excellent. My daughter has developed in leaps and bounds since going there. It's very interesting to see her grow and develop quickly. It will be very sad to have to leave when she goes to school.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from P A (Mother of Child) published on 12 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are very happy with the Montessori. Communication between teachers, children and parents is fantastic. We know what our child does on a daily basis. The range of subjects taught is brilliant, and our child's vocabulary has improved vastly.
The equipment in the classroom keeps children engaged throughout
the day, and the outdoor space is great. We are very happy with the location as not many local nurseries have this type of space to offer.
Our child is safe, happy and enjoys attending nursery.
Would highly recommend Little Elms.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from F W (Mother of Child) published on 21 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My youngest son ended his happy life in kindergarten here. He was very happy here. Although he encountered some problems, he still missed the teachers and friends in kindergarten.
The manager made a lot of new changes after taking office, which is undoubtedly very good for parents and children. Managing
a kindergarten is a big challenge. Every teacher in the team is great. I hope there will be better and more communication between teachers and parents.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.895)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.895) out of 10 for Little Elms Montessori Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 22 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 22 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 4.895 for Little Elms Montessori Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (233 Excellents x 5) + (21 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 257 Ratings = 4.895
  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 Little Elms Montessori Nursery is based on 22 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 50 number of registered child places is 10, which has been reached with 22 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 (0)

Meet the Team (1)

Nishrin

Nishrin Alibhai

Job Title: Director Joined: 2023

HelloI I am Nish. I have over 15 years of childcare experience. I actually started as a student at this very own nursery and went on to pursue my career and gain experience in other nurseries. I have since then worked in many nurseries as a deputy, then as a Head Teacher, Montessori head and as a SENCO. I have taken a whole turn and come back to where I started! I took over this setting in 2023 and have made significant positive changes aimed at making our relationship with the parents stronger.

Frequently Asked Questions about Little Elms Montessori Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Little Elms Montessori Nursery accepts?

Little Elms Montessori Nursery accepts Children aged from 2 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Little Elms Montessori Nursery Open?

Little Elms Montessori Nursery is open: Monday 07:30-18:00, Tuesday 07:30-18:00, Wednesday 07:30-18:00, Thursday 07:30-18:00, Friday 07:30-18:00.

How many Children does Little Elms Montessori Nursery have capacity for?

Little Elms Montessori Nursery has capacity for a total of 50 Children.

How far is Little Elms Montessori Nursery to the centre of Potters Bar?

0.4 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

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