Our Montessori Nursery in Red Lodge
'The Children's House' Nursery
At ‘The Children’s House‘ which occupies part of The Millennium Centre, we accept children from 3 months to school age. There is plenty of parking and we are on the edge of a historic 20-hectare heathland which is home to several threatened species, making this an exciting place for your child to learn about nature conservation. The nursery opens onto a large garden with a covered outdoor classroom providing exciting opportunities for outdoor learning whatever the weather. We have sole use of three large rooms which are designed for children’s different developmental stages.
We want to spread awareness about the benefits of Montessori education and to be a helpful resource in the wider education community.
Using Montessori approach, we help children aged 3 months to 5 years develop in all aspects—intellectual, social, physical, spiritual, and economic.
Child protection is paramount to providing safe and enriching learning environments for our families in West Suffolk and nearby areas.
“Everyone is Welcome” regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, nationality, or ability. We support initiatives such as the ‘Every Disabled Child Matters’ campaign.
Nurturing Young Bodies Year-Round with Freshly Prepared Meals
All meals are freshly prepared by our nursery chefs. Menus incorporate seasonal produce and are adjusted to children’s dietary needs where necessary. To learn more, visit our page about nursery nutrition.
Tracking Your Child's Experience
At Colourbox Montessori, we use Blossom to track and record your child’s development. Highlights are sent daily to your device, and you can upload your own observations so that we can work together to enhance your child’s learning. For more details, visit our page about the Blossom platform.
A dedicated team of professionals with a passion for education
It’s not just the children who are ‘excited about learning, excited about life’! We provide a wide variety of training opportunities for our team, not only to keep them up to date with the latest education and safety requirements, but also to further their personal and professional development. Learn more about our team on our about us page.
A truly Global Education
Montessori education inspires children to explore their surroundings and develop a deep understanding and respect for the various life forms, systems, and forces in our world. As technology increasingly connects us with people worldwide, it becomes essential for our children to use these tools to appreciate cultural differences. This will equip them to become global citizens in a rapidly changing world. To read more, visit our page about Montessori education.
Want to see our beautiful rooms? Scroll down to explore more!
We are open year-round and children may attend full-time or part-time from 3 years of age. All meals are freshly prepared by our nursery chefs.
Colourbox Montessori School is an inclusive setting which embraces children of all abilities. Your child will be encouraged to make their own decisions and will noticeably develop a sense of pride when they are able to do things for themselves! Your child will also develop their social skills and meet their new best friends (sometimes life-long friends), and you will have the opportunity to join a community of families who can learn from each other and provide a strong base for their children.
We embrace the Early Years Foundation Stage framework 2024.
We participate in the government Early years funding scheme which provides funded sessions for 2, 3 and 4 year olds and we accept Employer Childcare Vouchers. Working and non-working families may be eligible for help with the cost of childcare – check here to find out if this applies to you: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Our Rooms
The Nest
When Maria Montessori opened the first ‘Children’s House’, she used the Italian word ‘Nido’ to describe the cosy, homelike environment created for the youngest children who were not yet mobile. Our first task is to ensure that your baby feels secure and nurtured so that they can develop the confidence to explore. There is plenty of room to practice walking here, cruising along the strategically placed low-height furniture lets your child develop their gross motor skills and their co-ordination.
The Garden Room
With growing confidence your toddler is now realising that they are part of a community and is enjoying the freedom to make their own choices. They will be drawn to Practical Life tasks (they will recognise the items from your home environment) such as pouring, spooning, sweeping, and learning how to use buttons and buckles. These are the skills that your child will use in daily life to care for themselves and their environment.
The Sky Room
As your child moves towards their 3rd birthday they start to become inquisitive about the world beyond their family and friends. Their social skills are developing and they are starting to understand the joy of working collaboratively. The Montessori materials for learning about language and mathematics, and the Montessori cultural materials, give your child the keys to independent learning. You will see that your child is truly “excited about learning, excited about life”!
Your child can stay in the Sky Room until they go to primary school.
Virtual Tour
Testimonials
Contact Our Nursery
Donna
Red Lodge
Miss Donna has been part of the Colourbox family for over 23 years, and is the Nursery Manager at Colourbox Red Lodge. She is a deeply passionate Montessori Leader and enjoys a hands-on approach in her management style. From the babies all the way through to the preschoolers, Donna mentors and develops her team, particularly with regard to children’s independence, using the Montessori Philosophy. Miss Donna loves designing and inspiring new and exciting activities for the children. “You’ll often find me creating sensory trays that incorporate season exploration as well as a multitude of practical learning opportunities for children and staff.” Miss Donna also shares her “green thumb” with her setting, delicately refining the herb and flower gardens and encouraging sensory and practical life exploration through the use of plant and vegetable lifecycles. This shines in her personal, thriving allotment garden too, in which she takes great pride and shares with her family.
Address
Red Lodge, Bury St. Edmunds
Opening Times
Monday – Friday: 7.30am – 6pm
Phone
The Children's House
01638 551518
Outside Learning
Children move freely between our rooms, covered outside-learning areas and gardens. Activities such as balancing beams, climbing frames and tricycles are provided for the development of large motor skills.
Children enjoy being outside in all seasons, spending time growing plants, discovering and identifying wildlife, exploring, building dens, eating lunch and taking naps in the fresh air!
Colourbox Montessori Red Lodge
How to find us?
Car
At The Children’s House we have free access to the adjacent Millennium Centre car park.
Bike
We have no bicycle storage available, however it is possible to leave your bike securely in the Millennium Centre bike rack.
Bus
Bus No. 357 operates between Bury St. Edmunds and Mildenhall, calling at Red Lodge. Bus No. 16 and 16a operate between Newmarket and Mildenhall via Red Lodge and Bus No 956 operates between Lakenheath and Mildenhall via Red Lodge and Bury St. Edmunds.
