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"My daughter loves it here - everyone is so friendly and the facilities are great. Especially all the outside space."

- Jennifer Fletcher, 10 years ago

"Unique, loving and incredibly special. A wonderful nursery and a real credit to Barnes. Our daughter has flourished there and has created such a bond with her teachers and Anne-Marie whom devote themselves tirelessly to the children and their development."

- Selina Mehraj, 4 years ago

"Mimi has welcomed my little gem into her wonderful home. As a first time mother, it was daunting making the decision for my child to be looked after by someone new. Mimi welcomed us and my baby loves her new environment. The atmosphere is warm and Mimi is always creating wonderful memories through play. I look forward to my lil gem being told of her early years in such a beautiful environment."

- Charlotte Umunna, 2 years ago

"From my personal experience as a Mum of a 2 year old. Attended April - October 2024 My child started April 2024. The nursery setting was great, spacious, great team members especially Managment- Sarah & Katheryn. Great spring/summer term. My child returned in September. I monitor via the parent webcam ( Paid subscription). I had noticed the entire setting has now changed and appears to be extremely crowded ( found out later two barleymont nursery had merged into one ) This explains the changes in staff, management team and why it is now extremely overcrowded. This was never communicated via staff to parents and was unsettling for kids. Everyday on collection it was a shamble; missing coat/ bottle always something on each day. And pick up would take up to 20-25 minutes. Gave it 2 weeks things didn’t settle down and still no communication from the nursery regarding changes and change in key worker. 2 and half weeks into the term my child was not given lunch ( prepaid in advance).. Staff had to be reminded of this as they “didnt realise my child has lunch” this isn’t acceptable. Had all paid meals since April 2024. Then once again 3 weeks later my child was missed out on lunch again.Tried to speak to management several times but was brushed off by door member staff. On the same week my child went into nursery at 9am and left at 3pm with the same nappy from home! 6 hour period nappy was not changed or checked came home with wet pants and a nappy rash. ( My child did not return after this) Made complaint to Head office. Then the management decide to reach out to me and asked for one more chance. Unfortunately the lack of communication, cleanliness, and safeguarding was very poor. As I have mentioned before this nursery was amazing prior to the management change and setting changes. But now I would ask parents please do your due diligence when picking a suitable nursery for your child and if you pick this nursery pay for the parent webcam if possible to keep an eye on your child. This was the only way I noticed my child was not given lunch as a 2 yo will not be able to communicate very well to inform you. Nursery has promised they will improve and act on the complaint but please do your own checks. I hope this helps other parents."

- T Miah, 3 weeks ago

"I second that! I recall raving about the school to everyone I met when we moved to West India Quay. My sister sends her two children there and the kids enjoyed it. The truth of the matter is the school is not maintaining its integrity. I would refrain from sending your child here. Private isn't always better especially in this case. The school does not have air conditioning, in the summers they literally open windows and send children home early. The school celebrates holidays what feels like every other few weeks. More importantly the attention to children is limited. The Montessori is built on the poor foundations. The Montessori approach is inspired by the work Dr Maria Montessori, Italy's first female doctor, who created a revolutionary pedagogy over 100 years ago. Maria Montessori actually said that children need play time and that they need to use their imaginations more. The casas' that she started were in the slums of Italy. The poor children there needed the reality part as they were always using their imaginations. They had no toys etc and were used to pretending for everything. It's not like that today. This approach is outdated and no longer valid yet parents (as did my sister) bought into the private schooling Montessori. *Most use of Montessori materials strictly adheres to fairly rigid and methodical use. *At the same time, individual freedom is encouraged while creativity is often curbed. As long as materials are used systematically, creativity with them is discouraged; there can be a lot of "we don't do it that way, we do it this way" in a Montessori classroom. *Individual learning is preferred while social interaction is discouraged, whether intentionally or not. Arguably preschool, more so than any other level, is the environment for the most formative social learning; kids are not only learning how to interact with others, but understanding their place within a community. Often, time in a Montessori class are spent either alone with materials, or in a circle group led by the teacher. *The positive language approach. The Montessori will limit your child's ability to express themselves in any negative means. Saying words such as bad, no, naughty and silly is are not allowed. *Unjust criticism. I recall having a meeting with one of the teachers here, I think she was the head. I am not sure if she still attends but she was a horrible women who told us that my niece was "completely unaware of the world around her" and she was "very aggressive with other children". A description that does not remotely resemble the child. During our conversation I found that if any situation requires the head or teacher to intervene in any way or form, it is seen as a chore and the criticism follows. *Blame the parent. You will find the school will blame the parents for everything. This school will not take responsibility for anything. The term loco parentis is thrown out. The legal responsibility of a person or organisation to take on some of the functions and responsibilities of a parent. *No photos allowed and stay away. You are not allowed to take photographs of your own child. You are encouraged not to turn up early to collect your child; god forbid you see the lack of attention your child is getting. The "way" of this Montessori is different to the reality of the world. It is ironic. The same schooling approach you seek to avoid, draws you in to it and finds its way into your pocket, then repays you by not teaching your child and not taking responsibility. I advice is to stay away but do your own research and draw your own conclusion. 100 year old approach is a little out dated for my liking. This review is based on past experience with the school. specifically 2013-2015. Emma"

- Emma Sammond, 7 years ago