A VLLAGE nursery is among the first in Essex to gain Montessori accreditation after a successful evaluation.

The Village Montessori Nursery in Coppice Row, Theydon Bois, was awarded a plaque under the Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation scheme. The award came after assessors visited the nursery to make sure it was fulfilling the Montessori ethos of self-directed child activity and observation.

The accreditation is also recognised by the Independent Schools Inspectorate as meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Nursery proprietor Debbie Palmer said: “This is a very proud moment for us all. Our accreditation could not have been achieved without a committed and dedicated team of staff who are passionate about what they do.

“We are delighted and very proud to be among the first Montessori nurseries in Essex to have been accredited by the Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation Board.”