Founder and director
Ali Alkateb
Ali founded the nursery in 2014 to give local families a nursery they could trust. He has led the team for more than ten years.
About us
A family-run nursery, open since 2014
Ali Alkateb opened Buckingham Montessori on Buckingham Road in 2014 and put his effort into hiring good people first. Today more than 30 qualified staff look after children from 3 months to 5.
From a parent to a teacher
Before I worked here, I was a parent here. I chose this nursery for my own child.Zaid, Buckingham parent and now part of the team
We look after each child the way you'd look after your own. You can judge that for yourself on a visit. Watch how our staff talk to the children, and how the children talk back.
Our approach
Montessori and the EYFS, side by side
Our teachers combine the two. Montessori lets your child explore at their own pace, and the EYFS sets the milestones we check them against.
- The Montessori method
- Children choose their activities from prepared shelves and work at their own pace. Along the way they learn to concentrate and to finish what they start.
- The EYFS framework
- The government uses the Early Years Foundation Stage to set milestones for under-fives in England, in seven areas from communication and language to physical development. Our teachers track your child against all seven.
I genuinely believe in the philosophy of follow the child. I've seen how it helps children develop life skills, problem solving, independence and out-of-the-box thinking.
Our story
Twelve years on Buckingham Road
- Ali opens the nursery at 19–25 Buckingham Road, Edgware.
- We build the sensory room and the studio room. Qualified Montessori and EYFS practitioners join the team.
- We open a second branch, on Preston Road.
- Ofsted rates us Good, with two areas Outstanding. Daily yoga and the Parentzone app start, and the team grows past 30 qualified staff.
- A photographer spends a day in the rooms, and we launch a new website.
The team
The people who make it work
Every member of staff holds a relevant qualification, an enhanced DBS check and paediatric first aid, and takes regular safeguarding training.
Branch manager, Edgware
Nazy Kalhor
Nazy has worked in early years for 18 years. She helps children and staff alike reach their potential.
Consultant
Jasmine Alkatib
Jasmine has 12 years in childcare. She advises the leadership team on the EYFS and child development, with each child's safety and wellbeing first.
Branch manager, Preston Road
Jalpa
Jalpa has 12 years in early years. One parent wrote that she "put us at ease" at their first viewing.
Inspection and checks
What Ofsted found
Ofsted inspected us on 28 May 2024. Inspectors rated us Good overall and Outstanding for quality of education and for behaviour and attitudes.
The inspectors praised the staff's "strong, wide knowledge base" and "highly stimulating activities", and called them "outstanding role models" for the children.
Visits Monday to Friday
Come and see the rooms for yourself
Give us half an hour. You'll meet the manager and walk through the rooms while the children work. Ask us anything about places, fees or funding, and bring your child if you like.
