Having trained in teaching following the EYFS (Early Years Framework) I am not experienced in the Montessori philosophy. However over the years I have become more and more appreciative of the ethos and especially the skilled techniques and resources Montessori teachers use to teach difficult concepts such as place value and phonics. A high quality Montessori environment encourages children to be independent, responsible, curious and confident. I love the emphasis placed on practical life skills as well as the independence children show selecting and tidying up resources, choosing their own space and helping themselves to water and snacks. Over the last five years I have visited a huge range of nursery environments and these are my top 5 Montessori settings I have seen:
Dawmouse Nursery
Brunswick Centre
34 Haldone Road
SW6 7EU
Tel: 02073819385
This lovely nursery has two Fulham locations and the Brunswick centre benefits from a great indoor sports hall and use of outside astro-turf playing field for sport. There is a Montessori focus to learning with fully Montessori trained staff. Miss Emma the principal runs both Nurseries and splits her time between the two during the week.
The Children’s House, Woodentots nursery
Rochester Road School
6 Rochester Road
NW1
Tel: 0207 485 0053
http://woodentots.co.uk
The Children’s House was established in 1989 in Camden. It is based within a family home with a large natural garden which has been transformed into and exciting and stimulating learning area. The nursery garden is considered an extension of the classroom; the children work outside in all weathers and often stay outside for the duration of the day. The nursery has three further locations as well as a forest school and nature nursery for babies.
Gardens Montessori
Armenian Church Hall
Iverna Gardens
W8 6TP
Tel: 020 7937 0794
https://gardensmontessori.com
Gardens Montessori is a popular nursery just off Kensington High Street and is aligned to Victoria Road Montessori near Gloucester Road. It is run by a mother and daughter who are both passionate and very knowledgeable about the Montessori teaching method. The nursery is lucky enough to have a large outdoor area with good provision including a beautiful purpose build Wendy house.
Tadpoles Nursery
Park Walk Play Centre Building
SW10 0AY
T: 0207 352 9757
www.tadpolesnursery.com
Tadpoles is a very popular and established nursery just off the Kings road. The nursery curriculum includes aspects of the Montessori ethos although it is mixed with the government’s Early Years Framework. There is a wonderful garden with pond and green house. It is a happy, creative nursery with a bustling and busy atmosphere and feeds many of the most popular schools within the surrounding area.
Pangbourne House Montessori Nursery
139 Highlever Road
London W10 6PH
Tel. 0208 964 9555
http://www.pangbournehouse.com
This is a relatively new nursery that recently opened it doors in Septemeber 2015. It’s headmistress Sophia Russell-Cobb is an extremely experienced figure having previously ran Ladbroke Square nursery for over 30 years. This nursery benefits from a spacious and high-qualityenvironment which includes an outdoor area, indoor hall and fantastic dedicated art room.
