We are a Montessori nursery, following this method of teaching alongside a problem solving skills based curriculum, incorporating outdoor learning. Through stimulating and skilled instruction, with hands-on indoor and outdoor learning opportunities, young children are free to develop into the best "them" they can be.
Children are born curious about the world around them and Maria Montessori believed that children learn better when they are choosing what to learn. That's why independent learning lies at the heart of the Montessori philosophy. As children grow, they are constantly adding to their store of knowledge and as their curiosity develops, they continually seek explanations for how things work. Many of these explanations can be best understood through activities involving STEM; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. For instance, dropping a flat sheet and a scrunched up ball of paper at the same time can help a child to understand how, by simply changing the shape of an object, will either reduce or increase the rate at which they fall (drag). Ultimately, STEM, like Montessori, is about "doing". It’s about building, creating and solving real-world problems, in a stimulating learning environment; two pieces of the same puzzle!
Who are we?
We are a husband and wife team, living in the beautiful SE19 area, and are proud and excited to merge our skills to bring our unique nursery to South East London.
Fidelma is an experienced Montessori Head Teacher with an International Diploma in Montessori pedagogy. Her background was in Financial Services and Client Services, until she fell in love with the Montessori philosophy. She now happily dedicates herself to that passion for developing children, creating warm and nurturing settings, always with an exciting individualised creative element. She has spent many years in senior management roles, helping to develop highly regarded nurseries in South London. Her dream has always been to create her own nursery, following many years of listening to what children want in a nursery.
Darryl is a qualified Teacher and Engineer; he holds a PGCE in Computer Science from King's College Londonand an MSc in Electrical Engineering from University College London. His sense of discovery along with a desire for understanding 'how things work' stayed with him throughout adulthood. Lifelong learning and his ability to demystify complex subjects is what drew him to teaching. Darryl's creative take on the world will help shape our unique curriculum; his passion to make, explain and innovate will be skills imparted to the children in our care, preparing them to become full and active participants in tomorrow's creative society.
Alongside a wonderful team of passionate early years professionals, we are YOUR extended family for when you need us! The characteristics we look for in our team members are kindness, knowledge, empathy, patience and creativity as this is what children under 5 require to reach their full potential.
Where are we?
We are thrilled to be based in the beautiful Norwood Park in Salters Hill. We are housed in the old One O'Clock club building, offering a sweeping vista across the London skyline. We have an amazing large and secure garden with a separate gardening and forest school area. The park also benefits from a nature trail, natural water and sand play playground plus multi purpose sports courts.
What we offer?
We offer quality and exciting development for your child from age two, with outstanding care, all year round, 49 weeks per year, from 8 a.m to 6 p.m Monday to Friday. We are delighted to be able to offer *FREE stay and play sessions on Saturday mornings, during term time, for parents and children under 5 in the community. *Limited places; please pre-book here.