WMS-SP310325_
Walthamstow Montessori School
Genuine Montessori school for boys & girls 2–6 years | Founded 2001
020 8523 2968
Walthamstow Montessori School is a highly popular nursery for boys and girls, which was established in 2001. We use genuine Montessori and Forest Schooling methods in a broad and exciting curriculum. Our teachers have excellent experience in their subject areas and are passionate about their practice.
"Children benefit from a wonderfully calm and nurturing atmosphere to play and learn. Their independence is fostered extremely well, as they enjoy making choices about their learning". "Children’s happiness and welfare is at the heart of their practice".
– Ofsted July 2022
– Ofsted July 2022
Montessori + Forest Schooling
Montessori is an approach that focuses on the immense capacity of children to absorb information when given the freedom and independence to learn at their own pace. Forest Schooling is a child-led approach to learning, incorporating children’s right to play, to access the outdoor environment and to feel success. Our school combines these related methods for early education.
Latest Newsletter
Book of the Week
Artist of the Term
Artist of the Term – LS Lowry
Policy of the Month
Complaints Procedure
Term Dates 2025/2026
Makaton Friendly Programme
Makaton is a language programme designed to provide functional communication and encourage and develop language and literacy skills through the combined use of signs and symbols with speech. WMS is incorporating its use further in the classroom.
Testimonials
NN
I just wanted to send you a huge thank you for all you did for my child last year – I am so thrilled to say that she started reception with confidence and pure excitement! When I think back to how nervous she was entering WMS for the first time, I have noticed a huge change in her. Starting reception, she went straight into the classroom and eagerly took part in all of the activities. I definitely feel like her time at WMS has set her up for success, so thank you to all of you, and I hope you have a fantastic year ahead.
RE
We had visited 7 nurseries and nearly given up hope of finding one we liked, but within minutes of walking into Walthamstow Montessori School it was obvious that it was a world apart. At the other nurseries we had seen staff and children looking frazzled. However, at WMS the atmosphere was calm, warm and happy. The children were absorbed in their various activities with unusual and interesting equipment.
As we came to know the principal, Lorna Mahoney, we appreciated her as an outstanding and inspiring teacher. Our daughter spent two years at the WMS nursery before we moved from the area. We still visit and continue to admire the dedication, creativity and sheer hard work of all the WMS staff. The high quality of education at WMS is all the more surprising given its relatively low fees.
Our younger son attended a Montessori nursery near our new home, but it wasn’t as good as the Walthamstow Montessori. (Possibly because the other nursery was following only a few Montessori methods, whereas it’s a full Montessori approach at WMS.)
We have so many happy memories from WMS.
PS
I think this is a great school. My daughter is in the Lower School and seems to be making rapid progress. She loves going and pretty much runs to get there each day. The staff are warm, welcoming and care about the children. There is a clear vision for the way in which she is taught and we are very fortunate to have this school so close.
ME
My daughter spent her nursery years at WMS. She had a brilliant time there, and I always thought the school had a fantastic energy about it. The activities varied each day – painting, making, stories and music – and the learning is absolutely embedded in play. You can’t ask for a better start than that, and I feel very fortunate that our daughter began her education in such a wonderfully nurturing school.
