Genuine Montessori school for boys & girls 2–6 years | Founded 2001
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.
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.
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.
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.
I can’t express how happy we are as parents to have found Walthamstow Montessori School. It is such a caring environment where all the staff, from teachers, to assistant teachers, to administration, love and care for each and every child. It feels like our son (and ourselves as a matter of consequence!) found a second family, where all the staff know him so well and deeply care. The place feels like a little oasis of peace and quiet, where Montessori principles are applied with respect for each child.
Though being in the middle of a pandemic, the school never gave up and was quick at organising a range of tools to move online, with daily meaningful lessons, helping children to stay connected with each other and the school.
Being back on school premises feels safe as everyone is truly taking all the precautions to create a COVID safe environment.
I would definitely recommend the school and its quiet and creative environment to any prospective parent!
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.
We are delighted with WMS!