Why Montessori?

For over 50 years, Dawmouse has provided exceptional early years education in Fulham, following the child-centered, holistic approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. The Montessori approach fosters independence, freedom within limits, and respect for each child’s natural development. This philosophy recognises each child as an individual, so learning is tailored to their unique needs, interests, and abilities. We see every child under our care, no matter their abilities, flourish and develop their own love of learning.

At Dawmouse children are welcomed into small, supportive groups led by experienced Montessori teachers. Within our carefully prepared classrooms, children are encouraged to explore independently and choose from a wide range of Montessori materials. This child-led approach fosters confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning, with teachers guiding and supporting each stage of development.

Our spacious outdoor playground offers children daily opportunities to develop gross motor skills, engage in imaginative play, and enjoy fresh air—an essential part of early childhood development. In addition, our on-site indoor gymnasium ensures that children remain active and engaged throughout the day, whatever the weather.

As a trusted London nursery, Dawmouse continues to provide outstanding Montessori childcare in Fulham, supporting local families with a safe, stimulating, and enriching early years learning environment.

Daily Life at Dawmouse

8:30 - 9:00 am

Children come into the classroom independently, hang their coats, and get themselves ready for the day. From 9-11, the children have free play in the classroom, giving them time to work with the Montessori materials as well as participate in messy play, role play and art activities.

11AM

The children are invited to participate in an active learning session, this takes place in our large private playground. Activities set up by the teachers focus on refining gross motor skills. These activities can include balancing, negotiating objects, throwing and catching objects.

11:00 am

The children are invited to participate in an active learning session, which takes place in our large private playground. The teachers set up activities that focus on refining gross motor skills. These activities can include balancing, negotiating objects, and throwing and catching objects.

12:00 pm

All children sit with their class group to have lunch, promoting grace and courtesy, table manners and opportunity for discussion amongst their teacher and peers. Children are encouraged to bring in a healthy lunch and use the correct crockery at the table, waiting for their peers to be ready so they can eat together.

1PM

Children going home at 1pm will sit at their table waiting for parents/carers to come in to collect them, giving the adult a quick time to talk with the teacher. Children staying for the afternoon session are taken to a separate area with a teacher to start the afternoon session.

1:00 pm

Children going home after lunch will get ready with their coats and bags, and sit at their table waiting for their grownup to collect them at 1:00pm. There is an opportunity for parents or carers to have a quick chat with the teacher at this time.

Afternoons

The afternoon sessions run from 1:00 to 3:30. As the sessions normally have a smaller number of students, children can benefit from additional one-to-one learning that can be adapted to their individual needs and interests. Each day, we focus on a different area of learning, with time to work with the Montessori activities from the shelf and together as a group. We have time to look deeper into the various topics and provide opportunities for role play, outdoor time and art activities. Dawmouse has a flexible pick-up time to suit the needs of the families.

Preparation for school

Though we aim to follow the Montessori method of ‘follow the child’, we do help children get ready for their future schools. In their last year, the teachers help the children work with the literacy and numeracy materials, bringing in the interests of each child in their learning. Using the phonetic sounds, children are encouraged to trace letters and numbers in the correct way while learning to read and recognise the letters and numbers. We then move onto spelling out CVC words and introduction into reading as well as some addition, subtraction and simple multiplication.

Preparation for big school

While we aim to follow the Montessori method of ‘follow the child,’ we do help children get ready for their future schools. In their last year, teachers help children with literacy and numeracy materials, incorporating the interests of each child in their learning. Using the phonetic sounds, children are encouraged to trace letters and numbers in the correct way while learning to read and recognise letters and numbers. We then move on to spelling out words, introducing reading, and some addition, subtraction and simple multiplication.

“Dawmouse is such a welcoming and caring nursery that really puts the child and the center of what the child does. The children are in safe hands and have access to a wonderful indoor gym and outside football pitch. The teachers are knowledgeable and understanding of the needs of each child and of each family. My children all thrived at Dawmouse, giving them the confidence and the skills needed for life and primary school.”

– Giulia, mother of a current Dawmouse student

Dawmouse Montessori Nursery School