Weekly Playgroup Schedule

Days: Monday to Thursday

Time: 3.00 PM – 4:30 PM

Age Range: 8 to 23 months

Location: Armenian Church Hall, Iverna Gardens, London W8 6TP

Our parent and child sessions are guided by a Montessori-trained teacher and structured to be calm, interactive, and developmentally appropriate. The group is intentionally small to ensure each family receives personal attention and support.

A Nurturing Introduction to Montessori Learning

The Montessori environment at Iverna Gardens is carefully prepared to support each child’s stage of development. Within this space, children are free to explore Montessori Practical Life and Sensorial materials, gaining confidence through meaningful, hands-on experiences.

Each session includes:

✓ Time for free exploration of materials and the classroom space

✓ Songs and stories led by the teacher, promoting listening, rhythm, and early language skills

✓ Gentle social interaction with peers and teachers in a supportive setting

✓ Opportunities for movement and sensory play, both indoors and outdoors

Parents and carers are encouraged to participate alongside their child, gaining valuable insight into the Montessori approach and how it nurtures independence, focus, and curiosity from the very beginning.

Support for Families and Caregivers

As a family-orientated nursery, Gardens Montessori values the role of the parent as the child’s first educator. Our playgroup Kensington sessions offer more than just activities for toddlers — they are also a space for families to:

✓ Build a sense of community and share experiences

✓ Create supportive relationships with other parents and carers

✓ Learn how the Montessori curriculum supports development across the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) areas:

★ Personal, Social and Emotional Development

★ Communication and Language

★ Physical Development

Through regular attendance, families become familiar with the rhythms of a Montessori environment and gain confidence in extending its principles at home.

Preparing for Nursery Life

Many families use the Montessori playgroup in Kensington as a natural step towards our full nursery programme. The sessions help children:

✓ Build comfort with routine and gentle separation

✓ Experience the layout and materials of a Montessori classroom

✓ Begin to socialise with peers in a familiar space

✓ Connect with educators who may support their transition into the nursery setting

This gradual, supportive approach helps both children and their families feel secure and ready when the time comes to take the next step.

Why Choose Gardens Montessori?

✓ Over 30 years’ experience delivering authentic Montessori education

✓ Two locations in Kensington – Iverna Gardens and Victoria Road

✓ Small group sizes and individual attention

✓ Montessori-trained teachers with deep understanding of child development

✓ A longstanding reputation for warmth, community, and excellence in early years care

Our playgroup reflects our wider ethos: to support children’s development in a way that is respectful, responsive, and deeply rooted in Montessori practice.