OUR PRINCIPLES AND STAFF:
We provide a safe and stimulating environment where they may develop at their own pace. We, focus on what a child can do and use this as our principle starting point. Our philosophy and Curriculum is based on the teaching of Dr Maria Montessori. She clearly recognised that each has a unique aptitude for learning. She moreover stressed the importance of respect for the world and its inhabitants, which we take at heart. To find out more on her approach, please click this link
We are situated on the fringe of the village within a 1 mile radius of the A32 leading to Alresford and within 5 miles of the A3 exit towards Petersfield and Liss. The A31 is within a 6 mile radius as well, giving access to other surrounding villages, such as Four Marks, Medstead, new Alresford and Ropley. The pre-school also serves many other communities within a 10 to 15 mile radius, such as Farringdon, East and West Tisted, Froxfield, Stroud, East and West Meon, Langrish Rampsdean and Winchester.
The School became a member of the Montessori Schools Association in 2004 and also is a member of the Early Years Alliance and is extremely passionate in providing Early Years childcare with a high-quality education, also supporting the EYFS curriculum.
The school consists of 2 main members of staffs. The Nursery Manager is Veronica and Deputy Manager is Sarah. Veronica van Ingen took over the school in August 2020 and is the current principle. She has been working in Early Years education since 2007 and has multiple qualifications including a Montessori qualification from and Cervantes to teach young children in Spanish. She is multilingual, speaks English, Spanish and Dutch and also holds a Bachelor degree in Finance. In 2024, she became a qualified Early Years Teacher as Veronica is specifically interested in the transition from Pre-School to Primary School.
Sarah Hawkings is an experienced Early Years educator with over 24 years of experience. She spent almost 20 years as a Manager at First Steps in Hawkley, Liss, where she integrated Montessori ethics and principles into the daily routine. As our Deputy Manager and Special Needs Co-ordinator, Sarah is dedicated to ensuring every child’s unique needs are met. To deepen her theoretical knowledge, she completed additional courses at the Maria Montessori Institute. Her expertise and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable member of our team.
To read more on our quality, please press the below button: Read More
Montessori STAR award
