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Bayswater

2½ – 12 year olds
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+44(0)20 7435 3646

Address

St Matthew’s Church
St Petersburgh Place
Bayswater
W2 4LA
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Our beautiful Bayswater Nursery (Montessori Children’s House), for children aged 2½ – 6 years, and Montessori Elementary, for children aged 6-12 years, are set in an atmospheric church building where light floods the rooms from leaded and stained-glass windows and the children can play and learn in a sheltered garden; moving freely between indoor and outdoor settings.

Some Principles of the Montessori Approach

  • Every child is a unique person with creative potential, the drive to learn and the right to be treated with respect as an individual.
  • Children must be given the freedom to work and move around, within guidelines that enable them to see themselves as independent and part of a group.
  • Children are encouraged to work at their own pace, either individually or in co-operation with others.
  • Mixed-age groups provide opportunities for the children to develop their social abilities within a harmonious community.
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Children's House

2½ - 6 years
Practical Life
Young children have a strong urge to become independent and Practical Life activities such as meal preparation, baking, dressing themselves, gardening, washing, polishing, cleaning and others help them perfect the skills they need in daily life. This also helps children develop hand-eye co-ordination and the capacity to focus their attention for the entirety of an activity.
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Sensorial Exploration
Children are vividly aware of the world, constantly exploring it and taking in impressions through all their senses. The sensorial materials encourage children to order and classify the physical properties of the world they live in. These activities stimulate and develop the senses, refining children’s powers of observation, perception, exploration and communication.
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Mathematics
Montessori mathematics materials enable children to achieve a natural appreciation of mathematical concepts in a concrete way. This avoids the mental blocks which so often occur in children faced with purely abstract concepts. Specially designed equipment helps children to grasp concrete ideas along with sensory experience of numbers, quantities and mathematical operations. Gradually children can move confidently to complete abstract mathematical problems.
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Cultural Exploration
The Montessori approach covers a wide range of subjects which reflect the broad interests of young children. The Montessori environment stimulates these interests and extends knowledge and understanding of art and crafts, geography, history, music and science and the natural world. Cultures from around the world are explored and celebrated.
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Language
In the Children’s House children learn to express themselves. The freedom offered to the children creates many opportunities for them to communicate with their peers and adults. We emphasise the development of vocabulary based on real experiences and the early preparation required for reading and writing.
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Spanish
The Spanish Language Programme is led by trained AMI Montessori Teachers and is implemented with a Montessori approach, offering children the chance to engage in a second language through movement, games, music, drama, and practical life activities, such as cooking and outings, as well as numeracy, writing, and grammar. The Spanish lessons and activities are presented during the school day and in a way that naturally flows within the daily work cycle.
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Elementary

6 - 12 years

At this stage, children are ready for more complex work as they move towards abstract ways of thinking. They begin to be more curious and question why things work the way they do. The mixed age classes provide a dynamic and collaborative environment where children learn through debate, discussion and research across all subject areas: English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, Practical Life, Art, Music, Drama, PE and Spanish which is offered as a second language.

PE (Physical Education)

Physical Education is an integrated part of the Elementary programme, taking place every Friday afternoon. The children join a team of coaches at the park or in the Sports Hall (depending on the time of year) and participate in various games and skill building activities. The physical education includes activities such as football, floor hockey, basketball, track and field, and swimming.

Upper Elementary Overnight Excursions

The Upper Elementary children (9 to 12 years) are offered the opportunity to participate in a variety of unique overnight outings over the course of the three-year Upper Elementary cycle. Some of the experiences offered have included the Bushcraft Company, Montessori Model United Nations, and PGL. These excursions provide the children with the chance to bond as a community in a different setting, to share wonderful memories with their peers and teachers, and to prepare for the extended trips that take place at the Adolescent (12 to 16 years) level.
“Pupils achieve well. When it is time to move on, pupils leave with the knowledge and skills they need for their future learning. They are very well prepared.”
Ofsted

Our Bayswater Team

All our teachers hold the world-recognised 3-6 Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Diploma, as well as several other degrees, and have many years’ experience working with children.
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Michel Capobianco

Head of School
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Michel Capobianco
Head of School
Born in California and raised in New England, Michel migrated towards the middle of America, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She holds the 0 to 3 AMI Diploma from the Montessori Institute in Denver, Colorado, the 3 to 6 AMI Diploma from the Montessori Training Centre of Minnesota, the 6 to 12 AMI Diploma from Centro Internationale Studi Montessori in Bergamo, Italy, and she completed the AMI 12 to 18 workshop at the Maria Montessori Institute in London. With over 25 years’ experience in Montessori education, Michel has had the pleasure of teaching at the Toddler, Children’s House, and Elementary levels, as well as leading Montessori Parent Infant Classes. She is also currently in the process of completing the AMI Training of Trainers Programme to become a trainer for the Elementary level. Michel has worked in School Leadership for over 20 years, supporting and guiding teachers and working in partnership with the children and families. She is in her tenth year serving in the role of Head of School. In addition to deepening her passion and understanding of Montessori pedagogy and child development, Michel enjoys reading, yoga, live music, learning about food and nutrition, and spending time with her two children.

Karen Gelson

Safeguarding Lead
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Karen Gelson
Safeguarding Lead
Karen was born in Northumberland, UK but spent a big chunk of her upbringing in Canada. She holds a BA in English Literature, the AMI 3-6 Diploma from the Maria Montessori Institute and a Bachelors of Education Degree BEd (Hons) in Primary Education. She has over 20 years’ of experience of working in a Montessori 3-6 class.

Karen has completed all required and voluntary courses on Safeguarding and has specialised in this area of education for the past 8 years.

Shallal Qureshi

Children's House Coordinator and SENCO
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Shallal Qureshi
Children's House Coordinator and SENCO
Shallal Qureshi is trained as an AMI 3-6 Montessori guide. She also holds a BA from Kings College London and a PGCE in Primary Education. After working in the classroom for several years, she is now enjoying her role as the Children's House Coordinator & Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCO) across all the Maria Montessori Institute’s Children’s Houses. Shallal spends her days supporting children, teachers, parents and families, with a philosophy of inclusion at the centre of her work. She serves as a board member of the Montessori Society AMI UK and enjoys writing on a range of education topics, with a particular interest in the development of self-discipline at a young age.

Emma Wise

School Admissions Manager
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Emma Wise
School Admissions Manager
Emma assists prospective and new parents through the admissions process and is on hand to answer any questions that prospective parents might have about our school.

Sylwia Papior

School Admissions Coordinator
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Sylwia Papior
School Admissions Coordinator
Sylwia assists Emma on school admissions and current parents with general school enquiries.

Clea Roberts

Lead Teacher, Bayswater Children's House
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Clea Roberts
Lead Teacher, Bayswater Children's House
Clea joined the Maria Montessori School Bayswater Children's House in 2019. Clea is a Fine Art graduate from Leeds Arts University, with over five years’ experience working with young children. Prior to completing the 3 to 6 Diploma Course at MMI and working for the Maria Montessori School, Clea worked in education at Merchant Taylors Pre-Prep School and at Wetherby Pre-Prep. Clea values the strong foundation Montessori education provides the children and sees Montessori as a platform for the highest academic achievement and creativity later in life.

Cristina Mariottini

Montessori Teacher, Bayswater Children's House
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Cristina Mariottini
Montessori Teacher, Bayswater Children's House
Cristina joined the Bayswater Children's House in September 2022 upon completing her AMI 3 to 6 Diploma at the Maria Montessori Institute in June that year. Cristina was born and raised in Rome, Italy, where she took the 0 to 3 Montessori Diploma Course at the Opera Nazionale Montessori. With nearly ten years’ experience in education, Cristina has worked with children from infancy to six years old in a variety of capacities across the globe, including Italy, Buenos Aires, The United States, and more recently in London.

Pablo Argudo Gonzalvo

Bayswater Elementary Co-Lead Teacher
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Pablo Argudo Gonzalvo
Bayswater Elementary Co-Lead Teacher
Pablo was born in Valencia, Spain. Previously studying and working as an Architecture Technician, Pablo was introduced to the Montessori Method through a friend. Their conversations inspired Pablo to complete the AMI 3 to 6 Diploma Course at the Maria Montessori Institute and apply for a position as an Elementary Assistant at the Maria Montessori School. Pablo has supported the Elementary programme for over five years, with experience working in both the Hampstead and Bayswater Elementary classes. He completed the AMI 6 to 12 Diploma Course in 2021 and became Lead Teacher in September 2022. He is excited to bring together his classroom experience and Montessori training in providing a rich experience in Spanish language and culture for the children. Pablo is also a talented artist, preparing gorgeous materials for the Elementary environment.

María Castro Gonzalez

Bayswater Elementary Co-Lead Teacher
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María Castro Gonzalez
Bayswater Elementary Co-Lead Teacher
María Castro Gonzalez was born in the Canary Islands, Spain. Her desire to learn English and her interest in living abroad led María to move first to Ireland, and later to England. María has lived in London for eleven years, and throughout that time has worked with children from infancy through the Elementary years, to include completing and implementing a course on introducing Spanish as a second language. It was through these experiences that María discovered Montessori education. She went on to complete her 3 to 6 AMI Diploma Course at the Maria Montessori Institute and is enrolled in the AMI 6 to 12 Diploma Course which she began in May 2023. María is dedicated to supporting children in their growth and has a strong desire to engage children in lessons that lead to joyful learning.

Nihal Tekinel

Bayswater Lunch Support Teacher
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Nihal Tekinel
Bayswater Lunch Support Teacher
Nihal has lunch with the Bayswater Children’s House children, supports the set up and tidying up process, and joins the Bayswater Children’s House and Elementary classes for playtime in the park.

Originally from Turkey, Nihal has lived in London for sixteen years. She has worked in childcare for over six years, looking after children ranging in age from two to fourteen years. Nihal loves spending time amidst nature, whether it’s a leisurely walk in the park or a hike through the countryside, and she feels time in the outdoors is essential to a child’s development. As a caregiver, Nihal’s passion lies in fostering a supportive and loving environment, allowing each child to explore their unique potential and flourish under the Montessori philosophy, and enjoys her time with the children in Bayswater and contributing to their growth, creativity, and happiness.

Estefanía Oliver Leal

Children's House Montessori Spanish Teacher
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Estefanía Oliver Leal
Children's House Montessori Spanish Teacher
Estefania graduated as an Early Year Teacher in 2010 and holds a Masters diploma in Social Education. Originally from Spain, Estefania moved to London in 2016, and since her arrival, Estefania has gained experience working with children in a variety of different capacities, including as a classroom assistant and a classroom teacher. Assisting and supporting children in their development has always been a passion for Estefania. Through her work in a Montessori school in Windsor several years ago, Estefania discovered the Montessori approach to education and completed her AMI 3 to 6 Diploma at the Maria Montessori School in 2022. She joined the Maria Montessori School in September that year, first as maternity cover at Crouch End and later as Children's House Spanish Teacher across all our sites.

Paula Pérez-Martín

Children's House Montessori Spanish Teacher
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Paula Pérez-Martín
Children's House Montessori Spanish Teacher
Paula Pérez-Martín was born and raised in Galicia, Northern Spain. As a young adult, Paula volunteered in her mother’s school, an experience which inspired her to complete her Bachelor's Degree in Early Years Education and later complete her Master’s Degree in Education. Paula has extensive experience in mainstream and international schools in Spain, Belgium, and the UK, where she worked in Oxford as well as London for the past eight years. Her Montessori journey began in Brussels, where she had the opportunity to assist in a French-Dutch Montessori school. Inspired to learn more about the method, Paula completed the 3 to 6 AMI Diploma Course at the Maria Montessori Institute. Paula’s experience has shaped her strong belief in the important role teachers play in helping to build the child's character, as well as develop independence, self-esteem, a passion for learning, and a love for others and the world. Paula fluently speaks Galician, Spanish, English, and French.

Practical Information

School session times

Children’s House:

Morning drop off time 8.30 – 8.45am
Before lunch pick up time 12.00pm
After lunch pick up time 1.30pm
Afternoon session drop off 1.45pm
Afternoon pick up time 3.30pm

Elementary:

Morning drop off time 8.30 – 8.45am
Afternoon pick up time 3.30pm

School uniform

There is no uniform for our school. We do ask that children come to school in comfortable clothes and bring a change of shoes for indoor purposes and a coat for outside play. Please ensure that all of your children’s clothes have name labels so we can keep lost property to a minimum.  We also recommend that you provide a clean change of clothing.

Parents

Our Parent Representatives organise regular fund raising and social events.

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After School Clubs

Elementary

Calligraphy

on Mondays

Chess

on Tuesdays

Computational Thinking

On Wednesdays

Dance

on Thursdays
“Teachers are very sensitive to the needs of individual children and really get to know them.”
School Parent

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School Fees

School Fees 2024-25