“Montessori was one of the most important early years educators of the 20th century, the innovator of classroom practices and ideas which have had a profound influence on the education of young children the world over’ Montessori International
Welcome to Droxford Montessori School
At Droxford Montessori School, we strive to provide each child with a happy and stimulating first experience of school. Our environment is thoughtfully prepared to support all aspects of development—intellectual, social, physical, emotional, and spiritual—allowing each child to flourish at their own pace with the guidance of our trained, qualified Montessori staff.
Central to the Montessori Method are our carefully designed materials, which facilitate numerous teaching experiences and enhance understanding, dexterity, and skill with each use.
Located in a quiet area close to the village centre, our school boasts a light, airy hall, an outdoor area, an allotment, and several forest school sites, all promoting children’s play and holistic development.
Staff
Meet Miss Scarlett
Miss Scarlett is the owner and manager of Droxford Montessori, having established the school in 2014. With over 19 years of experience in Early Years Education, her passion for the Montessori method ignited in 2005 during a work experience placement. She holds a full Montessori International Teaching Diploma and Early Years Teacher Status.
As the school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator, Miss Scarlett plays a vital role in ensuring that every child’s unique needs are met. Additionally, she leads all staff practice in safeguarding, prioritising the safety and wellbeing of all students.
Meet Miss Lucie
Miss Lucie serves as the Deputy Manager at Droxford Montessori, where she has been a valued team member since 2015. She holds her Early Years Teacher Status, achieved at Portsmouth University, and has a proven track record of running Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ early years settings.
As a proud mother of two, both of whom have attended Droxford Montessori, Miss Lucie brings a unique perspective to her role. She is known for her creativity and passion for gardening, often spending delightful moments on the allotment with the children, fostering their connection with nature.
Meet Miss Jen
Miss Jen joined Droxford Montessori in 2022. She is a mother of four children and is qualified in children’s yoga and ‘Hygge’ in the early years. Miss Jen is an accredited Level 3 Forest School Leader. She also leads our weekly cookery sessions, making use of produce from our allotment whenever possible, and promotes a mindful approach to healthy eating. Her enthusiasm and passion for all things nature make her a cherished member of the team.
Meet Miss Cassia
Miss Cassia joined us at Montessori in 2023. With 10 years of experience as a private nanny and being a mummy of one, she brings valuable experience to the team. She is trained in VRQ2 Professional Cookery and holds a combined honours degree in Event Management and Media. Miss Cassia enjoys being creative, cooking, spending time outdoors, and walking her dog!
Meet Miss Caroline
Miss Caroline joined Droxford Montessori this term, bringing a wealth of experience in education and family support. She spent 10 years at Wickham Montessori, where she trained and earned her Montessori qualification. After this, she moved into primary education, specialising in supporting children with special educational needs, before transitioning into family liaison. Following a brief period in the corporate sector, Miss Caroline is delighted to return to a Montessori environment, where her passion truly lies. She is also a proud mum to three grown-up children.
General Information
Clothing Parents are asked to send their children in clothes that will allow them to participate fully in all activities. Some children like to change into plimsolls/slippers when they arrive at school and have suitable outdoor shoes or wellingtons for in the garden. A complete change of clothes is required for each child as many areas of the curriculum can lead to very wet children! Please could you make sure all shoes, plimsolls, coats and bags are clearly named. Emergency clothing is kept in school should any child need extra supplies.
Behaviour Should a situation arise where behaviour is unacceptable, a teacher will intervene and establish good practice. The teacher will always make clear that it is the action of the child that is unacceptable and not the child, using positive reinforcement techniques.
Timekeeping We will only open the door at the set starting and leaving times, this is to avoid disruption during the work session. Please advise us of any possible delays or requirements to collect your child early. We are sorry but due to our insurance policy we cannot accept children before 9 am without prior arrangement. Please notify us if your child will not be attending a session for any reason.
Lunch Those children who will be staying for lunch will need to bring a healthy and balanced pre-packed lunch. As we sometimes have children with food allergies please would you not include food with nut products, this may include, peanut butter, nutella, cakes including almonds and cereal bars containing nuts. Milk, water and fruit is available to children throughout the day.
Collection Policy Children will only be handed over to an authorised collector. If you wish your child to be collected by someone other than yourself please fill in and sign a collection slip available from the staff, we will then keep this on file.
Ratios A teacher ratio of at least 1 to 4 for two year olds and 1 to 8 for three year olds will be adhered to in compliance with Ofsted regulations
Complaints & Criticism People are often reluctant to complain when there is a problem. If you feel we are not reaching your expectation or you have a problem with anything we do, please tell us so we can address the problem. If we don’t know about it we can’t fix it! If you feel we could improve on any areas we would welcome your input as we are always open to new ideas and suggestions that will improve the school.
Policies & Procedures
Policies A file is held at school that contains all our school policies and a copy of any policy can be obtained on request.
Safeguarding Policy We uphold safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures; these are available for you to read at any time. Droxford Montessori School Ltd believes that it is always unacceptable for a child or young person to experience abuse of any kind and recognises responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children, by a commitment which protects them. We recognise that the welfare of all children is paramount.
All children regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, sexual orientation, or identity, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse. Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young children’s welfare.
Scarlett Jenkins School SENCO
Scarlett Jenkins School Leading Practitioner: Safeguarding
Officer (LADO-for allegations) Tel 01962 876364
Admission policy Droxford Montessori School accepts children from 2 years for enrolment and earlier for registration. We do recommend early registration due to high demand for our school and to secure your child’s place.
Admission Procedure Parents and children are invited to come and visit the school, and meet the teachers, and see the children in the classroom environment.
The child’s place is confirmed upon receipt and acknowledgement of the registration form and a fee of £50.00 Attendance fees are paid termly in advance. A terms notice is required to terminate a place once the child has started. Children are accepted throughout the year as they come of age. Children will be assessed individually to determine their settling in needs.
Parental participation The link between home and school is vital in our Montessori school and we welcome parent’s participation in guest sessions and the sharing of any skills. The children are encouraged to bring in suitable materials for the sound box and topic work. A news letter will be printed every term informing parents of forthcoming events and general items of interest. If you have any concerns about your child’s development, please feel free to make an appointment with Scarlett to discuss any concerns you may have. Please advise the school of any medical or emotional incidents that may affect your child’s happiness or welfare. This could be anything from a bump on the head, moving house or a birth or death in the family.
Sound Box At Droxford Montessori we have a weekly sound, where we look at letters from the alphabet and objects which have the same initial sound during circle time. The sound box is a wonderful opportunity for your child to share something from home, we welcome food to share, photographs of family members, pictures or toys. The children love to show their friends and teachers a treasured item from home.
Sessions & Fee Structure
Monday to Friday
Morning 9:00am to 12:00pm
Morning and lunch 9:00am to 1:00pm
Afternoon 12:00pm to 3:00pm
All day 9:00am to 3:00pm
Operating hours Monday – Friday 9.00am to 3.00pm
Breakfast club Everyday from 8.30am. Please pre-book this with a teacher.
Telephone and email communication 8.00am to 5.30pm
Weekly Timetable
Monday: Cookery
Tuesday: Music and Movement
Wednesday: Gardening Club with Mr Berry
Thursday: Yoga
Friday: Woodland School session – Please ensure children bring extra warm and waterproof clothing.
At the centre of all our group activities is the Montessori ethos. Children will be invited to join in with the various activities but are not required too. We also follow the interests of the children and if a child requests we may carry out any activity on any given day.
Children who attend morning sessions may stay for lunch on a regular basis or one off occasions; this is subject to availability of spaces.
The school does not supply lunch. A healthy lunch box should be provided for children staying for lunch. We will supply milk or water at lunch time.
Children may attend additional hours on an ad hoc basis, this is payable at the private rate.
Payment of Fees We will send invoices out in the first week of each term. All invoices must be settled within 15 days of issue, a 10% fee will may be charged for invoices not paid on time.
PLEASE ENSURE YOU USE YOUR INVOICE NO. AS REFERENCE THANK YOU.
If you have opted to pay by a voucher scheme, the first payment is due on the first day of term and subsequent payments are then due the first of the month. This also applies to instalment arrangements
PLEASE ENSURE YOU USE YOUR INVOICE NO. AS REFERENCE THANK YOU.
All accounts must be cleared within the term.
Fee Structure
Breakfast club from 8.30am; £5.00
Private Rate for children aged two – five years:
Morning 9.00am to 12.00pm: £21.00
Lunch: £6.90
All Day 9.00am – 3.00pm: £42.00
Funded Rate for children aged three – five years:
Please note; funded hours can be accessed a term after your child is three and until the term after your child’s 5th birthday
Consumable fee for children receiving 15 universal hours funding;
Morning 9.00am to 12.00pm: £7.00
Lunch: £2.50
All day 9.00am to 3.00pm: £14.00
Consumable fee for funded two year olds:
Morning 9.00am to 12.00pm: £3.00
Lunch: £2.50
All day 9.00am to 3.00pm: £7.00
Funding cut off dates:
Autumn Term 1st September- 31st December
Spring Term 1st January- 31st March
Summer Term 1st April- 31st August
Extended 15 hours can be claimed with an eligibility code provided to the team at Droxford each term and are not subject to additional consumable fees.
No deductions will be made due to absences for holidays or illness during term times. A terms written notice is required to terminate a place once the child has started.
Download your registration form here
