At Haywood Cottage Montessori we provide a stimulating and nurturing environment, using the Montessori philosophy as the foundation of our programme. Children take ownership of the centre, making it 'theirs', helping to create and develop the learning spaces, filling the rooms with beautiful artwork, caring for the gardens and animals. Children learn at their own pace, following their own inclinations and explorations.

​We acknowledge New Zealand's dual cultural heritage and are committed to bicultural practice through strong engagement with the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the New Zealand Early Childhood Education Curriculum Framework Te Whariki.

We are an educational community which cultivates collaboration in diversity, inclusion and plurality; building meaningful partnerships between teachers, children, parents and whanau.

​Our Philosophy
At Haywood Cottage Montessori, our strong belief in a Montessori education means that we view the child as competent, powerful researchers of knowledge and constructors of their own selves. We acknowledge their right as members of society, embracing them as citizens both now in the present and in the future.
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We aim to provide a dynamic link between the child and a rich learning environment, where each can fulfill their ambition and potential; nurturing creative, innovative thinking and enabling them to represent their knowledge in multitudes of expression.

Our curriculum

Included in our Montessori curriculum are 'Practical Life Exercises', Language and Literacy, Mathematics, Art and Crafts, Music, Drama, 'Sensorial' activities, Sciences, Geography and History. Using the outdoors as a learning environment is important, with children learning gardening, animal husbandry and the exploration of various materials such as sand, wood, water, building resources and carpentry

​The Prepared Environment 

At il Nido and La Casa, our spaces are designed to nurture a sense of belonging and ownership.  Set in lovingly restored villas, we welcome children into light, open spaces, that are free from clutter. Every material is considered for its purpose, every corner is ever evolving to encourage children to delve deeper and deeper into their interests.
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Our indoor and outdoor learning environments respects children as capable, by providing them with authentic materials & tools.  Each space is thoughtfully designed to inspire and develop collaboration, communication, and exploration.  Our space is cared for by the children as well as the teachers.  

Care of Animals and our Garden

We treasure our outdoor environment as much as our beautiful indoor learning spaces. Early childhood is a time for developing empathy and the beginnings of an ecological awareness.

Through the care and nurture of plants and animals, children build emotional intelligence, a sense of wonderment and a deep compassion for other living things. The natural world provides a rich and dynamic variety of learning experiences. Children can build playhouses, observe insects, pick fruit from the trees, collect eggs and grow vegetables.