Business Details
Trusted Montessori Nursery in London for Early Years Education
Under The Willow is a family-owned Montessori nursery school dedicated to providing high-quality early years education and care for children aged 3 months to 5 years. Our team of qualified Montessori teachers, certified primary school educators, and early childhood specialists are committed to nurturing children's natural curiosity and development through play-based learning. We follow the Montessori method, creating warm, stimulating environments where children feel safe to explore and grow. Located in Dulwich, London, we prioritise eco-friendly practices and convenient access via public transport. Our philosophy centres on empowering children to make choices, develop independence, and build social skills while maintaining strong partnerships with parents.With over 15 years of combined experience among our leadership team, we ensure consistent, high-quality care and education. Our Forest School trips and extracurricular activities enrich learning through nature and creativity. Testimonials highlight our staff's dedication, healthy on-site meals, and the positive impact on children's confidence and readiness for primary school. We maintain transparent communication with families and adhere to strict safety and hygiene standards. Our goal is to create a joyful, nurturing space where every child thrives.
Services
Montessori Education
Early Years Care
Outdoor Learning
Forest School Trips
Extracurricular Activities
Healthy Meals
Parent Partnership
Buggy Storage
Bike/Scooter Space
School Transitions
Highlights and features
- We follow the Montessori method with qualified educators trained from birth to 12 years.
- Eco-friendly location with convenient public transport access near Herne Hill station.
- Forest School trips for nature immersion and independence-building activities.
- Experienced team with low staff turnover and high parental satisfaction rates.
- Healthy, on-site cooked meals tailored to children's nutritional needs.
Associations and certifications
- Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation Board
What people say
Happy to go to nursery
Low staff turnover
Lovely environment
Grown in confidence
Fantastic opportunity
Services
Montessori Education
Our Montessori Education programme follows a child-centred approach, fostering independence and curiosity through hands-on learning materials. Qualified educators guide children aged 3 months to 5 years in developing cognitive, social, and motor skills. The structured yet flexible curriculum encourages self-paced exploration within a prepared environment.
Forest School Trips
Forest School Trips integrate outdoor exploration into weekly routines, promoting physical development and environmental awareness. Children engage in supervised activities like tree climbing, nature crafts, and seasonal observations. These experiences build resilience, teamwork, and a deeper connection to natural surroundings.
Outdoor Learning
Outdoor Learning spaces feature age-appropriate equipment for physical challenges and imaginative play. Structured activities and free play combine to develop coordination, risk assessment, and social interaction skills. Natural elements like gardens and sensory trails enhance experiential learning opportunities.
Healthy Meals
Our on-site chef prepares balanced, nutritious meals using fresh ingredients tailored to children's dietary needs. Menus follow government guidelines while incorporating seasonal produce. Mealtimes encourage social skills through communal dining, with staff supporting positive eating habits and food exploration.
Parent Partnership
Parent Partnership initiatives include regular progress updates, home-activity suggestions, and open communication channels. We host workshops on child development and maintain daily dialogue with families to ensure consistent care approaches between home and nursery.
People
Kim
Head Teacher
Qualified Montessori Teacher with over 15 years' experience in early years education. Passionate about child-led learning and creating environments that foster independence and creativity through the Montessori method.
Marta
Manager
Experienced childcare manager with 12+ years in leadership roles. Committed to high educational standards and nurturing staff development to create engaging, secure learning environments that support lifelong learning foundations.
Koko
Deputy Manager
Dedicated Montessori educator with expertise in guiding children's potential through structured yet flexible teaching approaches. Believes in empowering children to achieve meaningful personal growth within supportive learning communities.
Questions
What curriculum does Under The Willow follow?
We follow the Montessori method of education, complemented by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework to ensure holistic development and school readiness.
Are meals provided at the nursery?
Yes, we provide freshly cooked, nutritious meals on-site daily, including breakfast, lunch, and snacks, tailored to meet children's dietary requirements.
How does the nursery support outdoor learning?
We incorporate daily outdoor activities and weekly Forest School trips to promote physical development, environmental awareness, and independent exploration in natural settings.
What are the staff qualifications?
Our team includes qualified Montessori teachers, certified primary educators, and trained early childhood specialists with extensive experience in early years education.
How can parents stay involved?
We maintain regular communication through daily updates, progress reports, and parent workshops, encouraging active family participation in children's learning journeys.
Reviews (7)
Nikos Abi
Sep 10, 2021
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Our daughter never had a day when she didn't want to go to nursery and we were all so happy with our experience of Under The Willow. During our time there, staff turnover seemed low, and morale very high - we were impressed with the management and communication. Food was wonderful (better than at home!), healthy and warming. Her key worker really took the time to find what made our daughter tick and there was always a happy, upbeat energy at drop-off and pick up. We miss it.
Jo Mortimer
Jan 05, 2021
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Both my children have attended Under the Willow and I would highly recommend it. Staff have been committed, caring, friendly and competent. The environment is lovely, calm and spacious with a good outdoor space (and of course a willow tree!). Excellent extras including football, gardening, cooking and music. One of my children has a complex medical condition and has significant developmental delay and additional needs. The nursery have been very inclusive and consultative in working with us to support his needs. They were proactive in leading on getting an EHCP for him, and staff work enthusiastically
Charlotte Luykx
Dec 26, 2020
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First of all I was never asked to put any review on here but I felt I wanted to share my experience about Under the Willow as when I was looking to confirm a place for my LO I couldnt find much information/feedback. I got a place offered in another outstanding nursery which is very close to UTW and supposedly the best nursery group in the area however I followed my instinct and chose to take up the offer in UTW as first of all the nursery was recommended by a friend who had their child there and second I had a better feeling with the staff there, it wasnt an easy choice as you
Ruth Mead-Wellings
Oct 13, 2020
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We have been part of the under the willow community for the past two years. Our daughter attended from 2-4 years old and our son from 1-2 years old. Both children have thrived at nursery. The staff are caring and professional early childhood and Montessori teachers. They focus on the development of the whole child and it is clear that it is a happy place for both staff and children. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend Under The Willow nursery.
Philip Bradley
Sep 08, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism
Lovely setting for my child to be in. Staff are caring, loving and friendly and keep me updated with what my baby does on a daily basis through an App. Great space and garden area.
Lovely setting for my child to be in. Staff are caring, loving and friendly and keep me updated with what my baby does on a daily basis through an App. Great space and garden area.
Dan Browne
Aug 23, 2020
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Wonderful, caring, attentive staff with fantatsic facilities, my child has be extremely happy at UTW for the past 2 years! My childs confidence has grown and hes excited to go to nursery each day.
Id highly recommend this nursery.
Id highly recommend this nursery.
Maria Teresa Herrera Abreu
Jan 31, 2020
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The way they manage babies and parents is not professional, I do not recommend this nursery, and they are very expensive. Unfortunately I had to take my 10-month-old son out of this nursery because they were not providing the care that he needs. I felt my son was discriminated for not being able to crawl. He needed support while learning to walk that the nursery was not willing to provide. One day they told me that he cried for 2 hours, and when we showed concern and make suggestion for his adaptation, the manager was not very supportive and it was quite rude by email and in person. I had a really
