HISTORY OF THE BARNES MONTESSORI NURSERY 1969-2009
The Barnes Montessori Nursery was started by Celine Argent (now Madame Jolivet Gerber) and Debbie Chadbon (now Mrs Pitt) in the summer of 1969 at the Shoreline Building (near the Depot restaurant site) at the end of White Hart Lane. The school started with approximately 12 children and then in the Autumn as a full Montessori school with 25 children. The numbers soon increased. After three years Debbie Pitt decided to move on and Celine Argent continued with the venture. The school became so successful that new premises were sought. These could not be found locally. A nursery school house was eventually bought in East Twickenham. Some of the children moved to what became St. Margaret's Montessori School. Others remained in Barnes. In 1981 Mrs Argent sold the Barnes Montessori Nursery to Mrs Marcia Donaldson. Her husband, Bill, was accountant to the school. Marcia Donaldson was fortunate to take over from such a dedicated leader as Celine. But she in turn was instrumental in building the school into one of the most popular in the Borough. She brought a wonderful team of teachers. It was the happy atmosphere they created that enticed me to send the first of my own three children to the school. Marcia faced a difficult time in the mid-1980s when the whole future of the school was for a time in doubt. She had to find alternative premises, as the now somewhat decrepit Shoreline Building was due for demolition to enable redevelopment of the site. After tireless efforts she solved the problem. She moved the school in February 1986 to its present premises at the Barnes Sports Club. In September 1987 Marcia's husband was posted abroad to Switzerland. She sold the school to Mrs Anne-Marie True, its present owner, whose three children in turn went to the School. Anne-Marie True was trained in 1985 at St. Nicholas Montessori College (which is now Montessori Centre International). The school is one of the longest established schools in the area and has grown to 50 pupils. It is grateful for the well-established relationship with the Barnes Sport Club, which both School and Club believe is of benefit to the local community at large. Our children are fortunate to have a large sports field by the school, where they can have the freedom to play and explore under supervision and enjoy the "outdoors". The school is in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. The school has a record of "Outstanding" Ofsted Inspections and is also a Montessori Accredited School - accredited by Montessori Education (UK) Ltd. The main aim is to provide a happy and safe environment in which the children can develop and grow, fulfil their individual potential and express their characters - whilst behaving in a friendly and considerate manner towards others. The school also aims to promote a sense of achievement, which is conducive to independence and learning. We hope that each child will be encouraged to discover, explore and master new skills in an atmosphere of freedom working at their own pace, but within an organised structure and amidst warmth, care and happiness which will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Anne-Marie True and her wonderful team of staff are totally dedicated in what they do. The school prides itself in its homely, happy atmosphere. Anne-Marie True (Principal since 1987)
The nursery received an outstanding Ofsted report in 2008.PROSPECTUS
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If you are interested in registering for a place then please contact the Principal. Children are registered for entry only in the September term and have to be 2 years old by the cut-off date of 31st March of the year in which they are registering for. Subject to availability there are occasional places at other times of the year. The offer of a place is subject to availability, and registration does not guarantee a place. Places are confirmed February prior to entry date.
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SCHOOL HOURS
9.20 am - 12.20 p.m. (Monday - Friday)Children in the Butterfly Class finish at 12 noon on Fridays.
Children who take afternoon sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays finish at 3 p.m.