About Us
Mrs. Shah wanted to open an Educational setting that would allow all children to achieve their full potential. Having worked in mainstream schools, Mrs Shah recognised the potential of Montessori Education. This type of education allows children to follow their natural patterns of development, allowing them to become independent and self-reliant.
Mrs Shah decided to retrain as an AMI Montessori Directress and subsequently opened a Montessori School based in Well End, Borehamwood. She believed very much in the holistic development of the child. She wanted Sitara Toto Montessori to be a place where the children would be allowed to learn and be given the sound foundations for their Early Childhood. As the school slowly gained a reputation as a quality Educational Establishment, she was equally lucky to have the support of a fantastic staff team. With the success of the first school, Mrs Shah now wanted to extend this type of educational choice for working parents.
She found the perfect base in Watford, which was also a 10-minute walk from the Watford Junction Station and on a direct link with the local bus Network. This would allow working and commuting parents a perfect location and an alternative choice in childcare. The children were still a priority, and again she wanted to make sure the approach was holistic. She believed in providing a good nutritional diet for all children.
The meals at Leavesden Montessori House are freshly cooked and are made up with mostly Vegetarian Organic Ingredients. A typical day would start with either warm freshly cooked Organic Porridge or a selection of cereals. Snack during the mid-morning would be a choice of fresh fruits. Lunch could range from a pasta dish or a simple wholesome soup made from fresh ingredients with warm bread. (All the menu meals rotate every three weeks and are always reviewed to reflect children’s choices and allergy needs.)
In the afternoon the children enjoy a healthy freshly baked Spelt Biscuit with milk. For the children staying for tea, there are simple choices from savoury pancakes to Ciabatta bakes.
The adults at Leavesden are equally important. Lead teachers have Montessori backgrounds, and many have the Montessori AMI assistants’ qualification. AMI stands for Association Montessori Internationale, and was created to uphold, propagate and further the pedagogical principles and practice formulated by Maria Montessori for the full development of the human being.
Most of the staff hold a minimum of CACHE level 2 or level 3 training.
The school’s Educational role is to provide a child centred quality education that is supported by the child’s interest and developmental needs. Leavesden Montessori House has two rooms, one for the Infant Community and one for the Casa.