Montessori toddlers groups in the UK
Apr 17, 2022 - Montessori , Recommendations - By Carine Robin
If you’re looking for a Montessori toddler group or stay-and-play session in the UK, this guide is for you. Whether you're based in London, the Midlands, or Scotland, finding the right Montessori-inspired group helps your child explore, learn, and socialise in a calm, prepared environment.
Prior to the pandemic, I was running a successful parents and toddler group in Central Bedfordshire. I hope to resume that playgroup as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, check all those baby and toddler classes in the UK. For each, I specific if the guide is Montessori trained, age group and price if known.
I hope to update this list whenever I discover a new toddler group. If you want to add yours, just comment!
What are Montessori toddler groups?
Montessori toddler groups (also called parent-child groups or stay-and-play sessions) offer children aged around 12 months to 3 years a chance to experience Montessori materials alongside their parents or caregivers.
These sessions often include:
- Practical life activities
- Sensory play
- Music and movement
- Opportunities for social interaction
The class can be divided in baby class, toddler class and preschool age or a mixed that would accommodate siblings.
Ideally, the group should be led by a trained Montessori teacher. However, here in the UK, there are some great groups led by passionate parents.
What to Expect from a Montessori Stay-and-Play
Every group is a little different, but most will provide:
- A prepared environment with child-sized furniture and Montessori materials
- Snack or break time
- Guidance from a Montessori-trained facilitator
I give you a tour of my playgroup in this video.
Montessori toddler groups in London:
Paint-pots
Paint-pots consists of 3 nurseries in London and they also host creative classes and specific Montessori classes for toddlers. I had the pleasure to attend their playgroup with my son many years ago.
Little Hatchlings Montessori - Parent Accompanied Montessori Education
Shrewsbury House Community Centre, close to:
Bushmoor Crescent
Shooters Hill
London, Greater London
SE18 3EG
The website that lists the above playgroup seems to have verified the information recently.
Clapham:
The groups take place weekly during term time and are led by an AMI 0-3 trained directress, who will share information with you about how you can support your baby's development both during the sessions and at home. Your baby will be able to explore a safe environment that has been carefully prepared to meet their developmental needs, whilst you observe them. The groups provide a wonderful opportunity for you to meet other like-minded parents.
The Montessori for Parents and Babies sessions are suitable for babies from 2 months to 14/16 months (at which age they could join our Montessori Infant Community), accompanied by one parent or carer.
West Hampstead:
Rainbow Babies Montessori sessions are set up and run to provide a relaxed and welcoming environment ; where parents and carers of children from six - months to age - two, may discover information about Montessori philosophy and child development whilst the children are welcome to explore the materials, play and participate in singing.
The information about the Montessori philosophy or child development is provided either verbally by our most senior, qualified and experienced educators ; or via photocopies of relevant excerpts from accredited educational texts books.
Rainbow provides such factual information for parents and carers, with an aim that an adult individual, should be free to choose and make do with, as per personal preferences, orientation and opinion.
Montessori classes in England
ESSEX:
Emma is a home educator, and former primary teacher, passionate about Montessori. She sets up several parents and children classes in Essex. She is also very active on Instagram if you want to follow her homeschooling journey and see the playgroup in action.
Check Montysaurus.
ST-ALBANS
Little Shoots Montessori. Alisa is a qualified Montessori teacher and has set up a Montessori parents and child group in St-Albans.
Montessori classes in Scotland
Love Montessori Scotland is led by a qualified Montessori teacher, Hannah.
She runs a toddler playgroup in Aberdeen. I had the pleasure to interview her.
Montys Dundee:
A stay and play, Montessori inspired in Dundee. They are very active on FB.
Can’t Find a Group? Start Your Own
Many parents set up informal Montessori meetups using Facebook or local community centres.
You can:
- Start a small group at home or in a hall
- Share Montessori activities with other parents
- Join online Montessori parenting communities
Frequently Asked Questions
What age are Montessori toddler groups for?
Most Montessori toddler groups welcome children from 12 months to around 3 years old, always accompanied by an adult.
Do I need Montessori experience to attend a group?
No prior Montessori knowledge is needed. Groups are beginner-friendly and often include parent education and guidance.
How much do Montessori toddler groups cost in the UK?
Costs vary by location and group type, but typical prices range from £5–£15 per session. Some community-led groups may be donation-based.
How You Can Help
If you know of a Montessori toddler group that isn’t listed, please leave a comment below or send me a message.
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About the Author: Carine Robin is a qualified and experienced Montessori teacher and founder of The Montessori Family. With over 15 years of experience, Carine offers a blend of professional insight and personal understanding as a mother of two and qualified child psychologist. Inspired by the success of her Montessori subscription box, she created The Montessori Family to provide a comprehensive resource for parents and teachers globally. This platform aims to support child growth and well-being through curated educational activities. Additionally, Carine maintains the UK's most popular Montessori blog and administers the largest Montessori UK Facebook group, making her a central figure in the Montessori community.
