The Studio school founded by the late Kim Simpson is now closed. These pages are left here as a legacy and reference.
Here at the Studio we offer your child this unique opportunity of 'self-development' by virtue of our specially trained staff, whose expertise lies in creating a beautiful and carefully prepared environment. This is the cornerstone of Montessori Education.
It is important to stress that when children first come to the Studio, we make sure that they feel secure
and welcomed and develop a sense of trust for the adults in whose charge they are. The transition from home to nursery needs very sensitive handling by parents and teachers and we do everything we can to make the new child feel safe and to help in the development of trust. The development of independence comes later.
Young children do not need to be taught, for learning is a natural process. They have an innate sensitivity towards their own development. What we call play is the young child's work and they show a hunger to develop their intelligence, to learn to master their movements and to explore and order their impressions of the world - for that they need to be free. Naturally enough, children need simple boundaries and ground rules to give healthy support to that freedom and to aid them in the development of self-discipline.
In the early years children learn a huge amount by virtue of what Dr. Montessori called 'the absorbent mind', which is an unconscious process, literally soaking up information from the environment. They also learn by imitation and have a natural instinct for growth and development. They need good 'role models' both at home and at pre-school. Here at the Studio we have a special sensitivity towards this process and towards the nurturing of positive self-esteem for each child.
The Studio is a true 'children's house', where everything is child sized and the whole environment is available for their enjoyment and use. The atmosphere is calm, supportive, and non-competitive.