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2027 enrolments are open

Lia’s Montessori

Pre-school & daycare

Our story

Ten years of little firsts, in the heart of Shallcross.

When our doors first opened in 2017, we had one simple idea: that a child’s first school should feel like an extension of home. In 2027, Lia’s turns ten — and that idea still shapes every morning here.

Aalia Paruk and our caring team look after babies from three months old, guiding each little one through the everyday work of childhood: pouring water, tying laces, counting beads, telling stories, making a mess and proudly cleaning it up again.

Our groups stay deliberately small, so every child gets real individual attention. It means we notice the small things — the first wobbly step, the new word, the day someone finally shares. It’s how a classroom becomes a family.

AP

Aalia Paruk

Principal & owner

Our promise

“Home away from home” isn’t a slogan here. It’s the standard.

  • Welcoming, from the very first hello
  • Safe, secure and family-like
  • Deliberately small groups, every day

10years

of caring for Shallcross families

3months+

babies and toddlers welcome

Curriculum

Six areas. Endless discovery.

Our days follow the Montessori approach, with carefully prepared materials that children choose — and proudly return — themselves.

Practical life

Real tasks, real pride. Pouring, spooning, buttoning and tidying build independence and deep concentration.

Jugs, spoons, buttons, cloths

Literacy

Stories, songs, sandpaper letters and mark-making — a love of language long before the mechanics.

Sandpaper letters, stories, songs

Numeracy

Counting, sorting, patterns and number work with beautiful hands-on materials children can hold.

Number rods, beads, counters

Sensorial

Textures, sounds, weights and colours, explored with curious fingers and the words to describe them.

Colour tablets, bells, fabrics

Cultural

The wider world: nature, seasons, celebrations, people and places beyond our own front door.

Globes, maps, seasons, nature

Art

Paint, collage, music and movement — because messy hands so often make the proudest hearts.

Paint, collage, music

Beyond the six areas

See it for yourself

Ground rules

Morals, values and respect, practised as part of every day.

Practical training

Potty training, sharing and socialising, at each child’s own pace.

Meals & activities

Lunch, supper and snacks, indoor and outdoor play and time to just be little.

Our rhythm

A day that feels safe to explore.

Little ones thrive on knowing what comes next. Our day has a steady, gentle shape — with plenty of room for play and never a rush from one thing to another.

06:30

Doors open

Early arrivals settle in with free play and a warm hello at the gate.

07:30

Montessori morning

The work cycle begins: practical life, language, numbers and plenty of choice.

12:30

Half-day home time

Lunch is served, then half-day friends are collected for the afternoon.

13:00

Afternoon & aftercare

Rest, quiet play and creative time for the children staying on until later.

17:45

Doors close

Collected, a little tired and full of everything the day held.

Monday to Friday, 06:30 – 17:45 · half day ends at 12:30

Times are a gentle guide — our day follows the children.

See the 2027 term dates

2027 places are limited

Come and see where their story begins.