Montessori education differs from traditional childcare in both philosophy and daily practice. Instead of a teacher‑led program where all children complete the same activity at the same time, Montessori offers a calm, prepared environment where children can explore, choose their work, and learn at their own pace, even from infancy.

In our Montessori prepared environments, babies, toddlers, and preschoolers are trusted as capable learners. From the earliest months, children are supported to develop the strong “I can do it myself” attitude that builds confidence and resilience. Toddlers and preschoolers choose from purposeful activities, move freely within the space, and work for as long as they need — building concentration, independence, and intrinsic motivation. Educators act as guides rather than instructors, observing each child closely and offering support when it’s needed, not before.

While Montessori is child‑led, it is not unstructured. Our educators intentionally plan whole‑group, small‑group, and individual learning moments based on each child’s needs, interests, and developmental goals. Babies experience this through responsive caregiving, language‑rich interactions, and sensory exploration. Toddlers and preschoolers experience it through hands‑on materials, practical life activities, and thoughtfully sequenced learning experiences. These teaching moments are purposeful and responsive, ensuring every child is supported in the way that suits them best.

Social development is also a natural part of our day. Children work alongside peers, collaborate when they choose to, and build friendships through shared experiences — without forced participation or pressure to join in before they feel ready. This creates genuine, joyful social connections that grow from the child’s own readiness and interest.

This approach nurtures independence, emotional regulation, problem‑solving skills, and a genuine love of learning, all qualities that support children not just in preschool, but throughout their lives.

No — we don’t require children to meet specific milestones at set ages. Every child develops at their own pace, and our Montessori approach is built around respecting those natural developmental rhythms. Instead of expecting all children to do the same thing at the same time, we focus on creating environments and relationships that help each child grow confidently in their own way.

From infancy, children thrive when they feel safe, supported, and free to explore. Babies and toddlers develop milestones such as rolling, crawling, grasping, babbling, and forming secure attachments when their environment invites movement, curiosity, and connection. Preschoolers continue this journey through hands‑on learning, problem‑solving, and growing independence.

In our Montessori prepared environments, we support children’s development by offering:

• Freedom of movement so babies, toddlers, and preschoolers can explore at their own pace

• Observation without interference, allowing educators to understand each child’s readiness before introducing new challenges

• Respect for the child, recognising that every child is capable and develops in their own time

• A carefully prepared environment with materials and experiences matched to each developmental stage

• Intentional teaching moments delivered through whole‑group, small‑group, and individual experiences based on each child’s needs and learning intentions

We never rush children toward milestones or compare them to others. Instead, we nurture the “I can do it myself” attitude, intrinsic motivation, and confidence that naturally lead to growth across all developmental areas — physical, cognitive, social, and emotional.

Every child is supported to reach their potential in a way that feels safe, respectful, and developmentally appropriate.

A Montessori day has a gentle rhythm that supports children to feel calm, confident, and ready to learn. While our days follow familiar routines, they are not locked into a strict sequence. This flexibility allows us to respond to the children’s needs, the flow of the group, the weather, and the natural opportunities that arise throughout the day.

Our mornings begin with warm, unhurried arrivals where children settle in, connect with their educators, and choose activities that interest them — or, when the weather allows, enjoy time outdoors. Once children are ready, they start their ‘work cycle’, a key part of Montessori practice.

A work cycle is a protected period of time where children can choose from activities that are developmentally aligned with their needs and interests. During this time, they explore materials, repeat tasks, concentrate deeply, and move at their own pace without being rushed or interrupted. This is where independence, confidence, and intrinsic motivation truly grow.

Educators guide learning through a blend of intentional teaching moments and child‑led exploration. Some lessons are offered individually, others in small groups, and some as whole‑group experiences. — depending on the learning intention and what each child needs. This ensures every child receives the right level of support while still developing the strong “I can do it myself” attitude.

Social connections happen naturally throughout the day. Children collaborate when they choose to, work alongside peers, and build friendships through shared experiences — without pressure to join in before they feel ready.

Outdoor play is another important part of our rhythm. Our yard is designed for big‑body movement, exercise, and free play — giving children the space to climb, run, balance, and build strength and coordination. This active play complements their indoor learning and supports healthy physical development.

Meals and rest times are calm, predictable, and respectful. Children help with practical life tasks such as setting tables, packing away, and caring for their environment — building responsibility, independence, and pride.

The day ends with gentle transitions, reflection, and connection, ensuring children leave feeling secure, accomplished, and proud of their efforts

Montessori programs are designed to support children through distinct developmental stages, from infancy through to adolescence. At Brilliant Beginnings, we specialise in the birth to six years period, the most important stage for building independence, confidence, and the foundations of lifelong learning. Montessori is suitable for all children, and our Montessori prepared environments are intentionally designed to support a wide range of developmental needs, personalities, and learning styles.

We offer four Montessori prepared environments that reflect each stage of development from birth to six.
Families can explore each room in more detail on our page explaining each room.

Yes. Montessori early learning prepares children exceptionally well for the transition to either Montessori or traditional schooling. The Montessori approach fosters independence, self‑discipline, confidence, and a genuine love of learning, all qualities that support success in any educational setting.

Montessori‑educated children transition smoothly into traditional classrooms. They bring strong executive functioning skills, intrinsic motivation, and the ability to think critically and adapt to new situations. These foundations help them feel confident and capable as they step into new routines, expectations, and learning environments.

At Brilliant Beginnings, children leave our program with:

• Independence and self‑direction
  Children learn to take ownership of their learning, make choices, and work independently — essential skills for navigating school routines and expectations.

• Executive functioning skills
  Through practical life activities, the work cycle, and intentional teaching moments, children develop organisation, problem‑solving, concentration, and the ability to manage tasks from start to finish.

• Social and emotional confidence
  Our environments promote collaboration, communication, empathy, and conflict resolution. Children learn how to work with others, express their needs, and build positive relationships with peers and teachers.

• Intrinsic motivation and a strong “I can do it myself” attitude
  Montessori children are used to engaging deeply with learning because they want to, not because they are told to. This mindset supports resilience, curiosity, and a positive approach to new challenges.

These strengths help children step into school feeling capable, confident, and ready for the next stage of their learning journey.