NURSERY
Supporting young children on their path to independence.
"The child performs specific actions on their own (feeding animals, watering a flower…), learns patience and trust in waiting (sowing a seed…)"
Maria Montessori
AMI
Association Montessori Internationale
OUR CERTIFICATION
An international standard, still rare in French-speaking Switzerland.
The Association Montessori Internationale was founded by Maria Montessori herself. AMI recognition reflects a commitment to the complete Montessori approach, including educator training, authentic materials, prepared environments and uninterrupted learning cycles. Great Hope Montessori is fully committed to these principles.
MONTESSORI IN NURSERY
Supporting children and their families.
The arrival of a new baby in the Nursery is a major event at Great Hope Montessori.
The child and their family are welcomed in a way that ensures everyone feels supported throughout this stage.
To achieve this, the Nursery is organised according to Montessori principles.
Parents can attend parenting support workshops from the seventh month of pregnancy.
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The settling-in process is personalised and organised according to each family’s needs.
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The Nursery section benefits from its application (to be downloaded) to transmit and communicate information about the child during the day (sleep time, activities, diaper change, etc.).
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Sign language, early-years music, English, Montessori activities, movement activities, outings and nature discovery punctuate the daily life of the Nursery.
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Two “Baby Maestro” early-years music workshops are organised each week.
ORGANISATION
The nursery is divided into two separate areas.
The Nido welcomes babies from the end of maternity leave until 18 months.
The Nido is a small, welcoming space for five babies, supported by two early-years professionals trained in the Montessori method. Each child receives support tailored to their individual needs throughout the day, respecting their own pace, including support with falling asleep and babywearing.
The living space is divided into different Montessori areas: early sensory development, movement, sensory exploration, hand–eye coordination, meals, grace and courtesy, changing, sleep and a secure outdoor area.
3 - 18 months
The Nido .
Children, families and staff thrive in this organised environment
The Nido is a small, welcoming space for five babies, supported by two early-years professionals trained in the Montessori method. Each child receives support tailored to their individual needs throughout the day, respecting their own pace, including support with falling asleep and babywearing.
The living space is divided into different Montessori areas: early sensory development, movement, sensory exploration, hand–eye coordination, meals, grace and courtesy, changing, sleep and a secure outdoor area.
18 - 36 months
The Infant community
Children are welcomed after a gradual settling-in period, with a progressive transition if they already attend the Great Hope Montessori Nido.
The Infant Community is designed to meet the developmental needs of children aged 18 to 36 months.
The entire environment is designed to be child-sized, allowing children to participate safely in everyday activities. The living space is divided into Montessori developmental areas: practical life, art, sensory exploration, hand–eye coordination and language. Activities are presented to each child by a Montessori educator, based on observation and the child’s interests.
According to Maria Montessori, this age group is characterised by a natural drive to act independently. The aim of the Infant Community is therefore to support each child in developing their movement and their desire to act and participate.
The environment is bilingual in French and English. Circle time, language activities and other activities provide opportunities to reinforce vocabulary. Songs, grace and courtesy activities, and the expression of requests all provide opportunities to develop language skills.
The Infant Community is a welcoming space for seven children supported by two professionals. The children feel secure and are able to participate in activities of their choice. They benefit from a wide range of sensory and social experiences that help them build their character, under the caring and encouraging guidance of their educators.
The Infant Community is also where children learn how a Montessori environment works, helping to facilitate their transition to the 3–6 Primary classroom.
The nursery team
Educator
Marion Desbarres
Training Manager and French-speaking educator, Nursery
Pedagogical Assistant
Clara Schilt
French- and Italian-speaking teaching assistant, Nursery
Educator
Jonas Court
English- and German-speaking teaching assistant, Nursery
Pedagogical Assistant
Mar Vasquez
French- and Spanish-speaking teaching assistant, Nursery
Pedagogical Assistant
Florence Gulsen
Trilingual teaching assistant — French, English and Italian, Nursery
Teaching intern
Elvira Elezai
French-, English- and Greek-speaking teaching intern, Nursery
Teaching intern
Arsema Dawit
First-year ASE apprentice (childcare assistant)
NATIVE BILINGUALISM
French • English
More than English lessons: genuine bilingual immersion. Each classroom includes at least one native French-speaking educator and one native English-speaking educator, both present throughout the day. Children move naturally between the two languages.