Our Programs
NIDO and Stage 1 (LDC & Kindy)
Our NIDO and Stage 1 programs are thoughtfully designed to support children in the first plane of development (0–6 years). This crucial stage of early childhood is a period of rapid growth, exploration, and self-construction. Our environments provide rich learning experiences that foster independence, confidence, and a love of discovery while laying the foundations for future academic and personal development.
The NIDO Program
12 months - 3 years of age
The NIDO program provides a nurturing and carefully prepared environment where children aged 12 months to 3 years can begin their journey of exploration. Recognising that children in this stage are sensorial learners, the NIDO classroom is an extension of the home environment, offering activities that refine movement, coordination, and early language skills. Each experience is designed to promote self-regulation, self-confidence, and independence, essential qualities for lifelong learning.
Core Learning Areas:
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Practical Life Activities – Helping children care for themselves and their surroundings, such as dressing, washing hands, and preparing food
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Sensorial Exploration – Engaging the five senses through activities that refine touch, sight, sound, taste, and smell.
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Language Development – Building early vocabulary through songs, stories, and conversation, creating a strong foundation for communication.
The NIDO environment allows children to develop at their own pace, gaining essential life skills and a sense of security within a structured yet flexible routine.
The Stage 1 Program
3 - 6 years of age
combining Long Day Care and Kindergarten
The Stage 1 program, which includes Long Day Care and Kindergarten, provides a more structured learning environment for children aged 3 to 6 years. While still prioritising hands-on exploration, Stage 1 introduces more formal learning experiences that guide children towards reading, writing, and mathematical understanding in an engaging and natural way.
Core Learning Areas:
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Practical Life – Encouraging independence through real-world tasks such as pouring, sweeping, and food preparation.
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Sensorial Development – Materials that help children classify, refine, and make sense of the world around them.
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Language & Literacy – Phonetic-based reading and writing activities that support early literacy development.
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Mathematics – Using concrete materials to explore concepts like counting, addition, subtraction, and the decimal system.
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Cultural Studies – Introducing geography, science, art, and music, fostering an appreciation for the world and its diversity.
Children in Stage 1 are guided by trained Montessori educators who observe and support their learning journey, allowing them to develop at their own pace in a mixed-age classroom. The environment is designed to encourage concentration, problem-solving, and self-motivation, skills that form the foundation for future academic success.
Both NIDO and Stage 1 are key components of our Montessori early childhood education, providing children with a strong, developmentally appropriate foundation that respects their natural curiosity and learning styles. By fostering independence, resilience, and a love of learning, we prepare children for a seamless transition to Primary School and beyond, ensuring they are confident, capable, and engaged learners.