Iverna Gardens Montessori

It's never about the business and always the child's individual journey at Iverna Gardens Monstessori. We miss them and we are so grateful for our time with IG. Not just his love for learning, my child's confidence, social well being, emotional growth was incredible at IG and even now, they always ask about him and are happy to share words of comfort or wisdom. Its a hidden gem- the whole idea behind a montessori and the way Miss Felicty & her team are running this one in particular. Thank you so much. He had the best time and recalls whatever bits & pieces he can with such fondness.

They are a true Montessori and will respect your child as an individual, let them take the lead & encourage them in their learning journey. They function as one large community and truly follow the idea that it takes a village to raise a child. It doesn't matter who your child's key teacher is, you will find just about any teacher giving you some feedback on what they got up to during the day and if there was anything interesting your child might have done/said. Older children take over & start teaching the younger ones. My child learnt how to tell the time this way. Ms Felicity has set the course out in themes which are revisited during various stages. Continents, Animal Kingdom, Biomes, Cultures, Festivals, etc. So if your child learnt about basic continents in the first year, he/she will pick up details such as animals and plants native to those areas the following year and by the time they are ready to graduate are often able to tell countries, capitals, flags, produce, famous structures & interesting facts from around the world. Forest school is brilliant for developing motor skills & encouraging sensory play, providing plenty of room for creativity too, as they build obstacle courses and disgusting pots of sticky, muddy "hot chocolate". All learning happens keeping a child's own interest in mind. So if he likes baking, they will bake everyday & one day the child will surprise the entire parent group by telling them how much more milk he needs to pour out, demonstrating mathematical knowledge, fine motor skills, logic and reasoning without going through the painful grind of cramming numbers and alphabets. The child picks up good habits such as cleaning up after themselves, finishing what they started and putting away things in their place. As they grow they are delegated various responsibilities like looking after little ones, organizing & being teacher's 'assistants', which helps boost their confidence The school has hired teachers who are differently-abled and children are allowed to question and explore and I find this incredible- this massive push towards inclusivity. Teachers are well paid and looked after and despite a full day of work, are never exhausted, short or tired. Never. Even when we visit them now, it is so endearing to see the teachers fully engage with the children. The staff is always available for a chat or kind, reassuring words. IGM truly is a safe haven amid the cluster of extremely competitive, academically charged nurseries in the neighbourhood. My 7 yr old still does maths based on the fundamentals developed at Montessori. Montessori learning doesn't put a limit on what your child can learn. They do not follow a strict curriculum. You may see little or no "development" the first year or 2 when compared to conventional nurseries. And then during the final year/term suddenly, there will be this 'blitzkrieg' of words, ideas, creativity, stories, maths, facts all pouring out of your child. But for that to happen, you must trust the the Montessori method. DC's peer group left with some having learnt their times tables, some doing divisions, some already reading, some having learnt the entire london tube map and bus routes and none of them labelled genius or advanced learners of any kind. The only thing they had in common was that they were loved & encouraged to learn through play, be it building or painting or baking or messy play. They have gone on to do really well having secured places in top schools during their 7+ exams (SPJ, WUS, Latymer, Bute House to name a few) and most others are already at places like Queens gate, Thomas's & Wetherby. The school is not for you if you are looking for a child hunched over books, being forced to 'write', bringing home regular homework, reading simple sentences with little comprehension, painting and drawing even if they show zero interest. But if you are looking to discover who your child truly is, help them develop a strong emotional sense &  keen, happy, healthy love for learning this is the place for you.

Iverna Gardens is the best place for a child to begin their journey in life! The lessons my son has learnt will stay with him forever. We were recommended this nursery by friends that had sent their children there over 6 years ago and it was the best decision we made. We only wish that we had know about Iverna sooner and been able to send our older children there as well. Thank you Miss Felicity and all the amazing teachers at Iverna Gardens who made Alexander’s time at nursery such a special one which he will never forgot.

We've had all 3 of our children at Iverna Gardens, and couldn't ask for a more magical experience for them. We had been living in Kensington for some time when our eldest was due for nursery, and were looking for a neighborhood nursery. IG was recommended by a fellow mum in our building, whose 4 children had all attended IG. When our eldest attended, IG was populated with like minded parents who were committed to an excellent early years education for their children. My children's key workers knew and loved each of my children and prepared detailed reports each term. They noticed my children's interests and gave me tips for how I could continue to stimulate curiosity at home. Happily, IG combines independent learning with structured 'circle time,' so my children were encouraged to eat when they were hungry, to play messily and vigorously , and to explore, investigate and ask questions about the world around them. Supporting the current research on the benefits of 'messy play' in early years development, my children were encouraged to get messy during the school day. However, the school always had a spare set of clothing for them, and they were never left wet or dirty during the school day. As a mum living in Central London, I was grateful they could experience a bit of the childhood I enjoyed, where I was allowed to get messy and play with freedom and joy. Two of my three have now matriculated to academically selective primary schools in Central London and my youngest has taken a place to begin reception this coming September. They all performed well in their assessments and have now transitioned easily into a structured classroom environment. In fact, my children's primary school teachers have commented on their curiosity, attentiveness to learning and their ability to articulate concepts verbally and to get along with their peers. The hands on phonics and maths and fine motor preparation they received at IG prepared them well for the reading, writing and maths work at their primary schools, and more importantly, they exhibit curiosity about what they are reading and a desire to read more. Iverna Gardens is a place for parents who want an excellent experience for their children and who understand the importance of independent, child led learning at a neighborhood establishment. Though IG has an Outstanding rating and a pristine Tatler review, if this is your sole interest in a nursery, you most likely will miss out on the true magic of the place. If, however, you're interested in a loving, nurturing place which will prepare your child with the building blocks to succeed in life, you will find a happy home at IG. And you don't have to be in Kensington very long to know this is the 'word on the street' about this beautiful nursery.

My 5 children attended Iverna Gardens and as a consequence I was an 'Iverna Gardens Parents' for 10 years. I cannot find the words to describe how incredible Iverna has been for our family. My children are now aged 15 to 8 and there is not one day I miss not collecting one of them or dropping them at Iverna. I can definitely see on a day to day basis how my children have now become confident and independent learners, feeling safe to try new things, and to venture off the common path to take mesaured risks. Very importantly as well my children now all value friendship and kindness and I know for a fact that this is thanks to the environment in which they blossomed at Iverna, each of the 5 having their own nursery journey. The quality of the teachers was always incredible. The are all very approachable. It is a family run business and the atmosphere is extremely warm and welcoming also very genuine without fuss or pretention whatsover, which really mattered to me. At some point we had to move to Geneva, our children were temporarily in another nusery setting and the comparison cannot even be started. Before deciding on which nursery to go to for my first child, I had done extensive research in the whole areas of Kensington, Notting Hill, Chelsea and even Primrose Hill. What really drew me to Iverna was that the people there truly cared about the children. Yes they do apply Montessori approaches to learning and development - all the teachers are very well trained and knowledgeable - but a factor that makes the whole difference is that the nursery is run by incredibly emotionally smart people who take each child individually and ensure that each child travels through these formative first years happily and confidently.

Iverna is an overpriced childrens day care. This review is on behalf of all the dissatisfied families of which there are many. Had there been an honest fair review we ‘the families’ would have made a different more informed decision. Firstly, like others i enrolled my child based on the outstanding Ofsted rating and tattler review. I was also impressed by Ms Felicity’s sales talk and what you child will achieve. This nursery seems a very British educational institution. However things for you to consider and benefit of my knowledge in bullet points: 1. They have one out side toilet for all 45 morning children to use, please take a look they will not show you this on the tour. Oh yes if they can find 45 kids they will fill up the class till its chaos. However this year i have heard and years to come most Parents have not or will not send their second child back or taken them out completely. 2. They do not have a true ratio 1:4 or 1:8 as described. you live and learn! The more enrol the more kids are attached to key teachers. 3. You get what teacher they decide for the entire time at Iverna. The better Experienced ones are saved for Miss Felicity’s favourites, Usually alumni/ returning children/siblings. This was the biggest grumble amongst parents and nannies. The quality of teachers vary significantly especially with there high turnover of staff who inform us of playing favourites with the teaching staff too, explains the revolving door of staff. 4. The favourite teachers give you photos, better updates and preferential treatment. The new teachers are finding there way or leave. 5. If you opt for your child to stay all day not just mornings, your child is stuck in their basement in the afternoons. Something your not aware of or see till your child is enrolled. 6. Bring in your own fruit to share. No milk, biscuits, fruits or snacks are provided. who knows whether your child is eating their fruit or not. 7. Pay for French classes separately, my child learnt nothing from this class. It should be included, another way to get money from parents. 8. There is no program of teaching Or enhancing for 3/4 year olds, they get the same old bog standard day care stuff they do over and over. 9. Favourite children tend to make bread, it only happens once a day with two kids. So other children are left upset. 10. Miss felicity is not approachable, she will stonewall you and your child if you complain. 11. Iverna seem to be constantly asking for money or fundraising. You have to buy there DVD for £20 of the Christmas show you can not record on your own devices. Oh yes favourite children or should i say families get the lead roles. 12. The paint they use stains clothes, ie shoes, socks and clothes. The smocks don’t cover your child fully after all. Its not petty since other nurseries and schools have better products that are stain resistant or water soluble. 13. Bring in food and drinks to various Iverna evenings, not been asked this at other nurseries or schools, including state school. 14. Coats are kept outside all year long whether it rains or snows. 15. Bullying happens, With 45 kids its difficult to monitor 16. Children who need extra attention ie those who can talk yet or other learning difficulties are priority your child gets left to there own devices. Hence i called it Day care as I mentioned above. 17. In the summer only few children can go out the rest stay indoors, its not large enough for entire class to play in the summer so the kids literally fight to be outdoors. But during the winter my child was forced outside since there were too many children inside and it was crowded. My child was told if your well enough to be in nursery then you can play outside. 18. In the last four years Iverna Victoria road has had four different head teachers and completely new staff. 19. A nanny complained they were not teaching or using the principles/techniques to encourage learning through play. most children were not school ready.