Frequently Asked Questions
When is Montessori Blenheim open?
Montessori Blenheim is open from 7.45am - 4pm, Monday - Friday.
We are closed on Public Holidays, for two weeks over the Christmas period, and a Winter closure week during the July school holidays.
Is there currently a wait list to enrol my child?
Children join our learning community at three years of age .
We encourage whānau to submit an Expression of Interest form as early as possible to ensure your on the wait list. This is available on ‘Your place in our community’.
How is Montessori Blenheim different from other ECE classrooms?
At Montessori Blenheim, our environment is thoughtfully prepared to feel like a child’s own world — calm, beautiful and responsive to their natural development. Children are given the freedom to explore, choose meaningful work and develop independence, concentration and confidence through purposeful activity at their own pace. Our thoughtfully prepared environment, authentic Montessori materials and uninterrupted work cycle allow children to follow their interests, develop concentration and become capable, confident learners. The learning experiences within our Montessori environment encourage authentic, hands-on discovery, while our kaiārahi nurture not only academic growth, but also a strong sense of belonging and respect for others and the environment.
Do children stay at Montessori Blenheim past their 5th birthday?
Yes, many children remain at Montessori Blenheim beyond their 5th birthday. Our Montessori programme is designed as a three-year cycle, and the years between 5–6 are often a time of significant academic, social and emotional growth.
Our kaiārahi are both Early Childhood and Primary trained, and our high teacher-to-child ratios allow for responsive one-on-one teaching and learning. We value each child’s holistic readiness for kura/school, considering their emotional, social and academic development alongside their age.
What are the food guidelines at Montessori Blenheim?
At Montessori Blenheim, we encourage families to provide nutritious lunchbox foods that support children’s growth, wellbeing and learning, while working closely with whānau to support allergies and dietary needs.
Within our Practical Life curriculum, children participate in food preparation activities and regular baking experiences, often connected to culture and celebration. These experiences foster independence, practical skills and social competence, while supporting Grace and Courtesy behaviours such as good table manners. As an Enviroschool, we also promote sustainable practices, including growing and harvesting food within our environment.
What if my child still naps, or is toilet training?
We work in partnership with whānau to provide consistent support for individual developmental needs while fostering growing independence. Kaiārahi share progress with families through daily toileting records. Montessori Blenheim provides a calm, comfortable sleep and rest environment where children are supported to follow their individual rhythms and growing independence, with sleep routines discussed collaboratively with whānau.
Montessori Blenheim is open from 7.45am - 4pm, Monday - Friday.
We are closed on Public Holidays, for two weeks over the Christmas period, and a Winter closure week during the July school holidays.
Is there currently a wait list to enrol my child?
Children join our learning community at three years of age .
We encourage whānau to submit an Expression of Interest form as early as possible to ensure your on the wait list. This is available on ‘Your place in our community’.
How is Montessori Blenheim different from other ECE classrooms?
At Montessori Blenheim, our environment is thoughtfully prepared to feel like a child’s own world — calm, beautiful and responsive to their natural development. Children are given the freedom to explore, choose meaningful work and develop independence, concentration and confidence through purposeful activity at their own pace. Our thoughtfully prepared environment, authentic Montessori materials and uninterrupted work cycle allow children to follow their interests, develop concentration and become capable, confident learners. The learning experiences within our Montessori environment encourage authentic, hands-on discovery, while our kaiārahi nurture not only academic growth, but also a strong sense of belonging and respect for others and the environment.
Do children stay at Montessori Blenheim past their 5th birthday?
Yes, many children remain at Montessori Blenheim beyond their 5th birthday. Our Montessori programme is designed as a three-year cycle, and the years between 5–6 are often a time of significant academic, social and emotional growth.
Our kaiārahi are both Early Childhood and Primary trained, and our high teacher-to-child ratios allow for responsive one-on-one teaching and learning. We value each child’s holistic readiness for kura/school, considering their emotional, social and academic development alongside their age.
What are the food guidelines at Montessori Blenheim?
At Montessori Blenheim, we encourage families to provide nutritious lunchbox foods that support children’s growth, wellbeing and learning, while working closely with whānau to support allergies and dietary needs.
Within our Practical Life curriculum, children participate in food preparation activities and regular baking experiences, often connected to culture and celebration. These experiences foster independence, practical skills and social competence, while supporting Grace and Courtesy behaviours such as good table manners. As an Enviroschool, we also promote sustainable practices, including growing and harvesting food within our environment.
What if my child still naps, or is toilet training?
We work in partnership with whānau to provide consistent support for individual developmental needs while fostering growing independence. Kaiārahi share progress with families through daily toileting records. Montessori Blenheim provides a calm, comfortable sleep and rest environment where children are supported to follow their individual rhythms and growing independence, with sleep routines discussed collaboratively with whānau.
