Since 1997 The Lodge Montessori has been a leading provider of ECCE Montessori Classes in Knocklyon Dublin.
Our school year runs for 10 months, from September to June.
There is a three hour morning or afternoon session.
AGE
–
From 2 Yrs 8 Mths to
5 yrs 6 mths Years Old
MORNINGS
–
9am to 12pm
Monday to Friday
AFTERNOONS
–
12:30pm to 3:30pm
Monday to Friday
ON THIS PAGE…
“Never help a child with a task at which they feel they can succeed.”
MARIA MONTESSORI
We engage in a different class project every week. Some projects follow seasonal/festival themes and others materialise spontaneously, depending on the children’s emerging interests.
The children really enjoy these ‘projects’ and look forward to the art, crafts and songs that may relate to it. It also gives the children a sense of time, as we often reflect on finished projects and plan future ones.
The following is an example of projects covered over a 38 week school year.
1. Hedgehogs
2. A look at Autumn/Halloween
3. RSA Beep Beep month
4. A look at Winter/Christmas
5. Chinese New Year
6. Dinosaurs
7. The Solar System
8. Our Unique Fingerprints
9. Wild Animals
10. St. Patrick’s
11. Easter
12. Botany: planting beans/sunflowers
13. Nutrition
14. Volcanoes
The children freely design, create their own art/crafts throughout the year. They particularly enjoy creating designs using our Treasure Box of art. Our ethos is to very much leave the child to make the craft themselves with little intervention from staff. It is all about the process, rather than the end result; each line, squiggle, brushstroke has meaning for the child and is carefully displayed or placed in their Learning Journals.
Each week, we introduce new songs/rhymes during our morning circle-time. The themes often depend on the children’s own interests and our current projects.
We are passionate about books and often choose a theme book each week. We layer the experience by using props such as puppets, whereby the children can participate. The children can also dramatize the story themselves. This layered approach reinforces any new language and ideas, leading to higher order thinking skills.
We have a designated Nature/Interest table which changes with the Seasons/Festivals. At the start of the school year, we ask the children to bring in leaves, acorns, etc. to display. We then do leaf rubbings, paint pine cones, etc. In Spring/Summer, we plant sunflowers, runner beans, etc.
The school has an all-weather outdoor area. Each day, the children spend at least 60 minutes outside, forming an important part of our belief in free unstructured outdoorplay. Through a successful grant application from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, we now have a new and improved natural outdoor play area. Our garden consists of a sensory planting area, an area for the children to plant bulbs/seeds, a play house, fairy garden, sand/water play and ride-on vehicles. Our garden is also used in conjunction with projects, i.e. insects, planting time (planting beans in pots), tree rubbings, etc.
Both staff (Fionnuala Kennedy and Sue Vincent) attended the South Dublin County Council Buntus Sports Partnership workshops. Since then, we have a P.E. day every Wednesday either outdoors or indoors. The exercises are graded and focus on Motor Skills, Aiming & Predicting, Balance, etc. We also have Parachute games, a firm favourite with the children!
1. Hedgehogs
2. A look at Autumn/Halloween
3. RSA Beep Beep month
4. A look at Winter/Christmas
5. Chinese New Year
6. Dinosaurs
7. The Solar System
8. Our Unique Fingerprints
9. Wild Animals
10. St. Patrick’s
11. Easter
12. Botany: planting beans/sunflowers
13. Nutrition
14. Volcanoes
The children freely design, create their own art/crafts throughout the year. They particularly enjoy creating designs using our Treasure Box of art. Our ethos is to very much leave the child to make the craft themselves with little intervention from staff. It is all about the process, rather than the end result; each line, squiggle, brushstroke has meaning for the child and is carefully displayed or placed in their Learning Journals.
Each week, we introduce new songs/rhymes during our morning circle-time. The themes often depend on the children’s own interests and our current projects.
We are passionate about books and often choose a theme book each week. We layer the experience by using props such as puppets, whereby the children can participate. The children can also dramatize the story themselves. This layered approach reinforces any new language and ideas, leading to higher order thinking skills.
We have a designated Nature/Interest table which changes with the Seasons/Festivals. At the start of the school year, we ask the children to bring in leaves, acorns, etc. to display. We then do leaf rubbings, paint pine cones, etc. In Spring/Summer, we plant sunflowers, runner beans, etc.
The school has an all-weather outdoor area. Each day, the children spend at least 60 minutes outside, forming an important part of our belief in free unstructured outdoorplay. Through a successful grant application from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, we now have a new and improved natural outdoor play area. Our garden consists of a sensory planting area, an area for the children to plant bulbs/seeds, a play house, fairy garden, sand/water play and ride-on vehicles. Our garden is also used in conjunction with projects, i.e. insects, planting time (planting beans in pots), tree rubbings, etc.
Both staff (Fionnuala Kennedy and Sue Vincent) attended the South Dublin County Council Buntus Sports Partnership workshops. Since then, we have a P.E. day every Wednesday either outdoors or indoors. The exercises are graded and focus on Motor Skills, Aiming & Predicting, Balance, etc. We also have Parachute games, a firm favourite with the children!
We participate in the Early Childhood Care and Education programme (ECCE) under the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
It facilitates 3 hours per day, 5 days per week, 38 weeks per year, for 2 years. The 38 week year runs from September to June. Our ECCE hours are 9:00am to 12:00pm and 12:30pm to 3:30pm Monday to Friday.
Visit our ECCE Scheme page for more details on eligibility, age calculator and how to apply.
This is our Ecce school year calendar – It lists the dates we are open and closed so that you can plan ahead
Our School Year starts on Wednesday 30/08/2023 and finishes on Friday 21/06/2024
Montessori School closed for summer
- 30th Wednesday
Montessori School Opens for 2023/24
- Open every day in September
- 30th Monday and 31st Tuesday
School closed for Halloween break
- 1st Wednesday to 3rd Friday
School closed for Halloween break
- 6th Monday School re-opens
- 25th Monday to 29th Friday
School closed for Xmas break
- 1st Monday to 5th Friday
School closed for Xmas break
- 8th Monday
School opens for new term
- 2nd Friday School Closed
- 5th Monday School Closed
- 16th Friday School Closed
- 18th Monday
School Closed re St. Patrick's Day
- 25th Monday to 29th Friday
School Closed Easter Holidays
- 1st Monday to 5th Friday
School closed Easter Holidays
- 6th Monday
School Closed Bank Holiday
- 3rd Monday
School Closed Bank Holiday
- 21st Friday
Last day of School Year 2023/24
We really appreciate the positive and kind reflections parents have taken the time to give us over the years on Google and Facebook.
We really appreciate the positive and kind reflections parents have taken the time to give us over the years on Google and Facebook. Click any name to open review.
“The Montessori is full of warmth, love, nurture and a lovely experience for a child’s introduction to the world of school.”
CATHERINE O’KEEFE
“My three boys went to the Lodge Montessori and as such I got to know Fionnuala & Sue over an 8 year period. My sons loved everyday here and now that my last son finished last summer they still talk warmly about their great days with the girls and always want to go back for a visit – the Montessori is full of warmth, love, nurture and a lovely experience for a child’s introduction to the world of school. I cannot recommend Fionnuala’s approach, care and dedication to all the kids who pass through the doors – its’ one of the best starts in life we gave our boys. and we all miss our daily drop to Monty and chats with the girls!”
“They still talk about how fun it was. Fionnuala and Sue are just brilliant with the children and add the fun factor.”
TANYA CUNNINGHAM
“My two children attended this fabulous Montessori school where they still talk about how fun it was. Fionnuala and Sue are just brilliant with the children and add the fun factor and such a happy environment. From the gorgeous plays (about Planets, Halloween, Nativity and also Graduation) to the gorgeous arts and crafts. My children were very happy going in everyday and that says it all. Couldn’t recommend this Montessori school enough.”
“The care, attention, and learning opportunities that are afforded to each individual child are second to none.”
LYNNE MCEVOY
“Both of my children attended The Lodge, my son is currently a ‘senior boy’ there. I cannot recommend this Montessori highly enough. The care, attention, genuine affection and learning opportunities that are afforded to each individual child are second to none. My son loves going in to Fionnuala and Sue and all his friends each morning and is so happy there, and my daughter still speaks of The Lodge with such affection and loves popping back for a visit. An amazing place to start any child’s educational journey!”
“My son loves attending the Lodge Montessori with Fionnuala and Nicola. He has made many friends and happy memories there. Fionnuala has created a fun, safe and clean environment with many great resources for the children.“
SARAH CROWLEY
“This is a fantastic Montessori. My children love it and have so much fun there. Fionnuala is so kind and is always thinking of wonderful and exciting things for the children to do.“
DEE COFFEY
“Wonderful Montessori, a great set up with caring teachers that do an excellent job of preparing children for school.“
CHRISTINA RUSSELL
“Our daughter thoroughly enjoyed her year with Fionnuala and Sue. We saw her progress and she still speaks fondly of her time there.“
ELIZABETH MACKAY
“My three boys went to the Lodge Montessori and as such I got to know Fionnuala & Sue over an 8 year period.
My sons loved everyday here and now that my last son finished last summer they still talk warmly about their great days with the girls and always want to go back for a visit.
The Montessori is full of warmth, love, nurture and a lovely experience for a child’s introduction to the world of school.
I cannot recommend enough Fionnuala’s approach, care and dedication to all the kids who pass through the doors.
It’s one of the best starts in life we gave our boys. and we all miss our daily drop to Monty and chats with the girls!”
“My two children attended this fabulous Montessori school where they still talk about how fun it was.
Fionnuala and Sue are just brilliant with the children and add the fun factor and such a happy environment.
From the gorgeous plays (about Planets, Halloween, Nativity and also Graduation) to the gorgeous arts and crafts.
My children were very happy going in everyday and that says it all. Couldn’t recommend this Montessori school enough.”
“Both of my children attended The Lodge, my son is currently a ‘senior boy’ there.
I cannot recommend this Montessori highly enough.
The care, attention, genuine affection and learning opportunities that are afforded to each individual child are second to none.
My son loves going in to Fionnuala and Sue and all his friends each morning and is so happy there, and my daughter still speaks of The Lodge with such affection and loves popping back for a visit.
An amazing place to start any child’s educational journey!”
“My son loves attending the Lodge Montessori with Fionnuala and Nicola.
He has made many friends and happy memories there.
Fionnuala has created a fun, safe and clean environment with many great resources for the children.“
“This is a fantastic Montessori.
My children love it and have so much fun there.
Fionnuala is so kind and is always thinking of wonderful and exciting things for the children to do.“
“Wonderful Montessori, a great set up with caring teachers that do an excellent job of preparing children for school.“
“Our daughter thoroughly enjoyed her year with Fionnuala and Sue.
We saw her progress and she still speaks fondly of her time there.“
For children and Parents we have a lot to offer…
For children and Parents we have a lot to offer.
Click any heading below to expand…
The facility has been purpose built for child care with safety and security a priority indoors and out, including our astro surface garden, in a bright and joyful setting.
Montessori age ratio's are 1:11, maximum 1 teacher to 11 children but we have at most 1:8 ensuring our children get the best care and attention.
Founder Fionnuala Kennedy oversees and manages day to day activities and curriculum on site, ensuring professional and personal care for every single child.
Our preschool has an all-weather outdoor play area which promotes imaginative play. We have a variety of ride on vehicles, water painting, play tunnels and chalk boards.
Full Montessori curriculum: Practical life, sensorial, maths, language, geography. Sensory play, nature, individual emergent interests, seasonal activities.
All our staff are highly qualified in Montessori and early childhood education. We select only the very best candidates who have a genuine passion for children and education.
The facility has been purpose built for child care with safety and security a priority indoors and out, in a bright and joyful setting.
Montessori age ratio’s are 1:11, maximum 1 teacher to 11 children but we have at most 1:8 ensuring children get the best care.
Founder Fionnuala Kennedy manages day to day activities and curriculum on site, ensuring professional and personal care for every single child.
Our preschool has an all-weather outdoor play area which promotes imaginative play. We have a variety of ride on vehicles, water painting, play tunnels and chalk boards.
All our staff are highly qualified in Montessori and early childhood education. We select only the very best candidates who have a genuine passion for children and education.
Short-Term Emergent Curriculum:
Each week we display our Weekly Curriculum on the front window. This is a handy notice for parents as it keeps them up to date with all our songs, stories, upcoming events, etc. We noticed that some parents take a picture of it with their mobiles. We also have a very active Parent Whatsapp group which is great for sharing photos, videos and updates. The Lodge Montessori Facebook Page is also a good place to check out what is happening in class.
Assessment of and for Learning:
The Lodge Montessori monitors each child’s learning and development through a variety of assessment: learning stories, observations, setting tasks, detailed checklist of learning and the child’s own self-assessment. Each child is given a Learning Journal on enrolment, within this, they can place their drawings, photos and staff place any learning stories completed. This Journal builds a rich picture of each child’s development, their interests, strengths & needs.
Learning & Development Journal:
The children bring their Journals home for a few days in January to share with their parents. At the end of the child’s final year, a detailed checklist of all Learning & Development is provided to parents. Then on graduation day, the children are presented with their very full Learning Journals, a lovely keepsake .
We also support the transition to primary school by providing parents with a short Mo Sceal about their child; parents can then forward this on to their child’s new teacher.
Aistear: is Ireland’s Curriculum Framework for children from birth to six years in Ireland. The translation of Aistear is ‘journey’, i.e. the child’s learning journey. It values Play as a key learning mechanism for children. Aistear proposes that the four key learning themes of early childhood are:
Well-being:
This theme is about children being confident, happy and healthy.
Identity and Belonging:
This theme is about children developing a positive sense of who they are, and feeling that they are valued and respected as part of a family and community.
Communicating:
This theme is about children sharing their experiences, thoughts, ideas, and feelings with others, with a growing confidence and competence in a variety of ways and for a variety of purposes.
Exploring and Thinking:
This theme is about children making sense of the things, places and people in their world by interacting with others, playing, observing, questioning and forming, testing and refining ideas.
The Montessori Method was founded by Dr. Maria Montessori (1870 – 1952). Maria Montessori believed children should be in control of their own learning, advocating for hands-on active learning in a well-prepared enticing environment, with plenty of opportunity to socialise among their peers. Montessori has proven to be adaptable and fits well with Aistear’s Standards and Principles; embracing learning through play.
The five main learning themes within Montessori’s philosophy are:
These activities are designed to help the child with everyday living activities in the classroom and at home, which in turn, enable the child to develop concentration, co-ordination of movement, fine and gross motor skills, social skills and confidence. Examples include pouring, spooning, rolling mats etc.
The primary senses are: sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. Young children develop and learn through their senses. The Sensorial materials support children in their effort to discriminate the many and varied sense impressions they receive. Materials include our sensory exploration table, the colour box, sound boxes, thermic tablets, touch tablets, etc.
Practical maths through play is very important as it brings maths to life.
Using the Montessori materials, children learn concepts through hands-on concrete activities before moving on to a more abstract understanding.
Language skills are supported through plenty of opportunities to play freely, socialise, exposure to stories, rhymes and songs. Children learn from each other; from interactions with parents, extended family, with preschool staff and the wider community. If the child shows interest, we introduce the phonetic sounds through the Sandpaper Letters and Jolly Phonics.
Pincer grip skills are developed through hands-on activities such as: mark making using a variety of utensils, peg boards, Lego, threading, jigsaws, play doh, transferring with tongs, etc.
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about how to apply for enrolment.
You fill in our application form including your child’s details. You should do this as early as possible. Your child is then added to our list of applicants.
Your child does not have to be any minimum age before you put their name on our list for admission. We have parents who add their child to our list as soon as they are born, others who contact us when they are one or two years old.
First allocation to any children who attended the previous year and are returning for year two.
Next priority is given to siblings of children who attended our Montessori previously.
After that remaining places are allocated on a first come first served basis decided by date of application.
So the sooner you apply the higher up the waiting list you are.
Every January we contact the first parents on our list via postal letter, and make an offer of a place for their child to start the following September. Parents then reply to let us know if they wish to avail of the offer. Any of those who do not avail of a place we contact the next parent on the list and continue to do so until all the places available have been filled.
You will be directed to pay a Booking Deposit online on this website of €100. This is refunded when your child has finished their Montessori schooling with us.
When you apply using our application form you can select your preference.
This does not guarantee you an offer for that session.
Offers will depend on availability for that year in each session.
Have any other questions? Don’t hesitate to ask…
If you are interested in your child attending our Montessori, then complete the application form below.
This will add their name to our waiting list for the selected year. Once received we will contact you to confirm their addition to the waiting list.
This is not a registration form, or completion does not mean the actual offer of a place, it is simply how you register your interest in admission.
If you are interested in your child attending our Montessori, then complete the application form below.
This will add their name to our waiting list for the selected year. Once received we will contact you to confirm their addition to the waiting list.
This is not a registration form, or completion does not mean the actual offer of a place, it is simply how you register your interest in admission.
Interested in applying to have your child added to our waiting list for a future year of Ecce?
Then complete this application form. A copy of your form submission will be sent to your email address.
Details submitted here will not add you to any marketing mailing list or sms service.
| Birth date year | Eligible enrolment date(s) |
| 2018 | 1 Sept 2021 & 1 Sept 2022 |
| 2019 | 1 Sept 2022 & 1 Sept 2023 |
| 2020 | 1 Sept 2023 & 1 Sept 2024 |
| 2021 | 1 Sept 2024 & 1 Sept 2025 |
| 2022 | 1 Sept 2025 & 1 Sept 2026 |
| 2023 | 1 Sept 2026 & 1 Sept 2027 |
| 2024 | 1 Sept 2027 & 1 Sept 2028 |
The Lodge Montessori is a hive of activity.
Keep up with all that’s happening on our School Blog!
The Lodge Montessori is a hive of activity.
Keep up with all that’s happening on our School Blog!
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The Lodge Montessori Preschool, Knocklyon
1 Templeroan Lodge, Scholarstown Road, Knocklyon, Dublin 16, D16 FK76
Google Plus Code 7MJV+53 Dublin
Phone: (01) 493 5499
Mobile: (086) 822 3062
Email: [email protected]
Facebook Page
Youtube Channel
Monday 9a.m.-12p.m., 12:30-3:30p.m.
Tuesday 9a.m.-12p.m., 12:30-3:30p.m.
Wednesday 9a.m.-12p.m., 12:30-3:30p.m.
Thursday 9a.m.-12p.m., 12:30-3:30p.m.
Friday 9a.m.-12p.m., 12:30-3:30p.m.
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
School Year September to June
Closed July and August
Click on map to open school location in Google Maps for driving directions
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