Respect for the Child is the major principle underlying the entire Montessori method.
Our Nurseries Offer A True Montessori Education
Founded in 1982 by Linda Madden, Rainbow Montessori began as a small nursery in West Hampstead with a clear mission: to provide a nurturing, respectful, and child-led learning environment inspired by the Montessori philosophy. Today, Linda’s vision continues to guide us. Though the school has grown, her spirit remains at the heart of everything we do.
We now proudly operate from two beautiful North West London locations—West Hampstead and Queen’s Park (opened in 2009). Across both sites, we maintain the same values that Linda instilled over 40 years ago: love of learning, respect for the child, and an environment that encourages independence, curiosity, and joy.
Our approach continues to evolve—learning from the past and growing with the future—but the core of Rainbow remains the same. Our classrooms are thoughtfully prepared as an extension of the teacher, nurturing your child’s natural development in a calm, creative space.
We follow the child, supporting their unique pace and personality with warmth and understanding. Our experienced team works in partnership with families to ensure each child feels seen, heard, and celebrated.
We are open for three terms a year Autumn (September – December), Spring (January-March) and Summer (April-July).
The Montessori Principles
Respect for the Child is the major principle underlying the entire Montessori method.
We recognize the immense capacity of children to absorb information when given the freedom and independence to learn at their own pace.
Focusing on the individual child and allowing them to develop at their own pace translates into confidence
Each nursery adheres to the traditional layout of the Montessori classroom allowing children a wonderful learning environment and to choose freely from the learning materials as they wish.
They guide us in how we support them to grow and blossom into the best versions of themselves.
Testimonials From Parents And Pupils