Our Nurseries Offer A True Montessori Education

For children aged 2 through to 5 years old

At Rainbow Montessori School, we believe that every child’s learning journey begins with wonder, care and discovery.

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

Principle 1

Respect for the Child

Respect for the Child is the major principle underlying the entire Montessori method.

Principle 2

The Absorbent Mind

We recognize the immense capacity of children to absorb information when given the freedom and independence to learn at their own pace.

Principle 3

Sensitive Periods

Focusing on the individual child and allowing them to develop at their own pace translates into confidence

Principle 4

The Prepared Environment

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.

Principle 5

Our children are our curriculum

They guide us in how we support them to grow and blossom into the best versions of themselves.

Term Dates

Autumn 2025

Inset Day Schools Closed
Tuesday 2nd September 2025
All Schools Start
Wednesday 3rd September 2025
Half Term
27th - 31st October 2025
All Schools End
Friday 12th December 2025

Spring 2026

Inset Day Schools Closed
Monday 5th January 2026
All Schools Start
Tuesday 6th January 2026
Half Term
16th - 20th February 2026
All Schools End
Friday 27th March 2026

Summer 2026

Inset Day Schools Closed
Monday 13th April 2026
All Schools Start
Tuesday 14th April 2026
Half Term
25th - 29th May 2026
All Schools End
Friday 17th July 2026

Testimonials From Parents And Pupils

Find Us

West Hampstead

St. James Hall, Sherriff Road, London, NW6 2AP

Find Us

Queen’s Park

London Inter Faith Centre, 125 Salusbury Rd, London NW6 6RG