The Learning Sanctuary Norwood

"I was sending my 3-year-old son to a private school's Early Learning Centre, but the were more like a baby-sitting centre. When I discussed what they would do during the next year, it seemed like the same as what he had already done. They weren't allowed to teach counting beyond 20, and teaching how to read was not possible. I looked for something else. I found The Learning Sactuary Norwood Montessori. I knew quite a bit about Montessori education from my own education as a teacher and university educator, but wasn't really sure it would make much difference. I decided to try it. For pre-school-aged children they have proper teaching classes. Half-way through the year, I was reading something to my son when he told me he could read it himself - which he then did! I was amazed. Near the end of the year he is picking up new words and working them out himself at an astonishing rate. Reading and Mathematics are the fundamentals of learning and my son is now ahead of most Reception/Foundation children who have not been to a Montessori centre. His reading ability puts him a year ahead of where my daughter was at the same age, giving him a distinct advantage My daughter attended a private school's ELC. The Learning Sanctuary - Norwood has achieved far more with far less resources. I am very pleased with the outcome. My son was very happy attending the centre and liked to be first in line for going to the learning room. A very good outcome. The caring and teacher staff are very friendly, supportive and nurturing. I have recommended this place to my friends. I don't think the staff there know how good they are and what they have achieved, so I let them know here and thank them. Dr. Raymond Kennington (Ph.D.)"

"The center manager Erin along with all the staff are very friendly. The outdoor area has a chicken that my son loves. They also organise extra activities such as dental checks and tennis lessons. Highly recommended."

"My husband and I are absolutely delighted our daughter has been fortunate enough to attend this amazing Centre. Since she has started almost 12 weeks ago she has been thriving and is made to feel really welcome. She is learning and developing so much and has built a special connection with both the educators and the children already. There is nothing but pure love and care from the Centre manager to every educator we have come across - not only for our daughter's needs, but for our needs. The attention to detail given to our daughter is so appreciated. And the atmosphere is something I have never seen in any other Centre - it has a light, airy and calm feel while observing happy, content, healthy children who are engaged in what they are doing with their educators and peers. This place is special. No wonder they are reviewed extremely highly on the national quality standards. We are so grateful we searched for it, found it and the timing was right for everyone - it was meant to be. This is my first google review. But I felt so compelled to write this because I know a lot of parents care about their children’s well-being and development as a whole, so I wanted to share my positive experience in the hope others could experience it too."

"My first surprise when I initially looked around the Learning Sanctuary was how happily engaged in play all the children were, and how many opportunities the children have through incursions and community visits. It was when I observed the true respect that the teachers have for the children and each other that I realised this was the place for my son. Having a sensitive 3 year old that likes to spend time by himself I knew the transition wasn’t going to be easy. Yet the teachers were amazing at providing the support he needed to ensure the transition was a comfortable speed. My son now calls one of the teachers and the director his best friends – and that in itself says a lot about the time and energy they invest in him. I can honestly say that I feel no guilt; the Learning Sanctuary beautifully enhances his life."