11/08/2025
And the last word from me...
I made the difficult decision to close KleinKinder this year after opening, and teaching here for over 14 years.
What an incredible journey it's been.
In 1999, one of my sisters, having just read The Artist's Way, asked me, what made my heart sing!
I replied, children, nature and creativity.
So the seed was sown.
Together, we devised a 'new' kind of education for children.
But, after speaking with a neighbour, whose daughter attended a local Montessori years before, it appeared that we'd more or less re-invented Montessori education, in its most simplest form!
After much research, (the neighbour was right), training and gaining experience, KleinKinder was born.
It's hard to describe this wonderfully profound journey.
Since its creation, I have been driven to provide a safe haven for children to explore and learn and for every child to feel heard and valued. And to support families to create independent, confident, kind, engaged and caring children, who are interested in exploring their world. And most of the time, I feel myself and my wonderful staff managed this.
Quote for 5 March 2022
“Those whom nature has fitted to care for children see a change in them every day, almost every hour. They see these small changes as admirable. This is an art which cannot be acquired without effort. To encourage is to rejoice, so that the child sees that you are rejoicing. ”
Maria Montessori
The 1946 London Lectures, p. 131
Quote for 29 November 2021
“If the children are free, we can see how they have this great desire, not only to eat and play, but for something elevating. Right from the beginning they have this marvelous wish. ”
Maria Montessori
The 1946 London Lectures, p. 72
In Montessori, I absolutely found my path and purpose; so to all the parents who entrusted their most precious gifts in mine and my staff's hands, I am so grateful, and thank you, deeply.
Maria Montessori is my greatest hero and I was fortunate enough to continue her work.
I believe she saw the 'whole picture' of life as her work unfolded - in the physical, spiritual and emotional forms of humanity. And she saw how each child, with careful direction and the right environment, could reach their highest form.
“The child has the capacity to educate himself, not in typical schools with their exact syllabuses where children must be obedient, but at a school where he is not controlled, does not have to compete, but can work with enthusiasm according to natural laws. If we do not know these laws and respect them, then we are in danger of spoiling this great work of the child’s. ”
Maria Montessori
The 1946 London Lectures, p. 52
It's been an incredible period of my life.
And I have a lifetime of wonderful experiences with the children that I can relive.
Thank you to the children, the parents and carers, my staff, Claire Willows, Vanessa Coso Lara, Floela Bunn and Ligia Harding.
I shall end with the words of one of the children on her last day.
11/08/2025
10/08/2025
10/08/2025