Question 1

Is Cedarwood a school?

Accepted Answer

Cedarwood Montessori is an independent educational setting, not a registered school. This means we operate outside the standard school framework, offering a flexible alternative to mainstream education. Many of our families choose Cedarwood as a complement to home education, or as a full alternative to the conventional school system. We are not Ofsted-registered, but we are committed to rigorous, thoughtful and age-appropriate education.

Question 2

What ages do you cater for?

Accepted Answer

We work with primary-aged children — broadly 5 to 12 years old. If your child falls just outside this range and you feel Cedarwood might be a good fit, please do get in touch and we'll have an honest conversation about whether we can meet their needs.

Question 3

Which days do you run and how many does my child need to attend?

Accepted Answer

Our programme-focused sessions run on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at our Seale Hayne site. We require a minimum commitment of two days per week to ensure continuity and meaningful progress for your child. The daily charge is £54, with sibling discounts available. Sessions run from 9.15am to 3.00pm.

Question 4

What is the Montessori approach and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Developed by Dr Maria Montessori, the approach rests on a profound respect for the child's natural drive to learn. Rather than filling children with information, it creates a carefully prepared environment in which children can explore, discover and practise at their own pace. Materials are concrete and hands-on before moving to the abstract. Self-direction, concentration and intrinsic motivation are all nurtured. At Cedarwood we weave this together with the philosophy of E.F. Schumacher, bringing a strong emphasis on the natural world, simplicity and social responsibility.

Question 5

Do children still learn Maths and English?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Our programme includes Maths, English and Environmental Studies alongside project-based and self-directed work. The difference is in how they are taught. Maths is experienced concretely. English is embedded in rich, meaningful communication — storytelling, writing, discussion. Subjects are connected to one another and to the child's own inner life, which is when real learning takes root.

Question 6

What is Non-Violent Communication (NVC)?

Accepted Answer

NVC is a practice developed by Marshall Rosenberg that focuses on empathetic, honest communication — expressing needs clearly and hearing the needs of others without judgement. At Cedarwood, NVC is part of our daily culture: the way staff speak to children, the way children are supported to resolve conflict, and the way we build community together. From January 2025, we began introducing structured weekly NVC sessions for the children themselves. Our staff also voluntarily attend NVC workshops and seminars to deepen their practice.

Question 7

How do you communicate with parents and carers?

Accepted Answer

We use a triangular communication process that keeps parents, carers and teachers in close, ongoing contact. We believe that the partnership between home and the educational setting is essential to a child's wellbeing and progress. You will never feel in the dark about how your child is doing — and we always want to hear from you too.

Question 8

What does the 'work party' involve?

Accepted Answer

Cedarwood sometimes hosts a community work party — a time when children, staff and families come together to do practical jobs around the setting. This might mean tending the garden, painting, building, clearing or planting. It is a meaningful expression of our shared responsibility for the environment we all use, and children absolutely love it.

Question 9

How do I find out if Cedarwood is right for my child?

Accepted Answer

The best starting point is simply to get in touch. We are happy to have an informal conversation, arrange a visit to the setting and answer any questions specific to your child and family situation. We want Cedarwood to be the right fit — and that means being honest with you as much as we are welcoming.

Cedarwood Montessori Learning community

FAQ for families