About Poppins Montessori
Our Story, Our Team, Our Values
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2 Highfield Drive
Rathfarnham
D16 C924
A local, trusted, safe place for your children
Poppins Montessori has been part of the Rathfarnham community since 2002. What began as a small preschool on Highfield Drive has grown over more than two decades into one of south Dublin's most trusted early years settings — built entirely on word of mouth, family referrals, and a genuine love of what we do.
We are a small school by design. With a maximum of 17 children and a teacher-to-child ratio of 1:6, every child who comes through our door is known, valued, and supported as an individual. Many of the families we serve today were referred by parents whose children attended Poppins years ago — and that kind of trust is something we never take for granted.
"Free the child's potential and you will transform him into the world."
Dr Maria Montessori
Over two decades in Rathfarnham
2002
Poppins Montessori opens its doors at 2 Highfield Drive, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16. Founded by Caroline Hosey, the school opens with a small group of local children and an unwavering commitment to Montessori education.
Early Years
The school quickly becomes a trusted name in the local community, growing steadily through word of mouth and family referrals.
2016
The LINC (Leadership for INClusion) programme is introduced across Ireland. Poppins becomes LINC certified — a specialist qualification ensuring the school is equipped to support every child, including those with additional needs, within the ECCE programme.
Present Day
More than 24 years on, Poppins remains exactly what it has always been — a small, family-run Montessori school where every child is known by name, every parent is welcome, and every morning begins with the joy of learning. ECCE places for September 2026 are now open.
Life at Poppins
Events and celebrations
At Poppins, the school year is punctuated by events and celebrations that children look forward to all term. These moments are as much a part of a child's education as the morning work cycle — building confidence, community, and memories that last far beyond preschool.
Halloween & Christmas
From Halloween recitals to Christmas concerts, the Poppins calendar is full of moments children and families look forward to all term. Children perform songs, poems and carols they have learned in class — in the garden, the classroom, or up on a real stage. Parents, grandparents and extended family are always warmly invited. Costumes very much encouraged.
Chime In & Play
Twice a month, Poppins welcomes Chime In & Play, a specialist music programme designed specifically for young children. Through singing, instruments, movement and play, each session supports language development, listening skills, social confidence and a genuine love of music.
Yoga Bubbles
Once a month, Nicole Poletti brings Yoga Bubbles to Poppins — a gentle mindfulness and yoga class specially designed for young children. Through breathing, movement and imagination, each session helps children build focus, self-regulation and a sense of calm. A lovely complement to the busy energy of the Montessori morning.
Annual School Trip
Each year we take the children on a trip to a local farm. Parents are warmly invited to join us — a wonderful day out for children and families alike.
Sports Day
Held on the green opposite the school, Sports Day includes sprints, sack races, egg and spoon, three-legged races, obstacle courses, and a penalty shoot-out. The whole community is welcome.
Easter Egg Hunt
The Easter Bunny visits the Poppins garden every year, hiding eggs and treats for the children to find. Simple, joyful, and always a highlight of the spring term.
End of Year Musical
We round off every school year with a full musical production. Previous shows have included The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music, and Oliver! Children learn their songs and lines over the final term — and the end of year performance is without question the highlight of the Poppins calendar. All families are invited.
Our credentials
Come in and see us!
We operate an open door policy and warmly welcome prospective families to visit at any time. Call Caroline on 086 818 1115 or email poppins2019@outlook.com to arrange a convenient time. We'd love to show you around.
Poppins Montessori is fully compliant with all Irish early years regulations and holds the following registrations and certifications:
Tusla registered
Registered with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, which regulates all early years childcare services in Ireland. Subject to regular inspections — our inspection reports are available on request.
LINC certified
LINC (Leadership for INClusion) is Ireland's specialist early years inclusion qualification. Our LINC certification means we are trained and equipped to support children with additional needs within the ECCE programme.
ECCE approved provider
Fully approved to deliver the government's free ECCE preschool scheme. Families pay no top-up fees for the funded hours. Places for September 2026 are now available.
Síolta & Aistear aligned
Our programme is fully aligned with Síolta, Ireland's National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education, and Aistear, the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework — the two pillars of quality early education in Ireland.