Montessori Preschool in Rathfarnham, Dublin 16
At Poppins Montessori, we provide a structured, child-led preschool programme for children aged 2.5 to 5.5 years. Rooted in the Montessori philosophy developed by Dr Maria Montessori, our morning sessions give every child the space to explore, discover, and grow at their own natural pace, in a calm, prepared environment with a team they know and trust.
With over 24 years of experience and a teacher-to-child ratio of 1:6, we offer something increasingly rare in early childhood care — a small, family-run school where every child is genuinely known as an individual. Our programme is fully aligned with Síolta and Aistear, Ireland's national frameworks for early childhood education, and all morning sessions are approved for the ECCE free preschool scheme.
What is the Montessori method?
The Montessori method is an approach to early education that places the child at the centre. Rather than following a rigid, adult-directed programme, children are invited to choose from a carefully prepared range of activities and work with purpose-built Montessori materials at their own pace.
The teacher's role at Poppins is to observe, guide, and support — stepping in when needed and stepping back when a child is deeply engaged. This approach builds real independence, genuine curiosity, and a love of learning that children carry with them long after they leave us.
The classroom is structured around five key areas of learning, each building on the next as a child develops:
1. Practical life
Everyday tasks like pouring, buttoning, sweeping and food preparation build independence, concentration, and fine motor skills — the foundation for everything that follows.
2. Sensorial
Children explore size, shape, colour, texture, sound and weight using specially designed Montessori materials. Sharpens observation and lays the groundwork for abstract thinking.
3. Language
Spoken language, vocabulary, storytelling, phonics and early reading — all developed naturally through conversation, books, and structured Montessori language materials.
4. Cultural studies
Geography, nature, science, art, and music woven through monthly curriculum themes. Irish language is integrated throughout the day in songs, stories, games, and daily routines.
5. Mathematics
Number concepts, counting, sequencing, and early operations — introduced through hands-on Montessori materials that make abstract maths tangible and logical for young children.
Two-year rolling curriculum
Our curriculum runs on a two-year cycle, so children who attend for both ECCE years experience a fully progressive programme — each year building on the last without repetition.
A typical morning at Poppins
Every morning at Poppins follows a consistent, gentle rhythm that children quickly come to know and feel secure within. Here is what a typical session looks like:
9:00am
Children arrive and settle in. Each child chooses their Montessori work independently and begins their morning work cycle — exploring materials across the practical life, sensorial, language, culture and mathematics areas. The children also have opportunity to go in small groups to the garden or playroom throughout the morning
11:00am
Circle time. The group comes together to discuss emerging interests, explore the month's curriculum theme, and share ideas. This is a key time for language development, listening skills, and group confidence.
11:30am
Roll call followed by our Classroom Assistant of the day who chooses the story for storytime, gives out the placemats for lunch and decorates the tables with flowers! A calm, enjoyable transition that builds routine, language, and a love of books.
11:40am
Lunchtime. Children enjoy a small packed lunch brought from home — we encourage a healthy, balanced snack: a sandwich or wrap, piece of fruit, yogurt, and water or milk. Our healthy eating policy applies throughout the day.
12:00pm
Garden time. Children head outside to play freely, weather permitting. Our garden is a safe, stimulating outdoor environment that supports physical development, imagination, and social play.
12:30pm
End of morning session. Children are collected from the garden (weather permitting).
Additional Monthly Highlights include:
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Yoga Bubbles - Mindfullness Classes
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. -
Chime In & Play - Music Classes
Twice a month, Poppins welcomes Chime In & Play to the classroom — 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. It is joyful, age-appropriate, and always one of the highlights of the month.
What to bring each day
A small packed lunch — sandwich or wrap, piece of fruit, yogurt, and water or milk. A change of clothes is also recommended, particularly for younger children settling in. All bags should be clearly labelled.
Keeping you in the loop
We believe parents are partners in their child's early education. Choosing a preschool is a significant decision, and we want every Poppins family to feel fully informed and genuinely welcome throughout their child's time with us.
Monthly newsletter
Every month we send a newsletter to all families covering the current curriculum theme, upcoming events, seasonal activities, and any important school news. It keeps you connected to what your child is learning day to day.
Open door policy
We operate an open door policy. Parents are always welcome to call in, speak with Caroline or the team, and raise any questions or concerns. No appointment needed — we are always happy to talk.
Keeping you in the loop.
Learning stories, pictures stories, snapshot reviews and videos are shared with parents via our Mosaic educational app. This is a lovely window into their child's daily life at school.
Places at Poppins are limited and are reserved on a first-come basis.
We recommend contacting us as early as possible.
Enquiries for September 2026 are already coming in.
Interested in a place for September 2026?
Call Caroline on 086 818 1115 or email poppins2019@outlook.com to check availability and arrange a visit. We'd love to show you and your child around.
