Curriculum
​"The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.". Dr. Maria Montessori
​Our Curriculum
​At Bodhi Tree, our curriculum is rooted in connection, creativity, and care. Over the years, we’ve built a natural and nurturing relationship with parents, recognizing the unique challenges and joys of early parenthood. We work hand-in-hand with families to ensure every child feels safe, happy, and at home.
Our approach embraces simplicity and sensory exploration. We use homemade, non-toxic materials—like our much-loved scented playdough and engaging messy play activities—to spark curiosity and joy.
Children are introduced to a rich world of learning through music, movement, and global culture. They explore numeracy through playful, hands-on games and experience yoga through stories, animals, and imaginative play. Singing sessions include multiple languages—English, Italian, French, and more—expanding both vocabulary and cultural appreciation.
We also take full advantage of London’s vibrant offerings—from museums to festivals and green parks. Outdoor adventures are not just occasional outings but a vital part of our weekly rhythm, giving children the chance to build physical confidence, social skills, and a sense of wonder about the world around them.
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We are proud to maintain high standards as per the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills.
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Montessori curriculum​
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At Bodhi Tree, our Montessori-inspired approach places the child at the heart of learning. We honor each child’s unique rhythm, interests, and abilities—offering them the freedom to explore at their own pace in a thoughtfully prepared environment. This nurtures independence, self-confidence, and a lasting love for learning.
Children are encouraged to be curious thinkers, not passive learners. They make choices, solve problems, and engage in hands-on, real-world activities that deepen their understanding and spark joy.
Our curriculum is tailored to each child's developmental stage, creating an experience that’s both meaningful and effective. By treating children as whole individuals—not just students—we foster emotional growth, resilience, and a strong sense of self-worth that supports them well beyond the classroom.
Food Curriculum
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At Bodhi Tree, we believe that nourishing food is the foundation of a child’s well-being. What children eat impacts their mood, focus, energy, and overall happiness—so we treat every meal as an essential part of their development.
Our plant-based menu is vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, and made with love. We cook fresh, organic meals on-site daily, using seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers’ markets. From market to plate, our food is guided by nature’s rhythm and our team’s creativity.
Children are introduced to a rainbow of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains—helping them develop healthy eating habits and adventurous taste buds early on. At mealtime, teachers and children eat together, modeling mindful eating and encouraging positive food experiences.
By focusing on whole, unprocessed foods, we ensure every child receives the nutrients they need without the additives they don’t. It’s real food for growing bodies, curious minds, and happy hearts.
​Food for Body, Mind and Soul
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With global experience and a deep passion for nutrition, we’ve seen firsthand the powerful impact of a balanced, plant-based diet on a child’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This understanding is at the heart of everything we do at Bodhi Tree.
We introduce children to a vibrant world of superfoods, whole grains, and organic fruits and vegetables. It’s not just about eating well—it’s about discovering where food comes from, how it’s prepared, and how it nourishes the body.
Our children develop a natural appreciation for “living” food, gaining early insight into healthy habits that support lifelong vitality.
Mealtimes are a cherished part of our day. Teachers and children sit together, sharing wholesome meals like a family. Through this shared experience, children learn about community, kindness, and mindful eating. Table manners are gently modeled, never forced—encouraging respect and enjoyment around food in a relaxed, joyful setting.
The Nursery​
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At Bodhi Tree, we’ve designed our nursery as a peaceful, reflective space where children are treated with deep respect and encouraged to discover their inner strength. This nurturing environment helps them connect confidently and authentically with the world around them.
Our outdoor area includes a vegetable patch, a wooden climbing frame, and a grassy play zone—inviting children to explore freely, engage their senses, and use their imagination without reliance on artificial structures. French doors open to a Zen-inspired conservatory and garden, creating a seamless flow between indoors and nature.
Rooted in Montessori philosophy, our approach also draws inspiration from global methods including Japanese Zen, Bodhidharma’s “Compassion in Action,” Forest School practices, and Rudolf Steiner’s holistic vision.
Dr. Maria Montessori believed that children learn best through real-life experiences. Her philosophy fosters a deep understanding of language, math, science, music, and social interaction—all grounded in independence and joyful discovery.
As a trailblazer in early childhood education, Montessori emphasized that a well-organized, enriching environment—guided by thoughtful educators—enables children to become self-motivated, confident learners who see themselves as capable and empowered from the very start.
Operating Times
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Bodhi Tree Nursery is open Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM during term time, including an extended July term. Our standard nursery hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For added flexibility, families can opt for our Breakfast Club and/or After Hours sessions as needed.