About us
Our history, facilities
and the team
History
Living Spring Montessori is a small private nursery offering a high standard of care and education in line with Montessori practice and philosophy.
Being a small family-run nursery has enabled us to develop and maintain a caring family style relationship and to be responsive to the needs of the children, our staff and the families who attend our nursery. We aim to promote the well-being of the children in our care and to nurture intelligence, curiosity, and imagination while supporting and developing each child’s unique talents. Our ultimate mission is to prepare the children in our care for life. Sade Biobaku-Odusanya founded Living Spring Montessori in September 2004. As a working parent, she was unable to find a good Montessori nursery with opening hours to meet the needs of her family and those of other working families in the neighbourhood at the time. Sade and her husband Idong have two sons who both attended Living Spring Montessori.
The Building
We operate from a purpose built premises known as St Michael’s Church Annex.
Our building formerly a church hall has undergone extensive renovations and restoration to create separate stunning spaces for the children. Our classrooms are beautiful and everything is planned carefully with the needs of the children in mind. The happy atmosphere we have created has taken several years of commitment and total dedication. Visitors are often very surprised when they come inside our building to see how spacious, beautiful and clean everything in our environment is. They comment on the positive ambience and high standards they feel and see immediately they walk into the building. Our rooms are carefully prepared to stimulate children’s independence and intellectual development. Our commitment is to continue to offer authentic Montessori education and high quality of care to the children and their families in our carefully prepared environment.
Facilities
Our outdoor spaces have also been created with the children in mind.
Recycled rubber flooring in the baby and toddler garden provides a safe outdoor space for the children to explore and play. The older children benefit from a covered outdoor space fitted with a purpose built sand pit. The children have ample space for exploration and several physical activities and planting.
Safety and security
All the classrooms and office have an entry telephone system with cameras. This enables us to provide secure, controlled access to the building and access into the building which is by a coded door entry system.
For more information see our policy (Download link)
Staff
All our staff are highly motivated, caring and dedicated.
They work in close partnership with parents and other professionals for the benefit of the children in the nursery. They are all carefully selected and vetted to ensure they are suitable to work with or around children. All the teachers have relevant Early Years qualification and experience. References are taken up on all staff before they are employed. The teaching staff team provide the expertise needed to plan and co-ordinate activities, and they monitor the development of the children based on detailed observations. The structure of the day is organised to provide a balance between care routines; structured leaning, free play individually and groups activities. Parents are well informed about the development of their children and classes meet weekly to discuss children’s progress. A monthly staff meeting takes place to share good practice and to reflect on different aspects of our work. The monthly meetings are usually held on the last Friday of the month.
Continuous professional development
All our staff are encouraged to take responsibility for their continuous development. We require our staff to develop necessary skills and knowledge not only to perform well in their future role but also to prepare them for future opportunities and any changes required in order to support effective teaching. We believe in an ongoing commitment to life-long learning.
The team
Sade Biobaku-Odusanya, Head
She founded Living Spring Montessori in 2004. She holds a Montessori International Diploma (AMI) from the Maria Montessori Institute in London, a BSc (Hons) in Animal Biochemistry, a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Strategies, and a BA (1st Class Hons) in Working in Integrated Services for Children and Young People. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, she provides strong leadership and guidance, ensuring the highest standards of Montessori education and care across the school.
Idong Okono, Operations & Finance Director
He holds a BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences and a Diploma in Nursing, and worked extensively in the NHS and Pharmaceutical Industry before joining Living Spring Montessori. He plays a key role in the day-to-day operations and events of the nursery, while also providing a warm and caring presence that supports children and families alike.
Junette Salonga, Deputy Manager & SENCO
Junette holds a BA in Education Studies and Early Years from the University of Hertfordshire. Fluent in Tagalog and English, she has experience supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and plays a key role in running the nursery, ensuring it is a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where every child can thrive. She joined Living Spring Montessori in 2022.
Yanapo Kiswamu, Chef
Yanapo holds a Catering and Food Production Chef Certificate from Amiedu Vocational College in Helsinki, Finland. He joined Living Spring Montessori in 2010 and prepares all meals with skill and care, ensuring they are both nutritious and delicious for the children.
Lucimar Vieira, Domestic Assistant
The heart and soul of the nursery, Lucimar has been a valued member of Living Spring Montessori since 2004. She brings dedication and care to the school, ensuring a welcoming and comfortable environment for all.
Nido
Shereen Philips, Head of Nido
Shereen holds an International Montessori Teaching Diploma (AMI 2½–6) from the Maria Montessori Training Centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka. She also holds a Degree in Business Administration from Staffordshire University (UK) and achieved a GCE Advanced Level qualification in Accountancy. Shereen joined Living Spring Montessori in 2022 where her calm nature and Montessori expertise create a warm, caring, and stimulating environment for the youngest learners.
Nicola Dalton, Nursery Assistant
Nicola holds an International Montessori Assistant Certificate (AMI 0–3 & 3–6) and is currently completing her Level 3 Childcare Qualification. She joined Living Spring Montessori in 2018 and is a valued and warm member of the team, known for her caring nature, positivity, and dedication to supporting the children’s growth and well-being.
Prashani Anthony, Nursery Officer
Prashani holds a BA in Early Childhood Education from Lincoln University College and an International Montessori Teaching Diploma (AMI 2½–6) from the Maria Montessori Training Centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka. She joined Living Spring Montessori in 2024 and brings a very nurturing approach combined with a strong Montessori foundation, dedicated to fostering each child’s independence and love of learning.
Riya Gupta, Nursery Officer
Riya holds a BSc in Life Sciences from the University of Delhi and an MSc in the Psychology of Education from the University of York. She joined Living Spring Montessori in 2024, bringing a strong academic foundation, a deep commitment to supporting each child’s emotional and cognitive development, and a warm, cheerful presence that brings smiles to the classroom.
Infant Community
Adriana Dumitrache, Head of Infant Community
Adriana holds a degree in the Pedagogy of Primary and Preschool Education from the University of Bucharest, Romania, and a certificate in the Reggio Emilia Educational Approach from the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre, Italy. Fluent in English and Romanian, Adriana is highly skilled at creating an organised and structured learning environment and excels in fostering children’s independence. She joined Living Spring Montessori in 2019.
Paula Esteve, Nursery Officer
Paula holds a Spanish Baccalaureate and is completing her Level 3 Childcare training. She joined Living Spring Montessori in 2023. Fluent in English and Spanish, Paula brings her musical talents to the classroom, using the ukulele to engage children and spark curiosity. She encourages independent thinking and creates a nurturing environment where children can explore, learn, and grow with confidence.
Chiara Marangoni, Nursery Assistant
Chiara holds a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from London Southbank University and is completing her Level 3 Childcare qualification. She joined Living Spring Montessori in 2023. Fluent in Italian and English, Chiara brings a love for the arts, singing, and storytelling to the classroom. She develops imaginative ideas and brings them to life, creating engaging and inspiring learning experiences for the children.
Fiona Poojara, Nursery Officer
Fiona holds an MA in Communications & Journalism from Mumbai and has completed Montessori certifications for 0–3 (Assistant) and 3–6 (Diploma) through the Association Montessori Internationale. She joined Living Spring Montessori in 2024. With experience working in England, India, and China, Fiona brings excellent communication and language skills to the classroom. She fosters a warm and engaging environment where children can explore, learn, and develop independence in a joyful setting.
Children’s House
Celia Romero Carballal, Head of Children’s House
Celia holds a degree in Social Education from the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain and an International Montessori Teaching Diploma from the North American Montessori Center. She joined Living Spring Montessori in 2019. Fluent in English and Spanish, Celia supports children’s emotional development and fosters a stimulating learning environment that nurtures curiosity, independence, and confidence.
Irit Hajioff, Nursery Officer
Irit holds a Montessori International Diploma from the Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies in Arizona, a BA (Hons) in English from Northwestern University in Illinois, and a Master’s in Education from Loyola University in Baltimore. She joined Living Spring Montessori in 2021, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a passion for hands-on learning. Irit is especially skilled at creating engaging experiments that spark curiosity and discovery in the classroom.
Tasneem Abbasakoor, Nursery Officer
Tasneem holds an International Montessori Teaching Diploma from the Maria Montessori Institute in Hampstead. Originally from Mauritius, she is fluent in English and French. She joined Living Spring Montessori in 2023 and brings an in-depth understanding of Montessori pedagogy to her work with children. Tasneem fosters environments that support self-directed learning, independence, and a love of discovery in every child.
Feranmi Salawu, Nursery Officer
Feranmi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education (English Language) from Ondo, Nigeria, and a Master’s in Childhood Studies from Leeds Beckett University. She also holds a Montessori Diploma (0–3) accredited by MACTE. A gifted storyteller, Feranmi brings creativity and warmth to the classroom, inspiring curiosity and engagement in young children. She joined Living Spring Montessori in 2023.
Cristiana Mota, Nursery Apprentice
Cristiana is currently completing her Level 3 Childcare qualification and joined Living Spring Montessori in 2024. Fluent in English and Portuguese, she brings a nurturing and attentive approach to the classroom. Cristiana combines singing with hands-on activities to create interactive learning experiences that encourage children to engage, discover, and grow.
