We welcome children aged 2 1/2 years to 5 years.

Mornings only. We are open from 8.30am until 1.00pm.

• ECCE SESSION times are between 8.30am to 11.30am

• NON ECCE SESSION times are between 8.30am to 12.00 noon

• EXTRA HOURS for ECCE 11.30am until 1.00pm

• NON ECCE SESSION can avail of one extra hour until 1.00pm

Yes.

Yes.

The child must be 2 years and 8 months on the 1st of September of any given year.

Absolutely. We give the option for parents to bring their child into Smart Cookies at least twice a week in May and June as it gives the children time to get to know the Montessori school and also having the security of having their parents with them.

1. Prioritise Emotional Safety First

Before expecting participation, we focus on connection.

• A consistent key adult greets the child each morning.

• We use calm voices and predictable routines.

• We acknowledge feelings: “You’re not sure yet. That’s okay. I’m here.”

A child who feels emotionally safe will eventually explore.

2. Allow Observation Without Pressure

Montessori recognises that some children need to watch before joining in. Observation is learning.

• We invite, never force.

• The child may sit beside an activity or watch others.

• We protect them from being “put on the spot.”

This builds confidence quietly and respectfully.

3. Start with Individual Presentations

Group work can feel overwhelming.

• We offer one-to-one lessons.

• Choose activities that are calming and repetitive (e.g., pouring, polishing, sorting).

• Success in small tasks builds internal confidence.

Montessori materials are designed to give children control and mastery without public comparison.

4. Pair with a Gentle Peer

A shy child often thrives with one calm, kind classmate rather than a big group.

• Invite cooperative work like rolling mats together or washing a table.

• Encourage natural friendships without forcing interaction.

 5. Respect Their Timeline

Some children settle in days; others take weeks. Slow settling is not a problem to fix — it’s temperament.

Rushing separation or independence can prolong anxiety. A gradual approach (shorter days initially, consistent goodbye routines) is often very effective.

 6. Partner Closely with Parents

Consistency between home and school matters.

• Share settling strategies.

• Keep drop-offs calm and brief.

• Provide reassurance with honest updates.

Parents’ confidence transfers directly to the child.

 7. Celebrate Small Wins

For a shy child, making eye contact or choosing work independently is huge.

We notice progress quietly rather than with big public praise.

If you’re observing a classroom, look for:

• Calm atmosphere (not chaotic or overly loud)

• Teachers who kneel to speak at eye level

• No forced participation

• Respect for silence and concentration

• Emotional warmth alongside independence

Shy children often flourish beautifully in Montessori because the environment doesn’t demand performance — it supports inner confidence.

This builds emotional safety.

At 8.30am the children start to arrive, we greet each child and parent individually.

The child then hangs up their coat and puts their lunch in the fridge.

It is playtime up until 9.00am when the children are given a five minute warning to put the toys away

At 9.15 we have circle time and learn the phonic of the week with a song. We chat about the theme of the week.

9.30am is Montessori time, where the children take an activity off the shelf and the Montessori teachers work one to one with each child.

We then go to the bathroom.

At 10.30am the children line up and go out to the Montessoir garden to play for around 45 minutes.

When they arrive back, we wash hands and bring them to the toilet.

As we have a daily rota for handing out the mats, lunches and drinks every day, we organise this activity.

Lunchtime

The children sit and eat their lunch and chat to each other.

Around 30 minutes later the children put away their lunches into their school bags and we have free play or an art activity.

At home-time the children put on their coats to go home.

At Smart Cookies Montessori, outdoor play is an important part of every child’s day. We make time for children to go outside every day whenever possible, because fresh air, movement and nature are essential for healthy development.

Our outdoor space gives children the opportunity to run, climb, explore and play freely with their friends. These experiences help children develop coordination, confidence, social skills and a love of being active.

Outdoor play also encourages curiosity about the natural world. Children enjoy activities such as ball games, movement play and exploring the garden, all while building friendships and having fun.

We believe children learn best when they are happy, active and engaged, and time outdoors is an important part of that balance.

In the Montessori classroom children learn to take turns, respect others and work both independently and alongside friends. These experiences help them develop confidence, resilience and positive social skills.

In Montessori, school readiness isn’t about pushing academics early — it’s about helping children become confident, capable and curious learners.

Montessori suits many different types of children because each child learns at their own pace in a calm and supportive environment. The Montessori approach encourages independence, confidence and curiosity while respecting each child’s individual development.

At Smart Cookies Montessori, we understand that every child develops at their own pace. Toilet training is a gradual process, and it’s completely normal for some children to start preschool not fully toilet trained. Our caring staff will support your child patiently and respectfully, encouraging independence while providing gentle guidance.

We work closely with parents to ensure consistency between home and school routines, helping your child feel secure and confident during this important stage. Our goal is to create a nurturing environment where all children can thrive, regardless of their current stage of toilet training.

We welcome children with additional needs and follow the AIM (Additional Needs Inclusion Model) to provide tailored support. Every child is valued, and our nurturing environment helps them build confidence, independence, and a love of learning.

A child may be assessed to identify the support they require and we can help you apply for an AIM worker to work alongside your child in the classroom. This ensures they can fully participate in all activities, feel confident, and thrive in a nurturing and supportive environment.

Yes! we warmly welcome parents and children to visit Smart Cookies Montessori in Dalkey, before enrolling. This gives you the chance to see our classrooms, meet our team and get a feel for our nurturing environment. We find that children settle quickly when they’ve had an introduction to their new school.