About Us
The Bodhi Tree Nursery is a small, vegan, gluten-free, Montessori, child-led haven for children between the ages of 18 months to 5 years.
Our Story
Our story began in 2010 when a statistics student from Italy decided to follow her childhood dream and incorporate her love for children, art and yoga and become a certified Montessori teacher. She then met a new mum, former lawyer and entrepreneur who is absolutely mad about real food made irresistibly tempting, especially for little clients. Through our many years of experience, we found that the concept of simplicity, mindfulness and vital nutrition gave us an opportunity to create an amazing ‘old school inspired’ nursery with a difference.
This is how Giulia Bonavero has come together with Avital Mediony to create the Bodhi Tree Nursery. We ensure that all children benefit from the mainstream early learning curriculum (EYFS) with the added bonus of the Montessori philosophy, as well as glimpses of Forest Schooling and mindfulness. We endeavour to provide a close one-to-one support, directed at each child’s specific educational and well-being requirements. The Bodhi Tree Nursery is marked Good by Ofsted.
Meet Giulia & Avital
Giulia Bonavero is the owner and Head Teacher of the Bodhi Tree Nursery. She is a qualified Montessori teacher and in charge of education and everyday activities. Having worked extensively with young children, toddlers and babies in various nurseries and youth clubs across London, Italy and France, Giulia’s own experience has given her a wealth of understanding and knowledge of different traditions and methods, making her way unique. Giulia also works closely with two qualified assistants to maintain a high ratio of adults per child in order to achieve an extremely high level of care and a hands-on approach.
Avital Mediony is a mother of a young boy and is very involved with the nursery. She is the General Manager and oversees the marketing, customer service and the culinary aspect of the nursery. Her own son has attended the Bodhi Tree Nursery for several years.
Our Experience
Bodhi Tree Nursery Staff are chosen with great care. It is important to us that our team members are professional, warm-hearted, passionate and conscious people. They are encouraged to bring something new, exciting and loving to the nursery and are welcomed as part of our extended “family”. All the teachers at the Bodhi Tree Nursery attend regular courses and are always learning new methods, games and fun things to do with the children. Their qualifications vary and are as follows: Montessori Diploma / Foundation Degree, Forest School Training, Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), Bachelor of Education, NNEB, Early Years Educator, NVQ Level 3, Level 3 and 5 in Management of Early Years or an Overseas Diploma (equivalent or higher). All our staff have a clean DBS and an up-to-date FIRST AID certificate.
Parents are Welcome
Over the years our approach has formed a natural, welcoming and supporting relationship with the parents. We understand the need for new parents to be supported through the challenges and excitements that early parenthood presents. We work closely in partnership with the parents to make the children’s stay comfortable and happy.
Age Groups
Children are admitted between the ages of 18 months to 5 years. Please find here our Enrolment Process for more information.
Children’s Activities
As part of our natural approach we use homemade, safe materials. Our organic flavoured play dough and messy play are particularly popular. Our activities are designed to expose children to sounds and rhythms from around the world, to experience numeracy through play and sensorial games. Yoga is explored through animals, games and stories. Singing is in various languages including English, Italian, French and other. Browse Nursery News to find out what we have been up to lately.
Fun Days Out
London has so much to offer from museums to festivals and beautiful parks. We are always looking for new, exciting events that the children can be exposed to and learn from. Outdoor adventures are a regular and essential part of our curriculum. We regard this as an important part of children’s education, allowing them to exercise their physical and social skills by interacting with new friends and places they see.
Food & Nourishment
We treat food as a fundamental and crucial part of a child’s physical and mental development. From our experience what children eat throughout the day affects their mood, concentration and their willingness to remain content and present. We go the extra mile to provide the best vegan, gluten-free, sugarless, organic and wholesome food. It is cooked daily on the premises using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Read our Philosophy on nursery food.
Location
The nursery is in London, a 5 minute walk from Kilburn Underground Station, and within walking distance from West Hampstead, Queens Park, Brondesbury and Brondesbury Park. See Addresses and Maps for more information.