Three Generations of Early Year’s Educators; A Family Legacy of Montessori Education
Established in 1999, nothing could be truer than the old adage ‘ Mighty Oaks from Little Acorn’s Grow’ for Mounthawk Montessori School & Busy Bees Nursery . From the humble beginnings of a home based sessional Montessori Pre-school catering for 10 children, started by Susan Quirke-Crowley & Maureen Quirke ;quickly joined by Helena Wallace Dowling , the Mounthawk Montessori Group now lead the way for high quality Early Years Education provision in our family owned and operated services in Tralee , now catering for 150 families every day.
As Day Care , Nursery , Montessori School & After-school settings; Our vision was to create purpose built , high quality , indoor and outdoor learning environments , that are responsive to the evolving holistic needs of children and families . We are present in our settings on a daily basis and our ethos exudes the core values that we have, to foster respect for all stakeholders. Our many Awards are testament to our commitment and the commitment of our Teams to the provision of high quality Early Years Education for all children in our locality.
This includes our most recent All Ireland Business Foundation ‘All Star Montessori School of the Year Award’ , 2022 , for the second year in succession. Our motto is ‘We work and play” and our innovation in practice is based on Susan’s Forest Kindergarten experiences in Norway , Italy & France as well as Ireland, ensuring a highly educated and dynamic approach.
“The image of the child as a protagonist (initiating and leading their own learning ) of learning and a competent being is at the heart of the Mounthawk Montessori Group approach. Our Early Years Education system not only values families, it also embraces and includes families in the activities in the centres. Children are supported to engage in meaningful indoor and outdoor activities, predominantly child-led.” Susan Quirke-Crowley quoted by Dept. of Children .
Mounthawk Montessori & Busy Bees Nursery
quickly outgrew our initial school and moved to our current home at the Mounthawk Roundabout , Fenit Roundabout , Clogherbrien . Located on an acre green field site , we enjoy the ambiance of the countryside on the outskirts of the town. Our poly tunnels , natural planting areas and large indoor and outdoor classrooms and learning areas , enhance the quality of care for children within our flag ship , purpose designed Montessori School. We explore Natural Sciences, Botany , Ecology and life cycles in our Outdoor Science areas and our Orchard of mature apple trees. Our Degree led Team are headed by Helena Wallace Dowling, as General Manager , supported by Katie O’Sullivan , Centre Manager, under the Directorship of Susan Quirke-Crowley, MSc, HDIPA, BA , Dip. 066-7189964
Maureen’s Childcare & Montessori School , 48 Casement’s Avenue, Upper Rock Street, was established in 2003 to serve our neighbours and local community. Maureen’s boosts two classrooms and an amazing all weather outdoor classroom – that can be enjoyed every day , no matter what the weather, enhanced by natural planting areas ,based on the Forest Kindergarten experiences enjoyed by Susan, at Queen Maud University , Trondheim, Norway and extensive outdoor learning and play areas. The programme in Maureen’s is headed by Directors Maureen & Liz Quirke , ensuring that the motto ‘Quirke’s for Quality’ is delivered upon every day. For queries please contact Maureen & Liz on 087-9449446
2022 sees the exciting launch of Oak Park Montessori School , headed by Caroline Crowley , the 3rd Generation of our family to join us as Montessori Pre-school Providers in Tralee. The Oak Tree is the Family Crest of the Quirke Family and this is celebrated in the naming of our newest school. Conveniently located opposite Spar at the top of Oak park. En route to the Irish School , Munster Technological University and Kerry College , Clash Campus, our newest centre will cater for children aged 2 and a half to five and half years. We offer a large bright and airy classroom , complete with a high quality Montessori Aistear Curriculum . Natural Planting areas will enhance the outdoor play and learning environment at Oak Park Montessori School . The service hours will be from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm , providing Free ECCE Montessori Pre-school with wrap around National Childcare Scheme options before and after our Montessori Pre-school Session. For bookings and queries please contact Caroline on 086-1620003
We are delighted to welcome families and children, to visit our purpose built schools when considering Early Years Education options for their little ones. We were happy to join the response for support for Ukrainian children in the locality and each of our schools has welcomed little ones to our community. We celebrate the uniqueness of every child in our care. Diversity , Equality and Inclusion in the philosophy and ethos of our Early Years Provision and our
highly qualified team of caring Teachers look forward to meeting you and your child at one of our local Montessori schools .
For further information and appointments for a personalised tour, please Susan Quirke-Crowley 086-8153757
Or find our Montessori Schools on Facebook .
