Welcome

Thank you for visiting our website which I hope will inspire you to come and see us as it is only by coming to Harriet House that you appreciate how unique it really is.  Our staff, the grounds and the children make it a very special and happy place to be.  Childhood is very short these days so we aim to make it last as long as possible.

About Us

Harriet Hathaway was brought up in education; her family own Sunningdale School, which her brother continues to run.
After gaining her Montessori Diploma at St Nicholas College, London, Harriet worked at Thomas’s, Kensington and The Elms School, Worcestershire.
Harriet House School is the culmination of these years of experience. Set in The Walled Garden, surrounded by the countryside of the Yattendon
Estate we have exceptional outside space and a calm learning environment.
We appreciate what an enormous decision it is to send your child to Nursery and we never under-estimate the trust you place in us.
We so enjoy getting to know you all and love the fact that siblings come through the school enabling lasting friendships.
We consider it a privilege to be a part of your child’s start in life.

Environment

Harriet House is situated within a 5 acre walled garden situated on the Yattendon Estate.  The grounds provide a wonderful environment for the children to play and take part in different sporting activities.

The children spend time outdoors every day, whatever the weather!  We have two large playing fields, a giant teepee, an outdoor classroom and play areas designed to help the children develop their gross motor skills.

Throughout the year we grow fruit, vegetables and herbs for the kitchen.  We continue to invest in our outdoor space with a sensory garden in development.  We are lucky to be able to access local woodlands for our weekly Forest School sessions.

Montessori

The Montessori Method of Education, developed by Italian physician Maria Montessori, is a child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children.

The method views the child as naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive, thoughtfully prepared environment. It attempts to develop children physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively.

In practice at Harriet House this means that we provide the children with the tools, opportunity, space and freedom to try new things and make their own choices, building on a childs capacity to learn when given the materials and independence to do so at their own pace.