Information
Parent Handbook
Everything you need to know about day-to-day life at Montessori Eco Schools — hours, policies, and how we partner with families.
Hours of Operation
When to drop off and collect
Singing Forest
- Half day, early pick-up
- 7:15am – 12:00–12:30pm
- Half day, later pick-up
- 7:15am – 14:00–14:30pm
- Full day with aftercare
- 7:15am – 16:30–17:00pm
Chartwell House
- Pre-School day
- 7:15am – 14:00pm
- Primary School day
- 7:15am – 15:00pm
- Aftercare (both)
- Until 17:00pm
Late pick-up and drop-off can be accommodated — a fee applies to cover staff for the extra time.
Meals
Snack & Meal Schedule
11:00am
Morning snack
12:00pm
Lunch (Toddler environment)
1:00pm
Lunch (3–6 environment)
2:30pm – 3:00pm
Afternoon snack
Policies
Day-to-day essentials
Pick-up, Drop-off & Authorised Persons
All children must be signed out by the parent or guardian collecting them. No unauthorised individuals — including drivers or extended family — may collect a child without prior consent.
If alternative arrangements are needed, parents must confirm this in writing via email, including a photo and ID of the authorised person. The lead directress will also confirm the arrangement directly with parents or guardians.
Absence Due to Illness
To keep our environment safe and healthy, please keep your child home if they're unwell or showing any of the following:
Fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher — must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning.
Vomiting or diarrhoea within the last 24 hours.
A contagious illness (e.g. chickenpox, strep throat) — until no longer contagious.
Severe cough or difficulty breathing, an unexplained rash or skin infection, or a severe sore throat with fever.
Clothing & Nappies
Please dress your child comfortably for active play and mess. Provide a labelled spare change of clothes (including underwear and socks) in their cubby, and 3 nappies per day for toddlers still in nappies.
We ask that children not bring personal toys or belongings from home, to keep play fair and equal — though a comfort item is welcome during a settling-in period.
Toys & Media
Our program focuses on hands-on, active learning rather than screens — we don't use videos or recorded media as part of the curriculum, though we may occasionally use music for creative or relaxation purposes.
Toilet Training & Nap/Quiet Time
Our staff work closely with families on toilet training, respecting each child's own pace and readiness, with a hygienic, child-friendly restroom equipped with step stools for independence.
Nap or quiet time is built into every day — younger children nap in a supervised, comfortable setting, while older children enjoy calm activities like reading or drawing.
Birthdays
We love celebrating birthdays! Parents are welcome to bring a simple treat or healthy snack for the class — please check with us about dietary restrictions or allergies first.
We kindly ask that you avoid party packs, sugary sweets, crisps, or processed foods, and no fizzy, sports, or caffeinated drinks. Your lead directress is happy to suggest fun, healthy alternatives.
Nutrition & Mealtimes
Our environment is nut-free and allergy-aware. We ask parents to pack healthy snacks and lunches, avoiding added sugars, colourants, and preservatives — water is always available to the children.
Parent Responsibilities
Attendance — please notify the school in advance of any planned absence.
Be on time for drop-off and pick-up, and let us know if unforeseen circumstances arise.
Communication — keep us updated on anything affecting your child's well-being or routine.
Supplies — keep your child's cubby stocked (nappies, wipes, formula, snacks, spare clothing).
Update forms — keep contact numbers, pick-up lists, and health/allergy information current.
Tuition — payments are due on time; late payments are subject to fees.
Transparent Classroom, Reports & Conferences
Transparent Classroom is our online parent platform — you'll receive an email invitation and a personal link to your child's profile, with photos and updates uploaded weekly by their lead guide.
Detailed term progress reports are emailed by the first week of each holiday, and Teacher-Parent conferences are held every term — a 15-minute Zoom slot is bookable online, with in-person meetings available for longer discussions.
Withdrawal
To withdraw a child, written notice must be submitted via email or physical letter to the relevant Head of Department, as well as to admin@montessoriecoschools.co.za, clearly stating the child's name and last day of attendance.