Our Approach
A calm, respectful environment where children can explore with confidence and caregivers learn alongside them.
Supporting Each Child’s Journey
At Silver Leaf, we believe that young children are capable, curious and naturally driven to explore the world around them. We aim to honour and respect each child’s individual journey, providing the time, freedom and encouragement they need to develop confidence, independence and a love of learning.
Grounded in Montessori principles, our programme offers carefully selected materials and meaningful, hands-on experiences that meet each child’s interests and needs. Our thoughtfully prepared environment is designed to provide a safe and welcoming space where children feel secure, accepted and valued.
We recognise the important role caregivers play in a child’s early years. By participating alongside the child, caregivers gain a deeper understanding of the purpose behind the activities and their developmental benefits. We offer practical guidance on how to encourage independence and respond to each child’s individual needs with respect and sensitivity.
Ultimately, we aim to create a space where children can learn, grow and simply be, while giving the adults who care for them the understanding and confidence to support and guide them beyond their mornings at Silver Leaf.
Learning Together
Each child attends with a parent, nanny or caregiver. Having a familiar and trusted adult alongside them gives children the confidence to explore, connect with others and become increasingly independent.
Caregivers participate in the morning with the child while learning to give them the time and space to explore, make choices and try things for themselves.
We offer practical guidance on how to introduce activities, work alongside the child and recognise when to offer help and when to step back and allow them to work independently.
Throughout the morning, we model respectful, positive interactions and share practical ways to encourage positive behaviour, communication and social development.
We want caregivers to feel welcomed, respected and valued in the Silver Leaf environment while gaining greater knowledge and confidence in supporting the children in their care.
We also share simple activity ideas and child development insights with parents and caregivers, offering practical ways to carry the learning and approaches experienced at Silver Leaf into the child’s everyday environment.
Meet Monique
Monique van der Heijden
Founder and Montessori Educator
Monique has over 13 years of experience in early childhood development and Montessori education. She is passionate about creating calm, nurturing environments where children feel confident to explore, discover and develop at their own pace.
Monique holds an NQF Level 5 qualification in Early Childhood Development and is trained in Montessori education for both the toddler and 3–6-year age groups. She previously owned, ran and taught at Silver Leaf Montessori Preschool in Rondebosch before starting Silver Leaf Montessori Playgroup in Green Point.
Her particular interest in the 1–3-year stage, together with her understanding of the important role adults play in these formative years, helped shape Silver Leaf’s caregiver-accompanied approach.
Monique believes children thrive when they feel valued, have a sense of belonging and feel that what they do matters.
