We’re Going on a Bear Hunt in Chiswick House and Grounds!
Our toddlers went to Chiswick House and Grounds to explore the story We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen. Children love to hear the same stories over…
To ensure the success of the WillowsWay® pedagogy, it was essential that our staff had a deep understanding of the Leuven Scale for Well-being and the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). These concepts are fundamental to creating a nurturing environment where each child can thrive, and only highly skilled teachers, who are proficient in these pedagogical principles, can effectively implement this approach. The relaunch of Hammersmith Nursery in September 2024 marks not just a reopening but a significant transformation that aligns with our commitment to excellence in early childhood education. This fresh start will, we believe, have a profound and positive impact on both the children and the wider community.
As part of this exciting new chapter, we are proud to welcome our new management team, Joanna and Ticia. Both bring a wealth of experience from our other successful settings in Colliers Wood and Wimbledon, where they have been instrumental in creating outstanding educational environments. Their expertise and dedication are now being brought to Hammersmith, where they will implement the WillowsWay® pedagogy.
Joanna and Ticia are not only skilled leaders but also passionate advocates for early childhood education. Willows Pre-School are committed to creating the best possible environment for your child, ensuring that every child’s experience at Hammersmith Nursery is both enriching and joyful.
The WillowsWay® pedagogy is built on the understanding that every child is unique, and our mission is to nurture their individual strengths and abilities in a supportive and enriching environment. At its core, the Willowsway approach promotes resilience, confidence, and happiness, ensuring that each child feels valued, understood, and encouraged at every stage of their development.
The foundation of the WillowsWay® pedagogy is rooted in our award-winning focus on nutrition, exercise, gratitude, and the cultivation of loving relationships. We believe that a healthy body, a grateful heart, and a strong emotional connection with others are the building blocks of a child’s overall well-being.
The skill of our teachers use of “in the moment” planning, enables our teachers to tailor each child’s learning experience to their current interests, needs, and developmental stage. This bespoke approach ensures that your child is not only engaged but also supported in a way that is perfectly suited to their individual learning journey.
At WillowsWay®, we believe that when children are happy, healthy, and confident, they are more open to learning and exploring the world around them. Our dedicated team is here to guide and support your child every step of the way, helping them to thrive in a nurturing and loving environment.
Position: Principal
Joanna Podsiadlo is our new Principal, bringing extensive experience in early years education and management. With over a decade of experience, including her most recent role as area manager for Willows, Joanna has consistently demonstrated her commitment to creating nurturing, stimulating environments that promote learning through play. She holds an Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) and has a deep understanding of child development, safeguarding, and health and safety regulations. Joanna is a dedicated leader with excellent communication skills, a passion for supporting children and staff, and a strong ability to manage operations efficiently. She is committed to ensuring that every child under her care thrives in a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.
Position: Deputy Principal
Ticia Hajos is our Deputy Principal, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep passion for Early Years education. With a strong academic background, including a PGCE from Kingston University and a First-Class bachelor’s degree in early childhood studies, Ticia has dedicated her career to nurturing young learners. Her experience as a Room Leader and Reception Class Teacher has equipped her with excellent leadership and classroom management skills. Fluent in English and Hungarian, Ticia is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment, ensuring every child reaches their full potential under her guidance.
Our unique approach has yielded exceptional results, with Willows children consistently achieving success in entrance exams for prestigious local schools.
We celebrate each child’s unique potential and provide personalized attention to support their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
We take pride in being one of only two settings in London awarded the SPECIALIST Certification for exceptional early years meals.
Since 2009, we’ve helped countless children get the best start, with many seamlessly transitioning into top local schools.
Our innovative curriculum adapts to the latest research, ensuring your child is prepared for anything.
Immerse your child in a stimulating, nature-inspired environment that fosters curiosity and exploration through play-based activities and natural materials.
Located on the boundary of Hammersmith and Chiswick, Willows is a modern conversion of a Victorian school, and it’s lovely. Set behind high brick walls, the children love the free flow of learning in the bespoke rooms or the fabulous outdoor space. It’s clear that the school has been designed with the children’s needs in mind. The children are so lucky to have such a beautiful, modern learning environment that has clearly been designed with their needs in mind.
We are open
Monday – Friday – 07:30 am – 6:00 pm
Willows Pre-School
Hammersmith
1 St Peters Road
Hammersmith
London
W6 9BA
Tel: (+44) 020 8741 1424
Our toddlers went to Chiswick House and Grounds to explore the story We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen. Children love to hear the same stories over…
Today at Willows Pre-school we are celebrating our differences through Multi-Cultural Day! Each year, we ask the children and staff to come to the nursery wearing clothes from different countries and cultures.
This week at Willows we have been learning about ourselves and our families, cultures, and countries. As part of this topic…