our beginning

Ever since I was a little girl, I had a deep love towards children and wanted to be a teacher just like my Dad! It wasn’t until I was around 28 years old and had two sons of my own that that door of opportunity opened. My son had just started attending a private Montessori pre-school when he was 3 and he absolutely adored going there. I felt I had to know what this 'Montessori' was all about because whatever it was, it was working and I thought it may benefit my family if we could incorporate the Montessori philosophy into our own household.

Off I went and began studying and attending some Montessori workshops whilst volunteering on every occasion at this pre-school. I didn’t realise that while I worked with the children the staff inconspicuously watched me and it wasn’t long before I was offered a position. I worked as a Playgroup Coordinator and Teacher’s Assistant and then became a full-time Teacher and Assistant Director. I completed my Diploma of Education (Montessori) and decided to leave the pre-school after nearly 6 years.

My love and devotion towards children and their early development have never waned and it has led me to this wonderful moment……the opening of " Precious Cargo".

I’m a fun, vivacious woman who has a fresh approach to children’s early development and find it hard to contain my energy and enthusiasm. I’m also a perfectionist and hold myself to a very high standard which overflows to my staff and every aspect of the centre.

The premises are new and innovative with a very modern and fresh look. It is a busy place but with water features, calm music and the smell of home-cooking, you can’t ignore the sense of calmness, love and safety that wash over you and your child as you enter our doors.

The classrooms are all individual and are extremely organised whilst offering a stimulating and educational environment that awakens a child’s inner excitement. Many activities have a hidden lesson so that the children are learning from the time they enter the room until they leave. Much preparation goes into planning these activities and lessons, so that the children are offered achievable challenges that stir their curiosity. A varied curriculum promotes balance and real-life, hands-on experiences so children’s senses are stimulated and the information is absorbed more completely.

A range of specialised classes such as art and craft, music and movement, yoga, computer education, nature study, kitchen hygiene, food preparation and basic cooking lessons offers variety and stimulates the children in all areas. Our centre is truly unique and our aim is to not just care for your children but to teach them and expose them to as much as possible whilst they are in our care. We have a devoted focus on children’s early development and do not neglect the real need to guide, support, inspire and motivate parents to a new level of understanding of their children. Parenthood is not the easiest of jobs but it can be one of the most rewarding jobs, made a little easier with the right skills and attitude.

With the combination of enthusiasm, a devoted focus, wonderful staff, our high standard, Montessori philosophy and the array of services we provide, our centre will allow your child to reach their full potential as well as supporting parents along the way. It may sound a little idealistic but we aspire to be one large family at "Precious Cargo" and would love for you and your precious children to join us.

Cheryl Shigrov
(Company Director)