founded 1994
Get to know our school better with a video from our founder, photo galleries, history and words from our parents.
PAGE CONTENTS
PRINCIPAL
ursula
keenan
Ursula founded our school in 1994. She works here every day managing operations, activities and staff. In this short video she welcomes you to the school and briefly explains what benefits we have to offer your child.
- Since 1994 Mulllingar Montessori and after school club “The Den” has grown to become Westmeath’s Premier Early Learning Centre.
- Now an expanded and purpose built facility it is recognised as one of Ireland’s educational centres of excellence.
- With large outdoor Astro and Woodchip surface play areas to enhance children’s health and fitness
- The schools annual waiting lists are a testament to the high standards of care afforded to all who attend.
Play Video
- Since 1994 Mulllingar Montessori and after school club “The Den” has grown to become Westmeath’s Premier Early Learning Centre.
- Now an expanded and purpose built facility it is recognised as one of Ireland’s educational centres of excellence.
- With large outdoor Astro and Woodchip surface play areas to enhance children’s health and fitness
- The schools annual waiting lists are a testament to the high standards of care afforded to all who attend.
Photo Gallery
school
facilities
Click any image to enlarge
Our campus is a purpose built early years childcare facility to enable the children to play, grow and learn in a safe and fun environment.
- Astro Surface Cycle Path
- Woodchip Play Zone
- Chicken Coup
- Rabbit Hutch
- Custom Kitchen
25+ Years
school
history
Click any heading below to open
Starting out in a converted garage at the back of my mothers house.
There has been quite the transformation as the 25 Years have flown by.
We remain ever focused on being the best Preschool in Ireland.
THE CALLING
DUBLIN TRAINING
SCHOOL OPENING
FAMILY ARRIVALS
SCHOOL EXPANSION
THE CALLING
the
calling!
My own school experience led me down the pathway of Montessori teaching as I felt the traditional approach was not of any advantage to someone like me, who was and still is a very visual learner.
The more I read about Maria Montessori the more I fell in love with her approach to educating and nurturing the whole child.
I particularly appreciated her approach towards helping children become independent and develop at his or her own pace and not the pace of the class.
DUBLIN TRAINING
1987 – 1994
college & training
I completed my teaching trainer college course in Sion Hill Blackrock which included work placement in 1989 at “Muckross Park Montessori” in Donnybrook.
In 1990 I began work in “City Montessori” in Dublin for 4 wonderful years where I learned from one of the very best – Aideen Brennan.
I loved every single day at this school and on leaving to set-up my own school in Mullingar, the parents at the school bought me all my equipment which I am proud to say is still being used by the children today.
SCHOOL OPENING
1994
school founded
I came home to Mullingar to open my school and help my mother with my beloved father John, who had Multiple Sterosis and was in a wheelchair.
Mullingar Montessori School opened in the garage at the back of my mother’s house on Ardmore Road, Mullingar.
I had only intended on staying 2 years in this location but after two major expansions, 25 years on Mullingar Montessori School is still here!
FAMILY ARRIVALS
2000
school & family expansion
In 2000 we completed the schools first expansion project. We extended the Montessori School into new purpose built structures.
I also married Conor that year and we have been blessed with 4 wonderful children, Rory, Finn, Riley and Romey.
They all attended my creche, montessori, full day care, breakfast and after school club.
SCHOOL EXPANSION
2016
major school expansion
In 2016 we invested in new buildings to house our after school club “The Den” and installed a state of the art astro play area.
We also created a garden play area including post office, shop, pet area and hobbit house.
Finally we included a toddler play area with sand boxes and chalk boards.
the
calling!
My own school experience led me down the pathway of Montessori teaching as I felt the traditional approach was not of any advantage to someone like me, who was and still is a very visual learner.
The more I read about Maria Montessori the more I fell in love with her approach to educating and nurturing the whole child.
I particularly appreciated her approach towards helping children become independent and develop at his or her own pace and not the pace of the class.
1987 – 1994
college & training
I completed my teaching trainer college course in Sion Hill Blackrock which included work placement in 1989 at “Muckross Park Montessori” in Donnybrook.
In 1990 I began work in “City Montessori” in Dublin for 4 wonderful years where I learned from one of the very best – Aideen Brennan.
I loved every single day at this school and on leaving to set-up my own school in Mullingar, the parents at the school bought me all my equipment which I am proud to say is still being used by the children today.
1994
school founded
I came home to Mullingar to open my school and help my mother with my beloved father John, who had Multiple Sterosis and was in a wheelchair.
Mullingar Montessori School opened in the garage at the back of my mother’s house on Ardmore Road, Mullingar.
I had only intended on staying 2 years in this location but after two major expansions, 25 years on Mullingar Montessori School is still here!
2000
school & family expansion
In 2000 we completed the schools first expansion project. We extended the Montessori School into new purpose built structures.
I also married Conor that year and we have been blessed with 4 wonderful children, Rory, Finn, Riley and Romey.
They all attended my creche, montessori, full day care, breakfast and after school club.
2016
major school expansion
In 2016 we invested in new buildings to house our after school club “The Den” and installed a state of the art astro play area.
We also created a garden play area including post office, shop, pet area and hobbit house.
Finally we included a toddler play area with sand boxes and chalk boards.
Gretta Keenan
school
nana
My mother Gretta, my best friend and guiding light has played a massive part in the success of Mullingar Montessori School, which is built to the rear of her house.
(Photo: Ursula Keenan with her mother Gretta)
She is always at hand to help out with whatever needs to be done, and only for her it would not be here today. Gretta is known by the children who attend as ”School Nana”.
Mum is a wonderful person and has always shown me how to truly care for others. Leading by example as always, caring for her late husband and my father John, who was wheelchair bound with Multiple Sclerosis.
(Photo: Ursula Keenan with her late father John)
Reviews
PARENTS
TESTIMONIALS
In their own words
- Some kind words from our pupils parents.
- Many of whom attended themselves as children.
- They have availed of Ecce, Part-time and Full Time Montessori, After School Club “The Den” and Summer Camp.
OLIVIA CALLAGHAN
"Ursula and the staff truly love and care for the children, you can just feel it in the atmosphere and hear the joy and laughter"
DEBBIE HALLIGAN
"Our kids have happy memories for life from Mullingar Montessori, I would highly recommend to any family"
SUE ANN PHILLIPS
"The level of care and attention that he receives on a daily basis is second to none. He just loves attending every day"
ELEANOR MCDONAGH
“The structured play and social focus is second to none, there is always lots of fun to be had in a very safe and creative space“
YVONNE CANNING
“The Den is bustling with activity, fun and laughter. She learns and develops in afterschool through the range of fun activities“
MARIE CLARKE
“He has such a great time and makes lots of new friends. When he finishes he absolutely cannot wait for the next camp to start!“
"Ursula and the staff truly love and care for the children, you can just feel it in the atmosphere and hear the joy and laughter"
Olivia CallaghanRe: Toddler Montessori
"Our kids have happy memories for life from Mullingar Montessori, I would highly recommend to any family"
Debbie HalliganRe: Montessori Class
"The level of care and attention that he receives on a daily basis is second to none. He just loves attending every day"
Sue Ann PhillipsRe: Full Day Care
"The structured play and social focus is second to none, there is always lots of fun to be had in a very safe and creative space"
Eleanor McDonaghRe: After School Care
"The Den is bustling with activity, fun and laughter. She learns and develops in afterschool through the range of fun activities"
Yvonne CanningRe: After School Club
"He has such a great time and makes lots of new friends. When he finishes he absolutely cannot wait for the next camp to start!"
Marie ClarkeRe: Kids Camp
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Features
benefits
for children
For children and Parents we have a lot to offer…
Because we are a family run, single location school, we are fully in control of maintaining the highest of standards in our setting.
safe and secure
The facility has been purpose built for child care with safety and security a priority indoors and out, in a bright and joyful setting.
school bus transfers
We run a school drop off and school pick up service using our own minivans to local national and secondary schools for Breakfast Club and The Den members.
family run school
Founder Ursula Keenan manages day to day activities and curriculum on site, ensuring professional and personal care for every single child.
nutritious meals
We have an onsite chef and custom food prep kitchen. The menu changes every day on a 3 week cycle. All our children's meals are prepared by hand from fresh ingredients.
outdoor play area's
The school includes segregated outdoor play areas, with enclosed garden, chicken coup and rabbit hutch, astro surface play area, sand boxes, tricycles and tractors.
full day care
We have a range of services that can care for your child from 7.45am to 6.15pm Monday to Friday 51 weeks per year. Breakfast and Homework clubs, Montessori, Creche.
range of activities
Our teachers are highly trained in providing a wide range of activities for our pupils. This all helps to refine social and motor skills. We invest a lot of money in our equipment.
qualified teachers
All our staff are highly qualified in Montessori and child care. We select only the very best candidates who have a genuine passion for children and education.
open all year round
Modern family life means often both parents are working. We only close for Xmas which means that you can have your child taken care of Mon to Fri whenever suits you.
The facility has been purpose built for child care with safety and security a priority indoors and out, in a bright and joyful setting.
We run a school drop off and school pick up service using our own minivans to local national and secondary schools for Breakfast Club and The Den members.
Founder Ursula Keenan manages day to day activities and curriculum on site, ensuring professional and personal care for every single child.
We have an onsite chef and custom food prep kitchen. The menu changes every day on a 3 week cycle. All our children’s meals are prepared by hand from fresh ingredients.
The school includes segregated outdoor play areas, with enclosed garden, chicken coup and rabbit hutch, astro surface play area, sand boxes, tricycles and tractors.
We have a range of services that can care for your child from 7.45am to 6.15pm Monday to Friday 51 weeks per year. Breakfast and Homework clubs, Montessori, Creche.
Our teachers are highly trained in providing a wide range of activities for our pupils. This all helps to refine social and motor skills. We invest a lot of money in our equipment.
All our staff are highly qualified in Montessori and child care. We select only the very best candidates who have a genuine passion for children and education.
Modern family life means often both parents are working. We only close for Xmas which means that you can have your child taken care of Mon to Fri whenever suits you
FOR YOUR CHILD
our
services
OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND
We offer a full and flexible range of loving care for your child, 51 weeks per year.
- Creche
- Part Time
- Full Day Care
- Ecce Montessori
- Breakfast + School Drop Off
- After School Pick Up + Dinner + Homework
- Summer Camp
Click any service below to open…
view our school
book a visit
Interested in Enroling? Then you and your child/children are invited to book a visit to our school.
Come and see for yourself all the amazing facilities and activities we have to offer with a guided tour.
Once we receive your form submission we will contact you regarding availability of the requested date and time.
We look forward to meeting you.
URSULA KEENAN
School Director
NEWS
OUR
SCHOOL BLOG
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Mullingar Montessori is a hive of activity.
Keep up with all that’s happening on our School Blog!
