Our Team

Eleanor Josephine Granger

Director and Nursery Manager

I am the Co-Founder and Manager of Highview Montessori Day Nursery.

My passion for Montessori education started 15 years ago when I first set foot in a Montessori classroom. I was blown away by the beautifully arranged and buzzing environment, where all the children seemed fully engaged and happy, given independence and freedom of choice. 

That is where my journey began and I have been an Early Years Educator ever since. 

I gained my Montessori qualifications through AMI (Association Montessori International) and MCI (Montessori Centre International), both internationally acclaimed Montessori training centres in London. After completing my level 4 diploma in Montessori Pedagogy I completed a Foundation Degree in Montessori Pedagogy and Early Childhood Studies through London MET in partnership with MCI.

I was brought up in the countryside of Tuscany, Italy by my English mother and German/Austrian father. Growing up in a multicultural family, I was exposed to a variety of languages, traditions, and perspectives from a young age. This instilled in me a deep appreciation for diversity and a desire to learn more about different cultures. 

I believe that every child has the potential to succeed, and that it’s our job as educators to create an environment that fosters their growth and development. By providing children with the tools they need to learn and grow, we can help them achieve their dreams and reach their full potential. 

I’m excited to continue my journey as an educator and leading a setting that will contribute to making a positive impact on the lives of children. 

Thomas Maynard      Director

Thomas is Co-Founder of Highview Montessori. His constant support and encouragement have been pivotal into making the dream of opening a nursery become reality. Thomas is Property Director for a well renowned restaurant chain and helps with the Finance and Maintenance of the nursery. You may see him around if something needs fixing.

Dominique Knoesen

Deputy Manager and SENCO Lead

Dominique is our Deputy Manager and SENCO Lead. 

She holds a Montessori National Diploma NQF5 in Montessori and Early Years Education and has recently devoted her time to learning more about children with Special Educational Needs.

Dominique has a passion for working with children and finds joy in giving the children in her care the best possible start to their education. 

She was born and raised in South Africa where she studied child-centered play therapy and Montessori education. 

Dominique has vast experience working and managing Montessori settings in South Africa and the UK, where she moved to in 2020. 

She appreciates and recognises different cultures and backgrounds and is committed to ensuring that all children are given equal opportunities in their learning environments

Her joyful nature, commitment and passion for working within early years make an excellent contribution to our setting.


Kasia Schoeman

 Nursery Assistant Teacher


Kasia is a dedicated Baby Room Teacher. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, is a graduate member of the British Psychological Society, and has recently been accepted into a prestigious Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy training programme at Terapia Psychotherapy Institute.

Passionate about early childhood development, Kasia blends her academic expertise with hands-on experience to create a nurturing environment for our youngest learners.

Kasia recognizes the significance of early life experiences and is therefore committed to providing most loving care, especially during our settling-in periods. She is readily available to reassure and guide parents in promotion of their children's independence and overall well-being.

Originally from Poland, Kasia has been living in London since 2003. As a devoted mother of three, she embraces Montessori principles in her parenting, applying them daily to nurture her own children. Kasia spends most of her time outdoors. She’s a keen gardener and enjoys long runs in the park.

Sid Mohandas

 Montessori Teacher

Sid is a Montessori-trained teacher and a Childhood Studies researcher. Sid’s research primarily focuses on social and worldly justice in early childhood, with extensive publications on the topic in peer-reviewed journals and edited book collections. Sid is deeply interested in the practice of listening pedagogy, which values and promotes children’s views and perspectives in co-creating the worlds they inhabit.


Sid is originally from Kerala but has lived in Sweden and more latterly in the UK for the past 15 years.




Riddhi Soni

 Montessori Teacher


Riddhi holds a FdA in Montessori Early Childhood Practice, BA (Hons) Early Childhood Practice and PGCE Primary with QTS. She has experience working in various Montessori Nurseries since 2014 and recently in different Primary Schools.


Riddhi enjoys helping children grow and develop to their full potential, providing them with a whole rounded experience of the world. She wants to help them become citizens of the world. Riddhi fell in love with the Montessori approach after attending an open evening. She loves the hands-on learning and how the Montessori environment fosters children's independence.


Riddhi hopes to bring fun and creative ideas to the nursery to spark the children’s curiosity while following their interest.


Riddhi grew up in North London, she is from Indian/Hindu descent. She loves travelling and learning about different cultures. Riddhi incorporates her real life experiences and knowledge of the world into her teaching.

We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) staffing and ratio requirements. 

Children under 2 : 1 staff to 3 children

2 year old : 1 staff to 5 children

3 years + : 1 staff to 8 children

All our staff members are trained in Safeguarding children, Pediatric First Aid and Food and Hygiene.