The first six years of life are widely recognised as a significant period in a child's development. During these early years, children absorb knowledge naturally from the world around them, laying the foundations for lifelong learning, confidence and independence.

Our Bush Babes (0–3) Program provides a welcoming introduction to Montessori for both children and their parents or carers. Guided by Montessori principles, the program supports each child's growing independence, love of movement, language development, concentration and sense of order, while helping families gain a deeper understanding of their child's development.

Our philosophy of learning for life is reflected throughout our carefully prepared indoor and outdoor environments, where children are encouraged to explore, discover and learn at their own pace.

Bush Babes offers dedicated time for you and your child to connect, learn and enjoy meaningful experiences together away from the distractions of everyday life. Children are free to choose purposeful activities that encourage confidence, independence and concentration, while parents are supported to observe and allow their child the time and space to develop naturally through exploration and repetition.

Our sessions are intentionally calm, creating an environment where children can develop sustained focus, curiosity and a genuine enjoyment of learning. Families also have the opportunity to connect with one another and become part of the Margaret River Montessori School community.

Program Details & Application

Sessions: 9:00 - 11:00 am Tuesdays or Wednesdays (Per Term)

Fees: Please see our current Fee Schedule

Location: Margaret River Montessori School, 4 - 6 Clarke Road, Margaret River 

We encourage all families to read the the Bush Babes - Playgroup Information Guide before applying. It provides further information about the program, what to expect and how sessions operate.

Applications, Waitlist & Placement

Bush Babes operates with limited places, which generally become available as families leave the program. As participation is managed on a term-by-term basis, we are unable to confirm in advance how many places, if any, will become available for an upcoming term. Families wishing to be considered for placement are encouraged to submit an application to join our waitlist at least one term prior to their requested commencement, allowing their child to be included in placement planning for their preferred entry term. Please complete and submit our MRMS Bush Babes Application to join the waitlist.

How are places allocated?

Bush Babes placement consideration follows the same overarching approach used for our Primary School and Adolescent Program, with applications considered from a pool of waitlisted families rather than strictly in the order they are received.

A range of factors is considered to support balanced cohorts and the needs of the program. An additional consideration specific to Bush Babes may be whether a child is also on our Junior Primary waitlist for entry into the Pre-Kindergarten cohorts. Further information about our placement considerations and waitlist management is available in our Enrolment Guide: Application to Admission.

When will I know if my child has been offered a place?

Placement planning is undertaken each term as places become available. Families on the waitlist will be advised of their placement outcome by the end of the term preceding their requested commencement.

Submission of an application does not guarantee placement, and families may remain on the waitlist for future consideration where a place is not available.

Bush Babes Transition to Junior Primary (MRMS Primary School)

Bush Babes is designed as an introduction to the Montessori philosophy and our school community. While many families choose Bush Babes as the beginning of their Montessori journey, participation is not a prerequisite or guaranteed pathway into our Primary School.

Bush Babes families are also invited to participate in engagement opportunities within our Primary School, providing an opportunity to further explore our learning environments, deepen their understanding of Montessori education and prepare for a potential transition into Junior Primary, should they choose to apply and subsequently be offered a place.

Bush Babes and Primary School have separate application processes and waitlists, with placement decisions considered independently.

We recognise that playgroups are not the right fit for every family, and due to limited places, not all children who apply will be able to attend. Many children join our Primary School without having attended Bush Babes, and not every child who attends Bush Babes will subsequently be offered a place at the School.

Families wishing their child to be considered for Primary School entry are encouraged to submit a separate application as early as possible, regardless of whether they are attending Bush Babes.

For more information about applying to our Primary School, please visit our Application & Enrolment web page.