Welcome to Willows Pre-School / Nursery
Hello, I am Dr. Kevin Rigley, the CEO of Willows. I took on this role in 2017 after my wife, Galyna, passed away. I was adamant that Galyna’s legacy, the WillowsWay®, her pioneering pedagogy that has been helping children thrive for more than fifteen years, would continue to provide children with the best possible start in life, I immersed myself in the field of childhood education and explored various teaching methodologies and styles.
It became apparent that the last decade has seen an explosion in scientific understanding of how the brain works. I am pleased to say that the latest science now explains why the Willows Way has been so successful in helping children thrive.
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The Willowsway®: Nurturing happy, Resilient Children at Willows Pre-School
Welcome to Willows Pre-school! We are excited to introduce you to the WillowsWay®, our unique approach to early childhood education designed to help your child become the best version of themselves.
At Willows Pre-school, we believe that happiness is key to a child’s success and well-being, and we have crafted our educational philosophy around this idea. Here’s how the WillowsWay® makes it happen.
The WillowsWay® is based on the latest brain science, emphasizing the importance of what we call autonomic flexibility. This is a fancy term for the body’s ability to adapt to stress and stay calm under pressure. When a child has good autonomic flexibility, they can handle life’s ups and downs with more ease and joy.
Our approach focuses on four key areas: good nutrition, regular exercise, practicing gratitude, and building meaningful relationships.
Good Nutrition
What your child eats can greatly affect their mood and ability to concentrate. We provide balanced, nutritious meals at Willows Pre-school to ensure that your child’s brain and body are fueled for learning and growth. A healthy diet helps reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to lower stress levels and better emotional health.
Regular Exercise
Physical activity is not just good for the body; it’s also great for the mind! Exercise helps kids manage stress and improves their mood by boosting happy chemicals in the brain. At Willows, we incorporate plenty of fun, active play into each day to keep your child moving and smiling.
Practicing Gratitude
Teaching children to appreciate what they have can lead to increased happiness and reduced anxiety. We encourage our students to express gratitude daily, whether through simple thank-you or more structured activities. This habit helps them focus on the positive aspects of life, promoting a happier outlook.
Meaningful Relationships
Strong, supportive relationships are crucial for emotional well-being. At Willows Pre-school, we foster a warm, inclusive community where children learn to build friendships and feel connected. These positive interactions are foundational for developing confidence and resilience.
What Parents Say
Ed F
Our daughter has had the best 2 years at Willows Hammersmith and we will have the fondest of memories from her time there. The staff have been tremendous throughout and there is a great atmosphere around the nursery. Blenda and her team do a fantastic job and we wish them...
Adriana M
Our son has been attending Willow’s since September 2023 when he was 17 months old. It’s hard to feel the confidence of leaving your baby in nursery for the first time, but since my first visit to Willows I felt reassured of the environment and care shown by the staff...
Jess W (Mother of Child)
Willows has been like an extension of our family for the past 4 and a half years, taking care of our three daughters. They have provided the most wonderful experiences and start in life for our girls and filled them all with confidence ahead of starting school. I don’t know...
G R (Mother of Child)
We have two children attending Willows and feel so grateful that we have been able to secure a spot for them both at such a fantastic nursery. They both love attending and the staff feel like family! The staff go over and above to make sure children have a positive...
C F (Mother of Child)
We love Willows, it is a brilliant caring nursery that provides excellent care and teaching! Our two sons have both been there. Our youngest is still there and our oldest is at school now. Most of the staff have been there throughout which is very important for the children and...
Alice P (Mother of Child)
Willows provides a warm and nurturing environment for children from the age of 1. Our son has been attending for a year and a half and we are always in awe of how well they know him and understand him. Always celebrating and encouraging his interest, he goes in skipping,...
