Parents are being invited to find out more about a new school which is being set up within a former church hall.

The Garden City Montessori School – due to open in January next year – will be based in Icknield Way, Letchworth, and will provide education for children aged between 2½ and 12 years old.

Headteacher Sarah Cummins, whose two children – Michael, four, and Henry, six, – will be attending the school, which is based on learning through all five senses, not just listening, watching or reading.

Mrs Cummins is returning to Letchworth after leaving to train as a teacher in Canada, going on to teach in the United States as well as England.

She said: “I’m thrilled to be back in Letchworth and to be opening a brand new community school.

“Garden City Montessori will provide the very best start for children, with purpose-built classes and a wonderful location close to the town centre and Norton Common.”

The Montessori approach is characterised by an emphasis on independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child’s natural development, with parents invited to find out more at drop-in events held every Friday evening from 7pm at the Icknield Centre – close to the new school site in Icknield Way.

Mrs Cummins added: “Children learn best by doing, and we will help our students become self-motivated learners that develop into confident, successful people.

“We invite parents to join us for a cup of coffee, a short presentation and an opportunity to ask questions.”

The school is owned by Letchworth Garden City Church, whose church members built the building that will house it back in 1927. The church was based there until 1995 when the congregation outgrew the premises.

The building remained empty for nine years and is currently undergoing ‘sympathetic’ refurbishment with original features being retained to make it suitable for schoolchildren.

The school will cater for a maximum of 125 children but will start with one class for 25 youngsters aged three to six years old. A class for six to 12 year olds will launch in September, 2015.

John Lewis, chief executive of the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation, said: “It is great to bring one of the town’s heritage buildings back to life and see this investment in the education of young people in the area.”

To find out more about the school visit www.montessorigc.com.