The morning mist clung to Manas Lake, a soft veil over the tranquil landscape, as a chorus of delighted giggles echoed through the air—not the shrill, digitized sounds of a screen but the joyous peals of children discovering the world around them. This is Paddington Cambridge Preschool and Daycare, a haven nestled amidst nature’s embrace, where budding minds bloom like wildflowers in a sun-drenched meadow.
“Budding minds get nurtured best in nature’s midst and surrounded by the caring graces of their own parents and guardian angels-like teachers,” a gentle voice seemed to whisper on the breeze, a sentiment that resonated through every corner of the vast 18,000-square-foot campus. Here, near Angarewadi Road, Bhukum Village, Pune, children aren’t confined within sterile walls but explore a world of wonder, including a dedicated farm area.
“We strongly believe in incorporating natural elements into early childhood education, ensuring that children learn through hands-on experiences with their environment rather than digital screens,” explains Amruta Mundhe, the visionary Founder, her eyes sparkling with passion. “In an age where children are already exposed to excessive social media and technology, we consciously exclude digital learning, instead encouraging outdoor play, exploration, and sensory learning.”
Roots in Nature, Wings to Fly: Paddington’s Unique Vision
Her words paint a picture of a childhood reclaimed, a return to the simple joys of discovery. Amruta, a dedicated Education Administrator, brought not only a wealth of knowledge from the CBSE, IB, and IGCSE boards but also the heart of a nurturing guide. Her “Amazing Teacher Award 2018” from Heriot-Watt University, Dubai, isn’t just a trophy; it is a testament to her profound understanding of a child’s delicate world.
“Preschool education is crucial because it promotes a child’s emotional, social, and personal development,” Amruta continues, her voice filled with conviction. “Our goal is to help every child reach their full potential by treating them like active learners who require freedom of choice and independence.”
This philosophy, woven into the very fabric of Paddington Cambridge Preschool, transformed education from a rigid structure into a vibrant journey of self-discovery. The Montessori curriculum isn’t about rote learning; it is about fostering a lifelong love of learning and empowering children to become “self-assured adults.”
“Those children who gain from these experiences mature into self-assured adults,” Amruta reiterates, her words carrying the weight of experience and the promise of a bright future.
The school’s recognition as one of the 10 Most Promising Preschools in Pune by Silicon India Magazine in the pre-school’s very first year was a testament to this unique approach. It was a validation of Amruta’s vision, a beacon of hope for parents seeking a haven of genuine childhood for their little ones. In a world increasingly dominated by screens and fleeting digital connections, Paddington Cambridge Preschool stood as an oasis of natural learning, where the magic of childhood was cherished and nurtured, solidifying its place among “The 5 Best Preschools in India-2025.”
Amruta’s Oasis: Paddington’s Vision of Holistic Learning
At Paddington Cambridge Preschool, learning is not confined to classrooms—it is a journey of exploration, discovery, and growth. For Amruta, the school’s visionary Founder and Education Administrator, the mission is deeply personal.
“Witnessing the transformative power of early education inspired me to create an environment where children could thrive emotionally, socially, and intellectually,” Amruta shares. “My journey into the education sector was driven by a profound passion for nurturing young minds, ensuring they develop a deep-rooted love for learning.”
This philosophy laid the foundation for Paddington Cambridge Preschool, where every child is regarded as an active learner, deserving of freedom, choice, and independence. The school’s innovative curriculum, blending Montessori principles with inspiration from the Cambridge curriculum, fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills—qualities that are essential in today’s dynamic world.
“Our goal is to instil a lifelong passion for learning. By integrating hands-on, experiential learning with structured academic foundations, we ensure that our students grow into confident, independent thinkers,” Amruta explains. “We believe that education should not just teach children what to learn, but rather, how to learn.”
This unique pedagogical approach has played a pivotal role in establishing Paddington Cambridge Preschool as a leading transformational organization in India. It is a place where learning is organic, joyful, and deeply engaging, where children not only absorb knowledge but also develop the skills and curiosity to navigate the world around them.
With an unwavering commitment to early childhood education, Paddington Cambridge Preschool continues to redefine preschool learning in India—one child at a time, one discovery at a time.
Seeds of Potential in the Haven of Learning: Nurturing Young Minds Through Innovation & Community
Despite being a young institution, Paddington Cambridge Preschool has swiftly carved a niche as a leader in early childhood education. Since its inception in 2023, the school has gained widespread recognition for its high-quality education and child-centric approach.
“We have quickly gained recognition for our high-quality education and child-centric approach,” shares Amruta. “Our unique selling propositions include a curriculum that emphasizes independent play, experiential learning, and structured academic development.”
What sets Paddington Cambridge Preschool apart is its harmonious blend of Montessori and Cambridge philosophies. The Montessori influence nurtures hands-on, self-paced learning, allowing children to explore at their own rhythm. Simultaneously, the Cambridge-inspired approach ensures a global perspective, equipping students with strong foundational skills essential for lifelong learning.
“We operate with favourable staff-to-child ratios, ensuring personalized attention and a supportive learning environment,” Amruta adds. “This ensures that every child receives the guidance they need to develop their potential fully.”
However, the school’s impact extends beyond the classroom. Parent partnership is at the heart of its educational model. Paddington Cambridge Preschool firmly believes that a child’s development is most effective when parents actively participate in their learning journey.
“Parent partnership is a cornerstone of our philosophy,” Amruta explains. “We regularly organize events where families engage with the school, gain insights into child development, and collaborate with educators. This strengthens the bond between home and school, ensuring a seamless developmental journey for the child.”
With its holistic learning environment, innovative curriculum, and deep commitment to parent engagement, Paddington Cambridge Preschool is redefining early education in India—one child, one family, and one discovery at a time.
The Guardian Angels of Manas Lake: Amruta’s Educational Dream
The gentle lapping of Manas Lake against the shore served as a tranquil backdrop to Amruta’s words, each syllable imbued with the same nurturing spirit that permeated Paddington Cambridge Preschool. “My leadership approach is collaborative and nurturing,” she says, her voice as warm as the morning sun, “focusing on building a team that shares a common vision for excellence in early childhood education. We prioritize continuous professional development, fostering a culture of growth and empowerment among our staff. This collective commitment has been instrumental in our school’s rapid growth and success.”
Her words resonate with the very essence of the school, a place where teachers are not merely instructors but partners in the children’s journey of discovery. “We prioritize continuous professional development,” she emphasizes, highlighting the school’s commitment to nurturing not just the children but also the educators who guided them. This dedication to growth creates a ripple effect, enhancing the educational experience for every child.
“Balancing teaching efficiency with student satisfaction is achieved through our well-structured curriculum, which allows for both structured learning and child-led exploration,” Amruta explains, her eyes reflecting the playful spirit of the children. “We provide a stimulating yet flexible environment where children develop essential life skills alongside academic knowledge, ensuring both educational rigour and joy in learning.”
This balance, a delicate dance between structure and freedom, is the key to Paddington’s success. The curriculum is not a rigid framework but a flexible guide, allowing children to explore their interests and develop their unique talents. “Child-led exploration,” Amruta notes, is not just a phrase but a philosophy, empowering children to become active participants in their own learning.
A transformative initiative that truly sets Paddington apart is its “nature-based learning approach.” “A transformative initiative that showcases our commitment to excellence is our nature-based learning approach, where children engage with the environment through gardening, farming, and outdoor sensory activities,” Amruta shares, her voice filled with pride. “These experiences foster responsibility, curiosity, and a deep connection with nature.”
The children aren’t just learning about nature; they are immersed in it, cultivating a sense of wonder and responsibility that would shape their lives. “Gardening, farming, and outdoor sensory activities” are not just lessons; they are experiences, fostering a deep connection with the earth and its rhythms.
“Recognizing that our staff is the cornerstone of our success, we invest in their continuous development through regular training sessions and workshops,” Amruta continues, her words a testament to her belief in her team. “We cultivate an environment where teachers feel valued and empowered to innovate, leading to enhanced educational experiences for our students.”
The teachers, the “guardian angels” of Paddington, are the heart of the school, their dedication and passion create a nurturing environment for the children. “Valued and empowered to innovate,” Amruta’s words echo through the campus, a promise of continued growth and excellence.
“Like any growing institution, we have faced challenges in scaling operations while maintaining our core values,” Amruta admits, her honesty adding a layer of authenticity to her words. “However, our team’s dedication and resilience have ensured that we continue to meet and exceed the expectations of our students and parents.”
The challenges, the inevitable hurdles of growth, have been met with unwavering dedication and resilience. “Dedication and resilience” are not just qualities; they are the pillars upon which Paddington has been built, ensuring that the school’s core values remain intact.
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over Manas Lake, Amruta’s words linger in the air, a promise of a bright future for the children of Paddington Cambridge Preschool. Her vision, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence have created a haven of learning, a place where childhood is cherished and nurtured.
Beyond Pedagogy: Amruta’s Heartfelt Message
The twilight hues painted the sky, a soft transition from the vibrant day at Paddington Cambridge Preschool. Amruta, her gaze reflecting the tranquillity of Manas Lake, continued to share her vision, her words resonating with the quiet confidence of a leader deeply rooted in her purpose.
“For aspiring entrepreneurs in the education sector,” Amruta advises, her voice imbued with a gentle strength, “my advice is to remain steadfast in your commitment to quality and innovation. Understand the unique needs of your community, invest in a passionate team, and create an environment that fosters holistic development.”
Her words are not mere platitudes; they are a distillation of her own journey, a testament to the power of unwavering dedication. “Steadfast in your commitment,” she emphasizes, highlighting the importance of unwavering principles in the face of challenges. “Understand the unique needs of your community,” she urges, underscoring the necessity of tailoring education to the specific context. “Invest in a passionate team,” she insists, recognizing that the heart of any successful institution is its people.
“Create an environment that fosters holistic development,” Amruta concludes, encapsulating the very essence of Paddington’s philosophy. It’s not just about academics; it’s about nurturing the whole child and fostering their emotional, social, and intellectual growth.
Where Little Minds Blossom: Paddington’s Playful Promise of a Future-Ready Next-Gen
Looking ahead, Amruta’s vision for Paddington Cambridge Preschool extends beyond the boundaries of its current campus. “Looking beyond the present,” she shares, her eyes alight with anticipation, “my vision for Paddington Cambridge Preschool is to expand our reach, bringing our transformative educational approach to more communities across India. We aspire to continue making a significant impact on the country’s dynamic education landscape by nurturing the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and innovators.”
Her words paint a picture of a future where Paddington’s unique approach to education touches the lives of countless children across the nation. “Expand our reach,” she envisions, dreaming of extending the school’s nurturing embrace to wider communities. Continue making a significant impact,” she aspires, a commitment to shaping the future of India’s education.
“Nurturing the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and innovators,” Amruta concludes, her words echoing the very purpose of Paddington Cambridge Preschool. It’s not just about teaching children; it’s about empowering them to become the architects of their own futures, the builders of a brighter tomorrow.
As the last rays of sunlight fade, the gentle sounds of nature fill the air, a soothing lullaby for the children of Paddington. The school stands as a testament to Amruta Mundhe’s vision, a haven of learning where childhood is cherished and nurtured. Paddington Cambridge Preschool, with its commitment to nature, holistic development, and unwavering dedication to excellence, continues to solidify its place as a beacon of hope for the future of early childhood education.
