Rainbow Classroom
The Rainbow Classroom at International Montessori School Sotogrande gives specialised support to children aged 3 to 6 who benefit from extra guidance in language, motor development, emotional regulation or attention, while they stay part of the Montessori environment. It works in groups of 6 to 8 children, from 9:00 to 15:00, with lunch and daily therapy included.
- Ages 3 to 6
- 9:00 to 15:00
- Groups of 6 to 8
Key facts
- Ages: 3 to 6 years.
- School day from 9:00 to 15:00, lunch included.
- Two small groups, Rainbow and Sunshine, of 6 to 8 children each.
- Therapy included every day, within the school day.
- Educator specialising in learning support and Montessori pedagogy.
- A personalised support plan, created with the guides and the family.
- Languages: support is given mainly in English, within a bilingual environment with Spanish.
- An initial family support session and ongoing communication throughout the year.
- Family events: talks, parent coffee mornings and community gatherings.
- Accredited by AMI and NEASC and authorised by the Junta de Andalucía.
How it works
We follow a structured process to understand each child's development and decide, together with the family, what support they need.
- Observation in the classroomThe tutor spots the first warning signs and makes an initial evaluation.
- Psycho-pedagogical evaluationAn individual assessment to understand the child's profile, strengths and challenges.
- Schooling reportIt sets out the type of schooling the child needs and the number of supports.
- Support in the Rainbow ClassroomChildren with special educational needs receive support in the classroom, with a personalised plan created with the guides and the family.
Support is part of the child's daily experience, bringing consistency, confidence and a sense of belonging.
A day in the Rainbow Classroom
Children move between their main classroom and small-group or one-to-one support, depending on their needs. Throughout the day they work on language, motor skills and emotional regulation, woven naturally into their routine.
Therapy is part of that day, not separate from it. It is led by our team of specialists through structured, engaging activities, adapted to each child's profile so that support stays consistent and meaningful for their development.
Each child follows a personalised plan, and guidance is gradually reduced as their confidence and independence grow.
What your child works on in the Rainbow Classroom
Emotions and language
Emotional regulation
Emotional development underpins a child's ability to focus, learn and feel secure. Some children need support with big emotions, transitions or sensory responses. We help them understand what they feel and how to manage it. Children learn to:
- Recognise and regulate their emotions
- Build self-control and confidence
- Navigate social situations
- Return to a calm, ready-to-learn state
Language development
Support is given mainly in English, within a bilingual Montessori environment where children hear English and Spanish every day. They develop:
- Understanding and expression
- Early literacy skills
- Confidence in communication
Each child progresses at their own pace, without pressure.
Integration, not just inclusion
At IMS we go further. We believe true support comes through integration: the child is not only present in the classroom, but actively supported to take part, engage and grow within it.
In practice this means individual guidance within the classroom, one-to-one support when needed, a gradual progression towards independence and careful observation so that each step comes when the child is ready. Our goal is not simply to include the child, but to help them feel confident, capable and fully part of the learning environment.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Rainbow Classroom for?
For children aged 3 to 6 who benefit from extra guidance in language, motor coordination, emotional regulation or attention and concentration. Support is given while the child remains part of the Montessori environment.
How do you decide whether a child needs this support?
It starts with observation in the classroom: the tutor spots the signs and makes an initial evaluation. A psycho-pedagogical evaluation and a schooling report follow, setting out the type of schooling and the number of supports. With that information a personalised plan is created together with the family.
Will my child be separated from the rest of the class?
No. Children move between their main classroom and small-group or one-to-one support, depending on their needs. We aim for integration: the child takes part and grows within their class, with guidance that reduces as their independence grows.
What language is used?
Mainly English, within a bilingual Montessori environment. Children hear English and Spanish every day and develop understanding, expression, early literacy skills and confidence in communication, each at their own pace.
What are the hours and what is included?
The school day runs from 9:00 to 15:00, in groups of 6 to 8 children. It includes lunch, adapted to each child's allergies, sensitivities and dietary requirements, and therapy every day, as well as an initial family session and ongoing communication throughout the year.
What documents are needed to apply?
The family's and the child's personal details, copies of identification, previous school reports and, where they exist, previous psychologist evaluations or diagnoses. The admissions team reviews each case carefully. In some cases specialised curricular adaptations or intervention programmes may not be available.
Tell us about your child
Come and see the school, meet our team and talk to us about what your child needs. Book a 30-minute visit or write to the admissions team.
