Bovingdon Green Village Hall,
Frieth Road, Marlow, Bucks, SL7 2JQ
Tel: 01628 477855

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THE IMPORTANCE OF A MONTESSORI EDUCATION

 

 

THE MOST FORMATIVE YEARS

 

Maria Montessori recognised that a child's intellectual capabilities develop more rapidly from birth to six years than at any other period in their lives.  This is the age at which the young child can absorb all information without inhibitions.  Children learn spontaneously and with joy, making it a period of great importance in their education.

 

Everything that occurs in their life has a profound effect, therefore the quality of early experiences are of fundamental importance to the development of their whole personalities.

 

THE ENJOYMENT OF LEARNING

 

Montessori education is the foundation of learning and thus has special importance.  A good Montessori school should foster a love of learning, which, once gained, will remain with a person for life.

           

AN EDUCATION FOR LIFE

 

The world we live in is ever more complex, and presents its own difficulties to its newer arrivals.  Things we all take for granted in day to day living have to be learned.  It is our aim to enable children to reach their maximum learning potential, while becoming well balanced individuals able to cope with the emotional, social and practical pressures of life.

 

A HAPPY SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

 

Montessori schools are ideal places to make friends, and develop relationships with other people.  the special environment is fun, and often involves working together and sharing ideas and experiences.

 

CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE

 

Because the children of today will be responsible for the future, it is important that they are helped to achieve their maximum potential.  The Montessori method is founded upon the child's natural curiosity and love of learning, instilling a lifelong motivation for continuous learning, which will stand him/her in good stead for the rest of their lives.

 

As each child is treated individually, we welcome children with special needs  and children from different ethnic backgrounds.  Parents are most welcome to view all our Policies and Procedures during their visit to the school for any further information, but we hope you will find the following list useful:

 

1.                    Admissions & Settling-In Policy           10.        Role of Key-worker Policy

2.                   Employment & Staffing Policy              11.        Missing Child Policy

3.                   Confidentiality Policy                          12.        Management Sick Children Policy

4.                   Safeguarding Children Policy               13.        Administering Medicines Policy

5.                   Making a Complaint Policy                   14.        Outings & Visits Policy

6.                   First Aid Policy                                   15.       Parent Partnership Policy

7.                   Equality of Opportunities Policy           16.        Recruitment Policy

8.                   Fire Safety & Procedure Policy            17.        Risk Assessment Policy

9.                   Health & Safety Policy                        18.        Children's Rights Policy                       

 

 

 

 

 

THE MONTESSORI METHOD

 

 

MARIA MONTESSORI

 

Dr Maria Montessori (1870-1952) has been one of the most influential pioneers in early childhood education. Her ideas have become known and recognised throughout the world, and have significantly influenced mainstream education - indeed 100 years on from when she opened her first school in Italy, her ideas still continue to influence our education system today.  An article from The Times (Sept. 2006) reported the findings of a recent study in which "CHILDREN who attend Montessori schools, at which pupils of different ages are taught together and allowed to learn at their own pace, develop better social and academic skills than those at conventional schools ........ children at Montessori schools are better at basic word recognition and mathematics, and are more likely to play co-operatively with other children."

 

 

METHOD & PHILOSOPHY

 

Montessori education is very much an approach to education that allows a child to develop in a natural way.  Its aim is to provide a child with the best possible conditions to promote physical, social, emotional and intellectual development to help achieve their maximum potential.

The Montessori environment allows a child to choose his or her own activity, and to complete exercises at their own level in their own time.  Interesting and stimulating apparatus is used to make learning fun and easy; there is a huge variety of things to do which cover almost every aspect of life itself.

Education is not purely limited to academic subjects.  The children use exercises from every day life such as sweeping, polishing, pouring and spooning to develop their concentration and dexterity.  Other exercises include those designed to stimulate each of the senses and to develop the ability to make fine discrimination.

The method is designed to be flexible and move with the times, catering for all children around the world.

 

 

WHEN WILL MY CHILD BE READY TO START?

 

Most children are ready for their first experience away from home without Mum or Dad between 2 and 2½ years old.  It really depends on each child, and it is something you should discuss with the School Principal.  You are interested in your child starting school because you sense it is the right time, perhaps your child needs to explore new horizons with new friends.  When children join us we ask that they begin with a minimum of three sessions - this ensures continuity for the child and very much helps with the settling-in process.  We do strongly recommend that they increase to five sessions as soon as possible to ensure that they gain the most from their time in the Montessori classroom.  By being with us every day, they truly settle in, become integrated with the rest of the group and become familiar with our daily routines.  As our learning is relaxed and fun, we have had many 2½ year olds happily enjoying coming to school every day. The best thing to do if you are unsure is to arrange a visit to the school with your child, and one of our teachers will be delighted to discuss and advise you on this. 

Our Admissions Policy states that the longer a child has time to experience and learn from the Montessori classroom, the better prepared they will be socially and academically to successfully move on to ‘big school' and therefore younger children on our Waiting List or those looking to attend for five sessions may be given priority for places at the discretion of the setting.

 

CURRICULUM

 

"A FIRM FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATION & LIFE!"

 

LANGUAGE

Reading, writing, speaking, listening and literature appreciation.

 

MATHS

Counting skills, number work, measurement, algebra, geometry and data handling.

 

LIFE SKILLS

Care of self and environment.  Social graces.

 

SENSORIAL EXERCISES - To help the child develop all their senses and encourage exploration of size, shape, colour and textures.

 

I.T.

A variety of learning activities to encourage skills and confidence including use of the computer and programmable toys.

 

KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Discussion of time, prehistoric time line, telling the story of the earth.

The World around us, Nature and Conservation.

Study of land, water and weather. 

People, children & celebrations around the World.

Living things, Earth & Space, magnetism, light, air, water, gravity, sound, motion & electricity

 

YOGA

A basic introduction to Yoga designed for children and which allows them to begin to learn to control their body movements and to calm themselves in a fun and relaxing way.

 

FRENCH & OTHER LANGUAGES

Colours, numbers, games and basic conversational skills.

 

COOKING

Weighing, measuring, mixing and cutting skills are all introduced.

 

ART & CRAFT -

Painting, gluing, sticking, cutting, drawing, playdough and anything else you can think of!

 

MUSIC, DANCE and DRAMA

Acting, mime, dressing up.  Music appreciation, songs and the use of instruments.

Opportunities for free creative expression through art, music, movement and drama.

 

OUTDOOR PLAY/GAMES

Our garden area provides a safe environment and is supervised by staff members at all times when in use.  It is equipped with a large activity frame (which includes a slide, and mini climbing-wall), sit and ride toys and balancing activities, all of which promote development of physical skills. We also provide opportunities for sand and water play and care of the garden and wildlife.  

 

SCHOOL DETAILS

 

 

HOW TO FIND US

From the obelisk in Marlow town centre take the A4155 signposted to Henley.  Shortly after passing Waitrose on your right-hand side take the next turning on the right, Oxford Road.  Continue along this road which becomes Chalkpit Lane.  The road narrows for about ¼ mile and look out for The Royal Oak public house on your left.  Shortly after this you will see a sign on the left for Bovingdon Green also at this point the road becomes Frieth Road.  Do not turn off, but continue along the Frieth Road for approximately 100 yards and Marlow Montessori will be found on the left situated in the Village Hall.

 

THE PRINCIPAL

Jan Evans studied at the Montessori Institute where she gained her Montessori International Diploma.  She came to work as a teacher at the School in 1997 and was given the opportunity to take over ownership the following year.  Jan is an experienced mother of four children (including twins) and has a particular interest in promoting early years development and providing a full-inclusive practice.

 

THE STAFF

The staff are chosen for their ability to combine warmth and energy with endless understanding, which in turn enables them to put across their subjects in a well informed and interesting fashion.  All our staff must hold a relevant childcare qualification or undertake to complete a recognised childcare course and are First Aid trained.  Staff must also complete appropriate checks by Ofsted and The Criminal Records Bureau/Independent Safeguarding Authority and are employed subject to being appropriately cleared and deemed 'suitable to work with children'.

 

SESSIONS AND FEES

We are open Term-time only and children are welcome to attend mornings, afternoons and full day sessions. 

 

 Opening times:

              Morning Sessions (9.15 - 12.15)        -           Monday to Friday

                      Afternoon Sessions (12.45 - 3.45)   -           Monday to Thursday

                      Full Day Sessions (9.15 - 3.45)      -           Monday to Thursday

                     

                     

Present Fee Scale for 2010:-                                    

Nursery Education Grant Funding is available to all 3 & 4 year olds from the term following your child's 3^rd birthday and the amount received is  presently £4.00 p/hour for a maximum claim of up to 12.5 hours per week.  We also accept childcare vouchers from individual employer's schemes.

                      5 or more sessions        = £5.50 p/hour (before funding deduction)

                      3 or 4 sessions              = £5.85 p/hour (before funding deduction)

                     

 

CONTACT DETAILS:

School Details:         Jan Evans   School Principal    Marlow Montessori School      Bovingdon Green Village Hall        Frieth Road         Marlow         SL7 2JQ                                

                           Tel: 01628 477855      

                           e-mail jan@marlowmontessori.co.uk

Our Ofsted Report

We were Ofsted inspected in May 2007 and received the highest award achievable of ‘outstanding' for all aspects of our quality and standards of care and education.  We very much hope that this reflects on our commitment to provide your child with the best possible environment in which to nurture all aspects of their learning and development.

The following are some of the comments made by the Inspector and taken from our excellent Report which is available to view in full either at the setting or at http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/

 

The quality of teaching and learning is outstanding; the very committed and enthusiastic staff team, who have a very confident and secure knowledge of the Foundation Stage, support children's learning through the Montessori teaching method.   Children thrive in an atmosphere where staff nurture and support children making them feel valued as individuals.  The children and the staff show respect, consideration and care for themselves and each other   Children are very confident, settle quickly and select for themselves a favourite activity from the excellent range available.  The children explore and investigate in a child led environment where a philosophy of ‘it is the children's classroom' prevails.  Children are very interested and active in their own learning, spending time concentrating on the resources and activities. Children are very confident communicators and use language effectively to make their feelings, thoughts, wants and needs known to others.   Children show a good understanding of numbers .... They confidently use mathematical language; they talk about big and small, talk about and name shapes and use directional language  ....  They count correctly to ten and show a clear awareness of numbers larger than ten  ...  some can sequence and name numbers into the thousands.   Children enjoy books ... they take part and listen well at story times.  Children have many opportunities to make marks and practise emergent writing.  Children show a good knowledge of letters and make words from letterboxes which some then write into their workbooks.   Partnership with parents and carers is outstanding.  Parents speak highly of the group and appreciate the care and attention given to their children.