Montessori approach

The Montessori curriculum is an educational approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, emphasizing hands-on, child-centered learning. Here are some key components:

  1. Prepared Environment: Classrooms are designed to be inviting, with materials readily accessible, allowing children to choose activities that interest them.
  2. Mixed-Age Classrooms: Students of different ages learn together, promoting peer learning and social interaction.
  3. Hands-On Learning: Montessori education emphasizes experiential learning through tactile materials that engage the senses and encourage exploration.
  4. Self-Directed Activity: Children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning, choosing their activities and working at their own pace.
  5. Focus on the Whole Child: The curriculum incorporates not just academics but also practical life skills, social-emotional learning, and physical development.
  6. Respect for the Child: Teachers act as guides rather than traditional instructors, promoting independence and self-motivation.
  7. Customized Learning: Each child's individual interests and developmental stages are taken into account, allowing for a tailored educational experience.The Montessori method aims to nurture a lifelong love of learning by fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. 

Montessori & EYFS Overarching Principles 

  • Montessori programmes promote natural development and learning through hands-on, tactile activities to engage children’s attention, and teach essential, practical life skills while ensuring pupils are able to play and enjoy their time within the nursery; 
  • Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured; 
  • Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships; 
  • Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between practitioners and parents or carers; 
  • Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates.