Bright Beginnings Montessori Preschool

long with “normal” children – and passed! The educational establishment of the day was forced to recognise the breakthrough. The Montessori Method Is different from other educational systems. It is based on a realistic balance between freedom and a structure specifically designed to help the young child. There are three parts to the Montessori Method – the child, the environment and the directress. The Montessori Method is based on an understanding of the child as he is; and Dr Montessori then created an environment designed to help the child develop as a total person. Within this environment the roll of the teacher is to direct the child’s activity, so we prefer the term directress rather than teacher. The Montessori Methods allows your child to learn in the way that he feels most natural – by doing things himself. Gradually, the child builds up a strong sense of independence, coupled with an ability to sustain concentration. His confidence grows as his range of skills increases. The Method is founded on the child’s natural curiosity and the love of learning, and it helps the child to follow his natural rate of development, encouraging him to attempt new projects as his ability increases. The Montessori environment is the real “teacher” since by using a wide range of different Montessori materials in the company of the children, the child is helping to teach himself. The environment is attractive to the children in being generally simple, child-sized and capable of correction by themselves. In this way, there is no need for an adult to point out a mistake and perhaps injure the child’s self-esteem. A directress has many tasks. Often she is hardly noticeable among the children at work. Her experience and training make her keenly aware of each child’s fundamental needs for development. She is available to every child as a sympathetic helper, guiding him in the proper use of the materials and equipment. Our classrooms include children from 2 – 5 years of age. We offer a morning class, an afternoon class or full school day 9-3pm. When a child starts at our school we take care to ensure that he feels happy to be at school. The Aim of Bright Beginnings Montessori School
Our aim is for the children to have the opportunity to learn through the Montessori Method. To have new experiences and to develop individual skills at their own pace in a supportive environment where they are positively encouraged, valued and respected; and for the children to be happy in our care! The Curriculum
The Early Years Foundation Stage is a single quality framework for all children from birth to the age of
five. It is rich in play and involvement in daily routines. Children will have plenty of chances to learn
through care routines, fun with physical movement, play for the senses; let’s pretend, books and stories,
music and rhymes, heuristic play with natural and household objects and outdoor play and experiences. The “Early Learning Goals” are what most children will achieve at the end of the reception year and are set by the Department for Education and Skills. Here at Bright Beginnings we aim to follow a fun and exciting curriculum with themes throughout the term that the children can relate to and are interested in. Key Workers and Child Records
Each child is allocated a key worker who is responsible for continuously observing and recording
development in all areas. Periodically they will make notes and collect examples of work to enter into the
child’s record folder. Settling in and Parental Involvement
We want children to feel safe and happy in the absence of their parents, to recognise other adults as a source
of authority, help and friendship and to be able to share with their parents afterwards the new learning
experiences enjoyed in the nursery. We invite new children to an accompanied introductory visit prior to starting. We are pleased to receive all parental enquiries concerning children particularly in the early stages of settling in. We are more than happy for children to bring their comforters with them, dummies, blankets, teddies etc. For the first few sessions we recommend that your child is collected around 30 minutes before the end
of the session. Providing a Healthy Diet
Children receive a morning snack and afternoon snack of fresh fruit and milk or water to drink. A snack table is set up for the session and the children are able to help themselves to some fruit and a drink. Drinking water is available throughout the day. For the children that stay for lunch, please provide your child with a healthy packed lunch and a drink. Please NO NUTS as some staff and children may be allergic to these. Clothes / belongings
It is suggested that children wear a t-shirt available through the school at £8 each. Please provide a pair of slippers/pumps for your child to change into on arrival at school. It is helpful for the children to be dressed in comfortable, washable and easily manageable clothes as we do a lot of creative and physical activities. Please keep personal non-essential items e.g. toys and books from home to a minimum. Each child will need to bring a spare set of clothes and a suitable outdoor coat. Children that are still in nappies please can nappies, wipes and nappy bags be available in the child’s bag. Also please ensure that these are clearly labelled.