Montessori nurseries

There are more than 700 Montessori schools in the UK, providing the same type of childcare as other nurseries. However, the philosophy behind the way in which children are guided and supported is very different.

Most nurseries have a structured day in which the children participate in a variety of activities planned by their key workers. Some time for individual play will also be encouraged but the day is very much planned and organised by adults. In a Montessori setting, the emphasis is very much on children learning about the world in their own preferred way. Some have accused the Montessori method of being too permissive but this is disputed by the organisation, who adhere to founder Dr Maria Montessori's principles.

Children are not merely adults in little bodies

These stipulate that children are not merely adults in little bodies; children learn differently from adults and therefore their educational surroundings should reflect this. Dr Montessori believed that children learn the most between the ages of 0-6 and they learn best when they are allowed to do so at their own pace, making independent choices about what they want to and when. The presence of schedules, tests and other expectations, it is believed, works against the child's best interests and can lead to unhappiness, anger and other negative behaviour. Key workers will obviously be present in the room but guide the children rather than direct them in their play.

The rooms reflect this philosophy, with materials freely available for children to use and explore as and when they want to. The ages are divided into three-year bands: 0-3, 6-9 and 9-12, which is believed to be beneficial as the older children help the younger ones (and perhaps vice versa!). There are six main areas on which the education is based - practical life, sensorial, language, maths, cultural and creative activities - and it is believed that this provides a broader curriculum than can be found in most state-run nurseries and primary schools.

Many of the advantages and disadvantages of the Montessori system are similar to those found in our article on nurseries . However, there are a few additional ones.

Advantages

• The Montessori organisation in the UK states that a study by the University of London found that children - aged five - who had attended a Montessori nursery had higher levels of cognitive attainment than the national standard, as well as high levels of social and behavioural habits.
• It is claimed that the Montessori method helps to foster discipline and self-discipline at a very young age because children have the power to choose activities for themselves.

Disadvantages

• As with other private nurseries you will have to pay for a place in the Montessori nurseries, which might be difficult if money is tight.
• If your child really prefers a more structured routine then this might not suit them.

Where to next?

• Childcare crisis? What to do if it goes wrong.
• How to spot a great nursery.
• How to choose a great childminder.
• Keeping it in the family - our article explores the issue of family looking after baby, further.
• You can return to work and survive - here's how!