The school was inspected and accredited by Montessori Education (UK), the national standards body for Montessori education in Britain.
ME (UK) Accreditation is awarded when the school meets the key standards laid down by Montessori Education (UK) in line with the philosophy and theory of the Montessori Approach to education originally established by Dr. Montessori. The gaining of ME (UK) accreditation is recognition of authentic Montessori practise.
“The Council was impressed by the high standard of Montessori practise reported by our Assessor following her visit to your school. We feel that the good practise you have achieved exemplifies the standards which Montessori Education (UK) seeks to promote”
The Children
“During the observation of the groups the atmosphere in both classrooms was calm and productive…. The interactions of staff and children gave evidence that all the children are fully included in everything that happens in the classroom.”
“The children were all choosing their activities independently and were observed completing their cycles of activity. Delightful instances of grace and courtesy were observed…the snack table in both rooms offered the opportunity for two children at a time to have their snack, and interesting conversations were overheard in the downstairs clasroom where the table looked particularly appealing.”
“Individual presentations were observed, for example dusting the materials and shelves and stereognostic pairing. There was a lovely spontaneous group where a single child was involved in a rhyme session, and was progressively joined by six other children….children asked the assessor who she was, and introduced themselves very politely.”
Areas of learning
“The layout of the curriculum areas has been thoughtfully considered….to allow all the materials for each area to be grouped together. Clever use of the space available has been achieved … the cultural area is more spacious than previously and includes a shelf with scientific activities laid out on it.”
Environment
The classrooms have been redecorated ….. Both windows have been newly curtained, which creates a homely atmosphere ….. The same blue is picked out in the paintwork and some furniture also giving the classroom an appealing yet organised appearance.
The classrooms have ….. many plants positioned around the classroom, so the overall impression is light and fresh….The furniture and shelving is laid out in such a way that the classroom and individual tables [give] greatly increased opportunities for individual work.
Staff
The atmosphere in the class was calm and productive, and teachers were observed interacting thoughtfully and productively with the children…. [The teachers] move gracefully and unobtrusively around the classroom giving support and presentations when needed. They observe the children closely, and are sensitive to their needs
Partnership with Parents
Parents are kept regularly informed by a newsletter and the school is supported by PTA, which is energetically involved in fund-raising.
Mandatory Actions and Recommendations arising out of the Follow-up Assessment Visit
There are no Mandatory Actions.