Our Montessori Ethos

The Little Learners Montessori

Highest Commitment to Education & Care

At The Little Learners Montessori, we are proud to offer high-quality education and care across our four Montessori settings. Our commitment to the Montessori Philosophy ensures that each child is respected as an individual, supporting their development to their highest potential.

Our Montessori ethos outlined below will help you understand the core values and principles that we follow, guiding your child’s educational journey and development.

Montessori and EYFS Curriculum

Our unique approach meets the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework through the Montessori curriculum. We aim to make each child’s learning journey as engaging and interesting through our Montessori materials, which are carefully arranged on our classroom shelves to entice children to select activities that match their interests and abilities.

child at The Little Learners Montessori engaging in early childhood education

The Early Years Foundation Stage

First, let’s understand The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This framework was introduced in England for Ofsted registered settings. It defines the standards for the learning, development, and care of children from birth to five years old.

Key Areas of Learning and Development

EYFS divides learning and development into seven key areas, which are further grouped into three prime areas and four specific areas:

Prime Areas

Communication and Language

Developing listening, attention, understanding, and speaking skills.

Physical Development:

Our classrooms are designed to encourage exploration and independence. Children choose activities, promoting self-discipline and deep engagement in learning.

Personal, Social, and Emotional Development

Building confidence, self-awareness, and managing feelings, as well as forming positive relationships.

Specific Areas

Literacy:

Encouraging reading and writing through a variety of activities and materials.

Mathematics

Developing skills in counting, understanding numbers, and using mathematical language.

Understanding the World

Helping children make sense of the physical world and their community through exploration and observation.

Expressive Arts and Design

Fostering creativity through art, music, movement, dance, role-play, and design technology.

What is Montessori Education?

The Montessori curriculum was founded by Maria Montessori, a visionary educator who dedicated her life to advancing the early years industry to where it is today.

Designed to promote independence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning, this child-centred approach allows each learner to explore and discover at their own pace, guided by our experienced practitioners.

Montessori classrooms are thoughtfully prepared to encourage curiosity and help each child develop a diverse set of skills, preparing them not just for school, but for later life.

An image of Maria Montessori alongside one of her famous quotes: "The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to the age of six," highlighting the Montessori philosophy of early childhood education.

Key Elements of Montessori Education

A young child at The Little Learners Montessori engaged in a practical life activity, carefully pouring water from one jug to another, demonstrating the Montessori practical life ethos of fostering independence and fine motor skills.

Practical Life Skills

Practical Life activities teach children how to care for themselves and their environment. These tasks, such as cleaning, food preparation, and gardening, develop coordination, concentration, and independence, which are essential for overall development.

Sensorial Activities

Sensorial materials help children refine their senses through sorting, matching, and comparing objects based on size, shape, texture, sound, and colour. Engaging their senses enhances observation skills and intellectual growth.

A young child at The Little Learners Montessori focuses on a Montessori language activity, using movable letters to spell simple words, fostering early literacy, cognitive skills, and independence in a hands-on learning environment.

Language Development

Montessori language activities enhance vocabulary and language skills through phonetic sounds, reading, and writing. Tools like sandpaper letters and movable alphabets make learning to read and write fun and interactive.

Mathematics

Mathematical concepts are introduced using concrete materials that children can manipulate. This hands-on approach helps them understand abstract concepts such as numbers, counting, and basic arithmetic operations.

A young student at The Little Learners Montessori focuses on a geography puzzle, learning about continents through hands-on Montessori materials that encourage exploration and independent learning.

Cultural Awareness

Cultural activities expose children to music, stories, art, geography, history, science, and nature. These experiences foster a sense of community and appreciation for different cultures, helping children develop a well-rounded worldview.

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Benefits of Montessori Education

Develops Independence

Children learn to do things for themselves, boosting their confidence and self-esteem.

Encourages Curiosity & Creativity

Montessori’s hands-on approach nurtures a child's natural curiosity and desire to learn.

Promotes Social Skills

By working in groups and learning to share and cooperate, children develop strong social and communication skills.

Supports Concentration

The Montessori method emphasises focused, undisturbed work periods, helping children develop deep concentration and attention to detail.

Individualised Learning

Each child progresses at their own pace, receiving personalised attention and support from teachers.

Parent Involvement

As parents, you play a crucial role in reinforcing Montessori principles at home.

Here are some practical tips:

Establish Routines

Create consistent bedtime and mealtime routines to provide a sense of security and stability.

Involve Children in Daily Tasks

Encourage children to help with household chores like setting the table, sorting laundry, and cooking.

Encourage Exploration

Provide opportunities for your child to explore nature, read books, and engage in creative activities.

Model Positive Behaviour

Demonstrate and teach values like patience, kindness, and respect.

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We are committed to provide each child with the best possible start to their learning journey. 

By combining the Montessori ethos with the EYFS framework, we inspire a lifelong love of learning and prepare children for future success.

Child-Centred Learning

We focus is on each child's unique learning journey, supporting their interests and developmental stages. Our teachers guide them in exploring Montessori resources independently.

Prepared Environment

Our classrooms are designed to encourage exploration and independence. Children choose activities, promoting self-discipline and deep engagement in learning.

Respect for the Child

We value each child’s thoughts and feelings, creating a positive self-image and building their confidence.

Montessori Materials

Our hands on learning tools help children build skills, confidence, independence and concepts. Each resource has been thoughtfully designed to support specific aspects of a child’s development. Using natural and scientifically proven materials, these tools encourage exploration, problem-solving and self-directed learning, laying a strong foundation for future success.

Independence

We encourage children to complete tasks on their own, developing their confidence and self-esteem. Activities are designed to be challenging yet achievable, promoting autonomy and a natural love for learning. Our skilled Practitioners are always at hand to support children as and when needed.

Confidence

Through positive reinforcement and self-directed learning, children gain a sense of achievement and belief in their abilities.

Holistic Development

We nurture emotional, intellectual, social and physical growth, ensuring well-rounded development. Our curriculum clearly supports these areas to allow each child to succeed in a diverse set of skills and abilities.

Sensitive Periods

Dr. Montessori recognised that there are critical times in a child's development when they are especially receptive to acquiring new skills. During these phases, children show intense interest and concentration in specific activities. Our skilled educators are trained to identify and support these periods by providing appropriate resources and guidance, maximizing each child's learning potential.