What is a Montessori School?

Montessori schools are those which operate according to the theory of education of Dr Maria Montessori. Dr Montessori was the first woman doctor in Italy and through her work with children with special needs, she came to understand that many of them did not require medical intervention, but could be helped to overcome their difficulties through education. Although her classroom practice was initially carried out with disadvantaged children, it was soon realised that Dr Montessori’s teaching methods would work equally well with children from all backgrounds. The first Montessori School was opened in Italy in 1907 and now there are Montessori Schools throughout the world.

The Montessori method of education is focused on development of the whole child. Children are encouraged to learn at their own pace; there are specially designed learning materials and Montessori teachers guide children, but do not dictate to them. Montessori philosophy is based on the principles that children are most receptive to learning in their earliest years, that they are all individuals with their own potential and are often capable of a great deal more than is required in the conventional classroom environment.

In the UK, all Montessori schools and nurseries are inspected in exactly the same way as their mainstream equivalent establishments by the relevant inspection bodies.