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How to prepare for MEAB Accreditation

The decision for a school to be accredited is usually made by the owners and managers; however, preparation for the accreditation will require team work. You will have to reflect on the values and practices which underpin everything which happens in the setting. The main purpose of the accreditation process should be an ongoing improvement of your practice.

Click here to download a case study of a Montessori setting and article by Barbara Issacs which appeared in Montessori International magazine entitled, 'How should we prepare for accreditation?'

1. It is best to start by revisiting Montessori philosophy by looking at some of the criteria for accreditation, for example:
   • How do we prepare the learning environment (both inside and outside) to enable children’s learning following Montessori’s description of children’s natural path of development ?
   • What do we understand by the natural path of development – how does this link with the EYFS principle of the Unique child?
   • Do we respect and trust children’s need to learn and develop? And how do we demonstrate this in practice?
   • What do we understand by the child’s work and how does it link with the EYFS focus on learning through play?
   • What do we understand by the work-cycle and why is it important? Is it two and half to three hours long and if not, how can we extend it to provide continuous provision for children?
   • What do we understand by free-flow learning opportunities?
   • Do we take full opportunities in helping children to extend their learning?
   • How can we facilitate peripatetic teaching such as ballet or French without interrupting the children’s natural rhythm and concentration?
   • Are we observing regularly and how do our observations reflect on planning, assessment and record keeping, and further development of staff?
   • How do we foster positive relationships – with children, with parents, amongst ourselves, with the wider community?
   • How will we build on the accreditation recommendations - are we prepared to do further training, reorganise the classroom, rethink our daily routines, support outdoor learning?
   • Identify which part of the provision you wish to have accredited – the whole setting or part of it (e.g. the babies and toddlers as well as the nursery and the primary school, or just one of them).

   As you can see, there are many angles which can be used as a focus for your staff reflections and which will help you to prepare for the accreditation. The main purpose of the accreditation process should be an ongoing improvement of your practice.

2. You will need to complete a self-evaluation form, S1, which will give the assessor information about your school and how you operate.
3. You will need to organise your documentation, so that you can provide evidence for your good practice. A checklist of the required documents will be available to you in the Schools Accreditation Handbook which will be emailed to you once you have registered expression of interest in the accreditation process.
4. You will need to identify week days and specific dates within the term in which you apply to be registered which are not suitable for accreditation visits.

There are regular MCI Saturday seminars focusing on Preparation for MEAB Accreditation and settings have benefited from these particularly where several members of the team attended the seminar together. These are listed on this website in MCI’s Training Directory and are offered to MSA members at a reduced cost.
Once again an article and case study focusing on the preparation for MEAB accreditation has been featured in Montessori International.