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Code of Practice

Montessori Schools Association (MSA)
Code of Practice for Schools in membership


Vision
The essential purposes of the MSA are to foster communication and unity within the Montessori movement throughout the United Kingdom and to provide support and guidance to members and their schools, irrespective of size, premises or financial position. The MSA seeks to achieve, through its professional support, higher standards and increased credibility in the Foundation Years and Primary Education sectors for the benefit of Montessorians and for the families and children in our schools.

Mission
The protection of the good name of the MSA is central to its mission and vision. As members of MSA, schools have a duty to enhance the reputation and value of the MSA to enable the organisation to maximise its vital support and services and to influence the policy makers with our shared cause. Schools should aim to achieve accreditation by the Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation Board (MEAB) to promote continuing improvements in the quality of Montessori provision across the United Kingdom.

Practice
Create a Montessori environment which will meet the developmental needs of all children in the setting.

Ensure that all early years' practices are carried out in accordance with the ethos of Montessori pedagogy and commonly accepted childcare practices and legislation.

As far as possible, employ qualified Montessori staff, properly checking applications and qualifications, ensuring that key staff are in place.

Accept that the maintenance and improvement of Montessori professional knowledge and competence is on-going and, therefore, develop a programme of high quality professional development and training for all staff.

Work in a collaborative and cooperative manner with nursery and/or school staff, other professionals, parents and carers, recognising their particular contributions to the care and education of the child.

Respect confidential details obtained in the course of professional practice, and refrain from disclosing such information without consent, except where disclosure is required by law or by a court order.

Acknowledge and respect diversity in order to promote equality for children, parents, and co-practitioners.

Obligation to Children
Manage the behaviour of children in a positive manner, consistent with Montessori principles. Act as a positive role model for the children.

Relationship with Families
Acknowledge, accept and respect parents' and carers’ rights and responsibilities and work closely with parents and carers to ensure the well-being of their children, developing their awareness of the Montessori approach.

Health and Safety
Understand and accept moral and legal responsibilities regarding the safety and well being of children and staff in the setting.

Finance
Ensure that appropriate services are provided for the fees received and act with probity in financial matters.

Accreditation
Schools should be committed to provide the highest standards of Montessori practice and as part of their ongoing professional development of the setting will seek recognition by the Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation Board (MEAB).

If a MEAB accredited setting or school has a ‘satisfactory’ Ofsted inspection outcome, it should work with MSA and MEAB to explore ways of achieving ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ at the next inspection.

MSA requires that all member schools comply with the MSA Code of Practice. The Code of Practice defines the commitment to the promotion of quality in Montessori settings. MSA must rely solely upon your self-compliance with the Code.

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