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Information for MSA Schools

The MSA are producing guidelines and fact sheets for MSA member schools. These cover a range of issues relevant to running a Montessori setting and can be downloaded by clicking on the relevant links below.

Although we will try to ensure that our guidelines are up-to-date, you should always check with the relevant authorities (eg Ofsted, your Local Authority) to ensure that you have the most up to date information.

Completing your SEF

Ofsted require all settings to complete an Early Years Self-Evaluation Form (SEF) prior to an inspection. It is good practice to regularly review your SEF to keep it up-to-date and ensure that it reflects the practice at your setting if Ofsted arrive for an unannounced visit. Ofsted have commented very positively on this guide.

Click here for guidelines on how to complete your SEF.

Becoming an Independent School

Increasing numbers of Montessori nursery settings are wishing to expand to take older children. When you have five or more children who have reached their fifth birthday, or one or more such child with a statement of special educational need or who is a looked after child, you must register with the Department for Education (DfE). These guidelines have been following consultation with the DfE and Ofsted for member schools wishing to become an independent school. Click here.

The MSA has been very active in lobbying local authorities, MPs, Ministers and Shadow Ministers about the concerns our members have about the proposed Early Years Single Funding Formula (EYSFF). We are currently waiting to hear if there will be any changes to the Code of Practice as a result of the recent changes of government.

The current Code of Practice outlining how providers and local authorities are expected to deliver the free flexible 15 hours of provision from September 2010 can be found at http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/everychildmatters/resources-and-practice/IG00689/

For an update on the EYSFF from Martin Bradley, MSA Chairman, please click here. A fact sheet will be available here shortly. In the meantime, please continue to give us information about how your local authority is interpreting the guidelines and how this might affect you. We do not name any setting or school but cite the information about the authority. In this way the MSA can lobby and work on your behalf.

The Notice Period for a Child to cease attending a Montessori schools and nurseries provides guidance for settings and parents on establishing a contract between the two parties.  The MSA provides this as an additional information tool for member schools. Please click here for further information.