Montessori contributes to Big Society debate

New figures released today from a survey run in conjunction with Montessori and Netmums reveal that the overwhelming majority of parents are happy to give more time (than money) to Cameron’s ‘Big Society’ ambition.

Although there is still a lack of understanding when it comes to Cameron’s flagship manifesto election policy, parents do want to take a more active role in their communities.  54% of parents said they want to be more involved at their children’s school, a quarter are prepared to volunteer at a local charity, and one in four want to attend more community meetings.

The survey also shows that in order to make positive change a reality, 82% of parents want government to prioritise spending on education, and believe that we need to focus on improving opportunity for a future generation.  This was followed by employment, with healthcare in third place. 

When asked about their child’s schooling experience so far, the child’s emotional fulfilment, good teachers and a nurturing and supportive environment all featured at the top of the experience.  Only 25% cited good OFSTED reports as one of the reasons why they are happy with their child’s school experience.

Philip Bujak, chief executive of Montessori says: “It is really encouraging to see that so many parents are prepared to dedicate more time to local communities and schools. It is also fantastic  that they want to place “nurturing” education at the heart of government agenda.

Our ethos here is “Big society starts with little people”. Maria Montessori saw each child as a citizen of the world and recognised their potential to contribute towards community life. If we are going to empower local people to improve their own communities, we must prioritise education and emotional well-being in children. If we get the early years right, then standards will improve up the school and future communities will be more equipped to respond to Cameron’s ‘Big Society’ mantra. 

Over 50% of parents interviewed say state education is still the ideal choice for their children. Most parents (80%) have a good understanding of the choices available to them at primary level and over half are happy with their local state school.  Of those parents who aren’t happy with the schooling experience the main reasons cited are the ‘one fit’ approach for children, large class sizes and a national curriculum which is too narrow in focus.

Siobhan Freeguard, editor of Netmums, says:  “Parents are a passionate bunch of people – especially when it comes to educating their children.  This report is really interesting as it highlights just how much emphasis they place on atmosphere and nurturing children – almost the direct opposite of the Government who seem to put all their eggs in the exam basket.”  

Philip added:  “For over 100 years, Montessori has highlighted the importance of seeing children as unique individuals. Their learning shouldn’t be predicated on testing and targets but based on a holistic approach where each child is unique and allowed to develop at his own pace. It is important to acknowledge that children learn through understanding, rather than being told.

“Contrary to popular opinion, Montessori can also be applied in a primary as well as nursery setting. Children are encouraged to gain all the knowledge and skills which the National Curriculum seeks to develop, but with major additions – concentration, the use of initiative and enquiry.

“Stebbing primary school in Essex is the first state school to have adopted Montessori from reception to year 6. We hope to see more schools coming on board with this personalised approach as we know this is what parents and children want and it works!”For more information about Montessori please visit www.montessori.org.uk

For more information please contact Lewis Stagnetto or Jessica Dixon at The SPA Way on: 020 7403 6900 or email: lewis.stagnetto@thespaway.com

• The survey was conducted by Montessori and Netmums in December 2010.  There   were 1341 respondents to the survey – all of whom were parents or expecting their first baby.
• Montessori was inspired by Maria Montessori in the 1900s. She was Italy’s first female doctor. It quickly became the world’s largest education movement.
• Montessori offers a child-centred, holistic pedagogy. Based on the belief that a child’s early years – from birth to six – are the period where the greatest learning potential exists.
• Montessori delivers on the Early Years Foundation Stage at every level and shares all its underlying principles.
• 88% of Montessori schools were graded outstanding or good at the last inspection by OFSTED 2009-2010.
• The majority of the 600+ UK Montessori settings cater for children between the ages of 2 and 5. Some settings have Montessori baby units and others extend practice into the primary years.
• Many adults find the experience of stepping into a Montessori classroom quite breathtaking.  It is clean and ordered with an atmosphere of calm, busy concentration and purposeful engagement.
•  The classroom is a “prepared environment” consciously designed to support a child’s developmental needs.  Learning materials are freely available and everything reflects a commitment to quality and to the children’s ability to do things for themselves.  It is a structured approach to learning with a strong emphasis on autonomy, competence and initiative, all nurturing self-discipline. 
• Montessori children tend to be very socially comfortable and confident because they have been encouraged to problem-solve and think independently - making it attractive to many parents.