(A) Information for parents :
The Montessori St. Nicholas listing of Montessori Schools is the main national database for Montessori Nursery & Junior schools. Currently we list over 500 MSA schools and our details are as up to date as the information we have been given. This listing however is not currently an endorsement by the charity of any school and parents are advised to both request a prospectus and to visit the school before making a decision. Our guide for parents in selecting a school is below. Those schools not listed on our site may not have told us their details and the dates that we last received updated information from schools is also listed for your information at the end of each listing.
( B) How to select your Montessori school - A parental guide :
All sorts of factors can influence your choice - location, reputation, fees and so on. However it is wise to remember that it is not you but your children that will be attending the school so:
- Look at the school from your child's perspective - does the philosophy suit his or her personality?
- What are the facilities of the school like - is the equipment new or in good condition?
- What is the teacher- Pupil ratio ? In other words, will your child get the attention you want ?
- Is it a pure Montessori school ?
- Are the children well organised, engaged and happy in their work when you visit ?
- Can your child spend a taster day at the school ?
- What is the reporting system like - can you see samples of the sorts of reports you will receive ?
- What sort of staff turnover s there ? In other words, do staff enjoy working there so they do not leave ?
- Where do children move on to when they leave the school and at what age do they tend to leave ?
- When was the school last inspected and are there copies of the report available for you to read ?
- Then start thinking about location, travelling times to and from schools and what the fees are like.
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(C) Inspection Reports.
An independent school is defined as any school that provides full time education for 5 or more pupils of compulsory school age. These schools MUST be registered with the DfES (department for education and Skills) and will be regularly inspected. You can ask for the school registration number if you wish. The education Act 2002 sets out the range of standards expected in any independent school and HMI / OFSTED will normally carry out the school inspections. After September 1st 2003, any school that is inspected will have its full report available and published on the Internet. Schools who were inspected before that date should still be able to provide you with a copy of their last inspection report.
( D ) Our School Search :
Please use the search engine below to access our current data base of schools and if you have any further questions please contact us :
By telephone on: 020 7493 8300
By e-mail: centre@montessori.org.uk