The Stanger School of Montessori

For children between 2 and 7 years of age

2a Hamilton Road

Weston-super-Mare

North Somerset

BS23 2DH

Tel: 01934 626546 / 635461

Email: info@stangermontessori.co.uk

Website: http://www.stangermontessori.co.uk

PROSPECTUS

We Instil the Love of Learning

January 2010

Montessori M.E.U.K Accredited

Introduction

When choosing the first school for your child to attend it is most important for the youngster to feel that the establishment is an extension to his/her home where she/he already understands love and kindness. It is also of fundamental importance that the parents and the school are working in parallel with each other.

In this changing world with standards on all sides slipping, words like discipline, respect, gratitude and honour are ridiculed and abused. These are valued here with the staff and children working to achieve them.

The Montessori methods of education have been developed to encourage the child to learn for his/her sake rather than for the teacher’s sake. She/he is allowed to develop skills in her/his own time, through the aid of the materials. Complicated concepts are readily accepted because of the physical work needed to achieve an end result.

Initially, much emphasis is placed on caring for the person and the environment, and this dealt with through Practical Life Exercises which includes sweeping, washing, polishing, etc. There is also the usual sand and water play, painting, puzzles, etc., that you would expect to find in any first school. We also introduce the child to equipment that will help develop the ‘Three ‘R’s’ without trauma or boredom.

Although this method is termed ‘informal’, it does not mean there is no structure. On the contrary, what you will not find, are rows of desks full of children waiting to receive knowledge.  Through their work and concentration they become self disciplined, well adjusted and wise. In a nutshell it develops the mind, body and spirit.

Nature study is very popular and we encourage ‘collections’, which we like to investigate and discuss together.

Our school is a place where children enjoy what they do, rather than do what they like. It is an excellent way to set your child on the road to adulthood – ‘the child is the father of the man’. They are our future and they deserve the best.

Our school

There is a maximum one to six teacher/pupil ratio. Each room has its own level of Montessori apparatus. Although we use the child’s age as a flexible guide, ability is the main criteria.

The Montessori curriculum covers and in most areas exceeds the government’s early learning goals.

Garden Facilities

We have a large enclosed garden which is open to the children at all times, so it is necessary for them to have Wellington boots and a raincoat.

In the garden we have a wide variety of equipment including a split level play room, a Montessori Castle/Fort, a 2m balance beam, a climbing frame, a wooden bridge, a slide, etc.

Special Activities

Thursday mornings are devoted to music and movement where we develop balance, rhythm and imagination.

On Friday afternoons we hold Parent & Toddler groups. This is a wonderful way to introduce your child to the school without tantrums.

Lunches

Our cook prepares thoughtful and well balanced two course lunches every day.

General

Children are required to bring a bag containing plimsolls, overall, towel (with loop for hanging), brush ad comb, small breakable cup, toothbrush and toothpaste. All these items need to be clearly labelled.

Fees

We are also in partnership with the Early Years education authority. Stanger Montessori operates early years government funding. The fees due are quoted for a term depending on how many weekly sessions are required and eligibility for funding. Please call for more fees information.

A full term’s fees are payable in advance and these are non-refundable even when the child is absent. (Fees can be paid half termly in special circumstances).

A full term’s notice of the child being removed from the school is required or a full term’s fees in lieu.

Registration

Stanger Montessori, for the most part remains a word of mouth business, with little need to advertise when parents reserve a placement for their child of one minute old!

Parents of children who have almost reached their first birthday should therefore register immediately to secure a place. There is a £15.00 registration fee (non-refundable) to guarantee a place for your child. Click here for The Stanger School of Montessori - Registration.pdf

Opening Hours

At the Stanger School of Montessori, the hours are from 9:00am – 3:00pm, as we adhere strongly to the Montessori philosophies.

The school day commences at 9am. For your child’s sake PLEASE BE PUNCTUAL.

Please note after school hours care is not provided.