Here are some questions many parents have before they start their child in a Montessori centre.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any other questions you may have, we are more than happy to help.
Q. How often is my child expected to attend?
A. Your child is expected to attend the full day from 8:45 am – 2:45 pm. We offer 4- or 5-day enrolments.
We do this as we have found any less days to be disruptive to the child, other children and to the teachers. Children settle quickly on 4- or 5-day enrolments and also have more opportunities to be part of every aspect of being at preschool
Q. Do you offer afterschool care?
A. Our teachers are on site until 4pm. Any additional care is on a prearranged basis.
Q. At what age should my child leave for school?
A. We advocate for children to stay until they turn 6. If transitioning to the Montessori Primary Unit, children do need to stay until 6. Otherwise, children benefit greatly from the last year of preschool and are able to transition to any primary school at 6 years old. In the final year our 5-year-olds get to be part of our extended programme as well as amazing leadership opportunities. Even if you do not wish to continue with Montessori, you can speak with our teachers who will be able to tell you if they think your child is ready to move on or not. Some children do need a little bit longer to be ready than others.
Q. Do you take children after their fourth birthday?
A. This is on a case-by-case basis. Preference will be given to those intending to continue with Montessori education at Primary school. We do take children after their 4th birthday, but this is dependent on spaces available.
Q. How do you foster my child’s learning?
A. Children are intrinsic learners, they are natural explorers and have a desire to learn. Montessori is a child-lead philosophy. The Montessori Teacher, carefully prepares a rich learning environment, where children can follow their natural drive to learn. Teachers build strong relationships with the children, to find out what the child’s interests are. They will know how to guide the child to the next level. Each term we study an additional topic, drawn from the children’s interests. This learning includes class trips and having speakers come to visit us at preschool.
Q. How will I know what my child has been doing?
A. In the afternoon, when you pick up your child you are invited into our classroom environment. At this time you will find your child may wish to show you something they have done during the day that they enjoyed. You can also talk to the teachers at this time with any questions or concerns you have. When you drop your child off at the gate in the morning you will be met by one of our teachers. This is also a chance for you to talk to the teacher about anything they need to know for the day or that you would like to know from them. We also use Storypark to share children’s learning.
Q. What information do you have available for me to decide if I want to continue with Montessori Education?
A. We are just down the road from Berhampore School which has a Montessori unit within the state school. This provides education for 6-12 year olds, we have a copy of the Berhampore school booklet available. Berhampore School also runs parent information evenings for those interested in continuing the Montessori journey.
Q. Why do I drop my child off at the gate?
A. We follow the original idea of Maria Montessori, who founded a “Casa de Bambini” meaning a house for children. The school is the children’s space where adults are treated as visitors. By farewelling the children at the gate, they can learn how to greet the teachers, sort their own belongings, and start the day with their friends, without parent interruption. At the end of the day parents come in to pick up their child, allowing the child to show what they have been working on. This is also an opportunity to talk to the teachers.