Named after its founder, Dr Maria Montessori, the Montessori method is an educational philosophy based on child-centred learning that was developed in the early 20th century by this visionary, Italian physician. It is much more than just an educational approach – it is a way of raising children and for many, it is a way of life.

Having become the first female to graduate in medicine at the University of Rome, Italy in 1896, Montessori had the opportunity to make extensive scientific, observational studies into the way children learn and react to the world around them. She pioneered a series of holistic education methods and principles that have been widely celebrated and followed across the world by many different cultures and nationalities for more than 100 years. Her methods have stood the test of time and she was nominated for three Nobel peace prizes (1949, 1950 and 1951)!

The Montessori approach is characterized by an emphasis on independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child’s natural physcological and social development. Its ultimate goal is to assist each child in reaching their full potential, at their own pace, via a natural desire and joy of learning.

In contrast to traditional nurseries where children follow a pre-determined curriculum, led and instructed by the teacher, Montessori offers the child the chance to be guided as an independent learner. The Montessori approach is inquiry based learning, where the focus is on the process rather than passing an exam.

Children absorb their surroundings and choose their own materials to work with, based on their individual interests and abilities, in a carefully prepared environment. The teacher acts as a ‘directress’ - a guide, facilitator and mentor, respecting and observing each child’s unique abilities. Children learn freely, amongst others of mixed age and nationality, using traditional, multi sensory, Montessori learning materials with no time constraints or limits (within reason).

All children are intrinsically motivated to learn, they absorb knowledge without effort when provided with the right kind of activities, at the right time in their development. This is especially key in the first six years of their life when unconscious learning is gradually brought to a conscious level.