Work Matters: Management Focus - Boost for Montessori

A new early years degree with a specialism in Montessori practice is now giving managers and senior practitioners the opportunity to update their knowledge and refresh their skills in this area.

The first cohort of nine graduates were recently awarded their BA in Early Years Montessori by Greenwich University in association with the Kent and Sussex Montessori Centre.

Termed a 'top-up degree', the course comprises the Montessori centre's one-year Diploma course (accepted by the OU as the first year of a degree), one year of the Montessori foundation degree and a final year of theory and practice.

Julie Pell, owner and manager of Saxbys Montessori Nursery in Cowden, Kent, believes the degree has deepened her understanding of Montessori and given her the confidence to try new ideas and continually improve her setting. Ms Pell has operated her nursery from her home for the past 16 years and it was graded outstanding by Ofsted this year. She welcomed the opportunity to extend her knowledge of Montessori practice and was particularly keen to apply this to her use of the outdoors. Her nursery had the advantage of being situated in seven acres of grounds with enclosed play areas, paddocks, woodland and ponds.

Ms Pell began her higher studies by completing the Montessori foundation degree in Early Years and then went on to do the Diploma and the final third year.

She says, 'As a mature student, embarking on the course was daunting, but tutors at the Kent and Sussex Montessori Centre were very supportive and encouraging, and gave me the confidence to go for it. Most of the lectures were held at the Montessori college, and the relaxed and informal learning environment really helped me to get the most from the course. I was able to access funding from the CWDC and the Graduate Leader Fund through Kent County Council, which enabled me to afford to take time out from the nursery to attend lectures, study and buy course materials, which made the whole thing possible.'

Ms Pell was also able to undertake the modules leading to Early Years Professional Status at the same time. 'I now feel I have the knowledge and experience to provide the best environment for the children at my setting,' she says.

Other staff at the nursery have also been encouraged to qualify. 'My deputy manager has successfully updated her Montessori Early Teaching Diploma to Level 4,' she says. 'All my staff would be very keen to develop their knowledge through further studies, although funding may be a barrier as it becomes subject to new scrutiny in these difficult times.'

The Kent and Sussex Montessori Centre is currently negotiating with another university to offer the degree.

Further information

www.kentandsussexmontessoricentre.co.uk.