Primary becomes first state Montessori school

Stebbing Primary School in Dunmow uses Montessori teaching methods alongside the national curriculum, from nursery through to year six.

The school is now in its fifth year of Montessori teaching, after initially introducing it in reception and Year 1.

The rural village school takes 117 children and was graded outstanding by Ofsted in June 2009.

Barbara Isaacs, senior accreditation officer of the Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation scheme, said awarding the MEAB to the school was 'an opportunity to see how they do it and recognise their commitment to the Montessori approach.'

Ms Isaacs said that the children follow the national curriculum but 'classroom management and teaching and learning have a different dynamic. All the teachers are very much behind it,' she said.

'Montessori allows children to manage their own learning using their interests. Children really learn to co-operate and work with each other as a team. It's a more flexible approach to learning. Children are keen to investigate and can inspire other children.'

Head teacher Karen Wallace said Montessori teaching has a lot in common with the best primary teaching.

'It's a combination of pure Montessori ethos and a more traditional way - a creative, independent learning approach. There's not a huge gap between good primary practice and good Montessori practice. They're very similar.'

She added, 'It takes a lot of planning and work on the part of the teachers, but children love it.'

Ms Wallace said children were 'a lot calmer' and more independent and 'productive' in the classroom, since Montessori was introduced.

'Independent learners take on responsibility for their own learning and the environment around them. Children are expected to move around the school in a calm and respectful way and have a lot of self-awareness about their role in the school community.'

The school has been awarded £7,000 by the Montessori St Nicholas charity to spend on ongoing development of Montessori teaching.

Apart from an initial grant, the school has not received any extra money. Ms Wallace said that while funding was an issue it should not be a barrier for primary schools considering the Montessori route.