Placement Information

Derby Montessori School is situated in a large renovated Victorian house, surrounded by a small woodland glade, and a small garden surrounding the back of the building.

From my first day the setting was very welcoming and friendly, you get a sense that all the staff, teachers and the children are genuinely happy to be there and enjoy their time in the setting.

The style of teaching is very different to mainstream schools in the UK. They offer a holistic and integrated approach to both education and childcare by following Maria Montessori's method. Montessori believed that children learn best when they are given the freedom to decide and play within their enviroment. Also a key element of Montessori's philosophy is observations with a limited amount of adult interference. You should only help a child if they ask for your help.

Whilst I was there I worked with all three areas of the school, the toddler community (0-3), children's house (3-5) and cosmic education (6-7, school years 1 &2). All areas of the school followed the Montessori philosophy, and i found it very interesting to observe how the philosophy is implemented in each area. I felt all the children at the setting were very confident and outgoing and i believe this is down to the fact they have control over their education and have the choice to decided what they want to do and when they want to do it. by having less adult interference they child can learn at their own pace and work out problem solving by themselves which would give them a sense of pride.

Accommodation

Due to the fact Derby Montessori School is closer to my home, I stayed there during my time at the setting, however as the setting is close to the city centre there are a range of hotels and bed and breakfasts located all over the city.

Transport

The school is on a main road towards Royal Derby Hospital, so buses are every 5-10 minutes. Buses also run into town regularly but it is also just a short walk.

In derby city centre there is a train station which travels to most parts of the country and a bus station which distributes coaches to most parts of the country too.

Social life

Things to do, things not to do

Things to do:

• ensure you contact or visit the setting before you start
• ensure you understand what you need to take with you, what you need to wear
• read up on Montessori's philosophy- this will help you to understand the settings approach more.
• understand your role and make yourself known to all the staff
• ensure you have the correct consent to carry out your research
• discuss the days/times you are able to attend- they are very flexible

Things not to do:

• Dont arrive/leave without consent and without signing in/out
• Dont be shy- interact with staff and parents 
• Dont be late
• Dont be rude
• Dont do anything- ensure your being pro-active and interacting with the children
• Dont shy away from responsibilities/opportunities 

Useful Contacts

Before you go

Make sure you are prepared! What to wear, where to go, who to report to, what you need to get out of the placement in terms of university work, what they expect of you.

Make sure you enjoy your time there and get as much out of it as possible. 

Costs