Placement Information:

The 'Montessori Method' was founded by Maria Montessori within the early 1900's; she believed that children learnt best when given freedom the play within an Environment. Within Montessori Schools children do not learn through being told but through understanding by choosing, trying and doing things for themselves with the support of an adult where needed. This support is different within a Montessori setting to what it would be within the general nursery or pre- school setting as staff do not control or make a child do something which is not wanted to be done during a particular activity. 

 

Nottingham Montessori School is a small setting as a Day Nursery which consists of a baby unit, toddler room and pre-school room but the Montessori school is only used within the pre-school room where children are aged 2 1/2 - 4 1/2 (before start school). The Pre-School room is based upstairs  within the building so have one room based for the Montessori Work but also one room based for the Creative and Role play side of the Curriculum; they follow the Montessori Curriculum but also the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure children are prepared for school but developing a variety of new skills along with the knowledge of particular areas; within the montessori room they have a lot of specific Montessori toys (often wooden and mathematical), where nothing is set out for the children to do, so this becomes clear that the children have the freedom but also the choice to take part in any activity they wish. The staff will say to the children to get their mats out and do their Montessori work where the children then go off and choose the items which they wish to use changing them as they please without staff saying what can and cannot be used.

When in the Montessori School if a child was to ask whether they could do a particular activity or get a particular toy to play with, you have to say yes, as you have to let the child do what they would like (within safety reasons).

 

Alongside the setting there is a small outdoor area where children are able to let out some energy whether its generally running around, riding bikes, on scooters or even slides. The children tend to use their imagination with one particular object outdoors .... Instead of using it as a slide the children use it as an Ice- Cream shop due to the layout of the steps to the slide.

 

Along with the Pre-school being the Montessori school so follow the complete Montessori method; the complete setting (Day Nursery) has a variety of children with different ethnic backgrounds; there is a fair amount of children who are capable of speaking two languages (their home language but also English) and some who came into the setting with no English at all so staff have worked alongside the Children and their parents to develop there English to allow interaction to become less difficult. Being apart of this setting has been an extrodinary experience as it has allowed a development of the understanding of the Montessori method but also just how well staff work alongside children and their parents.

 

The staff within this setting are all extremely friendly and welcoming, willing to provide you with anything you may need and also answer any questions which you wish to be answered. All staff who work within the Montessori School have had Montessori Training- to become fully qualified within this particular area; having this knowledge Jeanette who works in this room has been very helpful providing information around the method and also answering any questions or queries.   

 

This setting allows you to gain an extrodinary experience partically if you have never experienced how a Montessori School is set out and ran; it allows you to develop so many new skills but also allows you to see just how the children do develop from repeating specific tasks or activities. This setting provides the correct amount of resources within the Montessori room to ensure all children gain and achieve the best and once a child is spotted doing something which they may not normally do or learn for themselves how to use a resource correctly it is noted down in their folder.      

 

Some resources within the Montessori School which the Children use for their Montessori work (Wooden and Mathematical). These are set out in exactly this way to ensure all children have easy access to each resource which they may want to have a go with.

 

   No adult intervention for this - two children worked together and completed this picture using plastic pins.

 

Montessori resource - Pouring water from the tea pot into smaller objects (the egg cups) - Space and Measurement .... also becoming familiar with surfaces (the sponge).

Accommodation:

There is accommodation within Hucknall but a bigger choice of hotels are based within the Nottingham area. If you are wanting a cheap stay in a basic accommodation; Premier Inn in Hucknall from as little as £29 a night is best - This can be found at: http://www.premierinn.com/en/search!execute.action.- These can also be found within the Nottingham area.

 

For a more expensive option you could stay in a more luxury hotel, which can be found at:http://www.booking.com. - This will result in you paying around £50-£100 per night. 

 

Premier Inn hotel Hucknall.

Transport:

There is a large car park at the entrance of the building which is easily accessable with space to park your car safely if you wish to drive.

When travelling by car, if using the postcode, this will take you to a cold-der-sac so is difficult to find, advice is to stay on the main road (High street) which brings you through Hucknall town Centre and then continue round the natural bend ...... on the right is Nottingham Montessori school which is clearly noticeable from the road due to the sign.

 

Other forms of transport include the Rainbow 3 -  This is caught from Victoria Centre Bus Station Nottingham which will take you directly to Hucknall , best place to get off is at the market in Hucknall  (press bell when bus passes the Byron Cinema) and Nottingham Montessori school is across the road.

 

You can also catch the Tram or Train to Hucknall but this consists of a slight walk up to Nottingham Montessori School. If you catch the tram then make sure it says "Hucknall" , When get off at Hucknall (last stop) walk up the steps at the train station onto Station Road, continue along Station Road and then turn right onto the High Street .... Follow the High Street and then turn right onto Baker Street ..... and then you will see Nottingham Montessori School on your right. (Just generally follow the main road round till you reach it).

 

If catching the train you will need to get this from Nottingham Train Station and get on the one which says Worksop as this is the only one which passes through Hucknall .... When get off at Hucknall follow same directions to walk as above for the Tram.

 

See Prices and length of time takes under the pictures!!!

 

[note - pictures have been removed due to possible copyright infringement]

Rainbow 3 bus = 30 mins Nottingham - Hucknall ; Single = £2.00 , Return = £3.90 (may change)

Hucknall Tram = 30 mins Nottingham - Hucknall ... 10 - 15 min walk to setting; Single = £1.70 (£2.50 before 9.30am), Return (All Day) = £3.20 (may change)

Social life:

Hucknall does not have a great deal to do so it is always best to head into Nottingham City Centre where it has a lot of day time activities like: The Caves of Nottingham, Nottingham Castle, The Capital FM Arena (Iceskating, shows...) , Cineworld and many many shops.The night life within Nottingham City is fantastic with a mixture of pubs and clubs to enjoy.

 

Whilst on placement at Nottingham Montessori school, you may wish to get out for a bit on your lunch so there is a variety of places where you can get food from within Hucknall along with the odd shops which you may enjoy a look around.

 

Things to do, things not to do:

Thing to do:

• Arrange a visit the week before you start your placement to become familiar with the setting but also to introduce yourself to staff within the setting to allow you to get to know them but also so they know what days you will be attending.
• At this visit check what they would like you to wear to ensure appropriate clothing is worn.
• Ensure you are aware of the lunch arrangements within your setting - For example: how long entitled to, time to go?
• Discuss with staff the times which they would like you to attend whilst you are within the setting.           
• If not mentioned discuss the use of photography - am i allowed to take photographs as evidence of the kind of work done? 
• Be polite to all staff, make them aware of your role whilst you are there.

 

Things not to do:

• Do not just turn up and go home, whenever you want. 
• Do not just sit there - ensure you are interacting with the children.
• Do not keep yourself to yourself  - talk to staff (they are really friendly) and join in and interact with the children              

                        

Useful Contacts:

  Nottingham Montessori School:

Address: Nottingham Montessori School, Baby Unit & Nursery

              The Whitehouse, 2 Connery, Hucknall, Nottingham, NG15 7AH

 

Tel: 0115 964 0001

Fax: 0115 956 8369 

E-Mail: Nottinghammontessori1@yahoo.co.uk

Before you go:

Before starting your placement at this setting:

•  A visit (if in England) is recommended to allow you the opportunity to introduce yourself to the staff but also familiarise yourslef with the building and room which will be working within. Also this will give you the opportunity to see exactly how long it takes and where you are going to ensure you are not late on your first day.
• Ensure you tell staff within the setting that you want to work within the Montessori School throughout your time there to ensure you receive the best experience possible.
• Ensure you are aware of the dress code for the setting.
• Do some background research on the Country that you will be completing for your poster and Assignment but also about the setting itself so that you are aware of what you are looking for as evidence.
• Get in touch with previous Childhood Studies students who have already been to this setting to find out more about the setting and how it works.

 

The setting is lovely so you will be welcomed in so make sure you get stuck in with the children and do not just sit around not interacting. Overall make sure your prepared, gain the best experience which you can and ENJOY!!!!!!

Costs