Parent led group campaigning for State funded Montessori School for Brighton and Hove
Parents of children attending the Brighton and Hove Montessori School have established a committee to campaign for the establishment of a state funded Montessori school in the city. The campaign seeks to fulfil two key requirements for the city – more state primary school places and an accessible and affordable choice to parents of a Montessori education.
“Many parents of children coming up to reception in Brighton and Hove are aware that there is a severe lack of places at primary school level, in particular in certain areas of the city. As parents of children receiving a Montessori education, we are passionate about the Montessori approach and would like to see the school grow to encompass many more children to benefit from the academic, social and emotional excellence it provides”, commented parent and committee member Kristin Magnuson.
A well respected teaching philosophy established by Maria Montessori in early 20th century Italy, the Montessori method has spread worldwide and continues to be an excellent educational and social environment for children. In essence, the Montessori method places the child, rather than the teacher at the centre of his or her own learning with an emphasis on the child’s creative, inner potential rather than externally pre-defined (teacher led) targets.
A study published in the journal Science suggests that children who attend Montessori schools may have an edge over other children in terms of both academic and social development. In the UK National Survey of Provision for 4 year olds, Montessori came at the forefront both in language and literacy and in mathematics. A University of London study found that Montessori children aged 5 showed positive social and behavioural development and attained high scores in reading and maths against national averages with no gender difference in attainment.
The key advantages of a Montessori education include:
- Nurtures independent thinking and learning.
- Small class sizes and experienced staff enable excellence in every child
- Expansion and enrichment on National Curriculum at each key stage
- Evaluation of progress without testing
- Promotion of respect for self, community and environment
The Brighton and Hove Montessori Schools Foundation are currently looking for members and in particular want to establish a Board of Trustees to help drive the campaign for the first State funded Montessori school in Brighton and Hove. Anyone who is interested is asked to contact the committee at info@brighton-montessori.org.uk
Learning the Montessori way is, literally, learning for life.
Contact details: info@brighton-montessori.org.uk
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