Montessori Method plans expansion to state education

The Montessori Method of education is fighting back from its privileged position to become a standard teaching technique in state schools.

The method was originally developed by Maria Montessori in 1907 Rome. She believed that children from birth to age six had the greatest capacity to learn. She developed core principles allowing children freedom to develop and learn through self discipline and independence.

There are 700 Montessori primary schools and nurseries in the UK, but until recently have only been available to fee paying parents and carers.

The Montessori St. Nicholas Charity is now aiming to make the educational method available to all by having a Montessori trained specialist on staff in all state primary schools.

A new Montessori maintained sector school in London is also planned for 2012.

Chief Executive of Montessori, Philip Bujak said:  “Time and again the positive results of the Montessori teaching method are evident and we see no reason why these should be exclusively available to those who can afford private education.  In the words of M&S, it should be “exclusively for everyone.”  We acknowledge these are ambitious targets but we have been encouraged by the response so far from the maintained sector and believe these are absolutely achievable”.

For more information about Montessori, visit www.montessori.org.uk