If you are looking for a quick answer to your question on our approach to early education and the Montessori method we have provided a list of Frequently Asked Questions and their answers.
Any other questions you may have please feel free to call us on 01792 535919 or email liz@the-childrens-room.co.uk.
Click on the question to expand the answer.
> What is Montessori?
Maria Montessori was an Italian physician and educator, she was the first woman to graduate from the University of Rome medical school going onto treating children with special needs. She established schools for the disadvantaged children of working parents in Rome and approached their education as a scientist, using the classroom as her laboratory for observing children and finding ways to help them to achieve their full potential.
It soon became apparent that Dr. Montessori had developed a highly effective method of teaching which could be used with great success with each and every child. She began to travel the world, establishing schools, lecturing about her discoveries and writing many articles right up to her death in Holland in 1952 at the age of 82. She was a true pioneer of child-centred education. Her innovative classroom practices and ideas have had a profound influence on the education of young children all over the world.
Montessori saw that children learn best by doing and that happy self-motivated learners form positive images of themselves as confident, successful people. She created specially designed resources to foster independence and a love for learning from an early age. The Montessori approach is holistic and aims to develop the whole child. Fundamental to the approach is the belief that a child’s early years from birth to six are the period when they have the greatest capacity to learn. The Montessori approach is characterized by an emphasis on independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child’s natural psychological, physical, and social development.
http://www.montessori.org.uk/what_is_montessori
See our What is Montessori page
> Is the Children’s Room right for my child?
We know you want the best start in life for your child, The Children’s Room ensures this by applying the unique child-centred Montessori principles to your child’s early education. The Montessori method is now very much at the forefront of current educational thinking and we are the first accredited Montessori nursery to bring these principles to South Wales.
By providing the right environment, our staff concentrate on the goal of holistically developing the social and emotional intelligence of the child. Therefore it is not a play-group type of environment but one that prepares the children for the challenges of the future.
Why choose us?
- Montessori teaching and activities
- Pick up and drop off service from local schools
- Childcare vouchers accepted
- Open all year
- Free settling in sessions
- Outdoor play areas
- All staff CRB checked
- Consistent excellent CSSIW inspection reports
- Welsh speaking staff
- High teacher to child ratio
- Specialised baby floor from 3months+
- 3 floors catering to each age group
- Daily visits to the gardens located opposite the nursery
- We keep you updated with My Montessori Child, monthly newsletters and reports.
> Do you provide pick ups and drop-offs?
Yes we provide pick ups and drop-offs from schools in our local area. For more information please do not hesitate to contact us.
> How will you keep us updated on our child’s progress?
We post daily updates on our Facebook and Twitter page along with the News section on our website. We also send out monthly newsletters and reminders by email. Our nursery floor uses My Montessori Child an innovative system to provide parents with daily reports and observations on their child’s progress at nursery.
> Do you provide lunches?
We ask that all parents provide lunch each day for their child due to the diversity of nutritional needs at the nursery, we also feel that parents know what their child will enjoy. When your child starts at the nursery you will receive forms from us that ask to specify if your child has any dietary requirements, we then ensure each floor receives a copy of this and all staff are made aware.
> I am worried about leaving my child, how can you make this process easier?
All our staff are well trained and experienced in giving both parents and children the support they need to make the settling in process as stress free as possible. We even send photos and texts to parents to let them know how their child is getting on. If you child is on our nursery floor we also update you using My Montessori Child.
> What are your opening hours?
We are open 8.00am-6.00pm Monday-Friday for more information click here.
> Can I come to visit?
Yes we would love for you to have a look around our unique setting, please click Arrange a Viewing and we will work around a time that is best for you.