At Chagford Montessori, we follow Maria Montessori’s philosophy, using a wide range of materials to support children’s interests in learning, creativity, and exploration. Sessions also build confidence through real-life and social experiences.
Premises
Chagford Montessori is located in a converted bungalow on the edge of Chagford Town, close to Chagford Primary School. The nursery comprises one main classroom, child size toilets, a small room and music room. We have two secure outside spaces: a playground with climbing frame and slide, a mud cafe, Wendy House and giant xylophone. In the garden there is a grassed area, stage for performances and winding paths though mature shrubs. We have a pet guinea pig which the children look after.
The nursery was established in 1997 by a local parent for their own child to attend. Ruth Beck took over the nursery in 2007, when her children were nursery age. Ruth is a committed Montessorian and passionate early childhood practitioner who spends most days working directly with the children. Ruth is accompanied by a wonderful team of committed early childhood practitioners who bring their own specialisms to the setting.
Our staff team
Ruth Beck (MA Ed., BA(hons), Montessori International Diploma, EYPS) Owner & Manager, Designated Safeguarding Officer, SENDCO
Rachael Skilton (Montessori International Diploma) Deputy, Montessori Teacher
Naomi Waterman (PGCE Early Years) Early Years Educator
Jemma Baxter (Level 3) Early Years Educator
All staff are Paediatric First Aid trained.
Mission Statement
At Chagford Montessori Nursery school we celebrate the unique qualities and contribution of each individual.
The Chagford Montessori Nursery School is committed to providing a calm, happy, healthy and safe environment that will enable every child, aged between two and six years to cultivate his/her own natural desire to learn.
The Nursery School is child centred. Each child is allowed to learn and develop at his/her own pace. We provide a thoughtfully prepared learning environment that encourages children to make choices, to take pride in their own achievements and grow in independence. This builds their self-esteem, confidence and most importantly a lifelong love of learning.
We embrace and promote the educational philosophy developed by Dr Maria Montessori that fulfils the national requirement for the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Curriculum
Each child has a key person, who’s role it is to get to know the child, help them feel settled and liaise with their parents. The key person plans next steps based on each child’s interests, both Montessori and supplementary activities.
We have combined the Prime Areas of the EYFS (left column) with the Montessori principles (top row), to create this table showing what we work towards children achieving during their time with us.
The curriculum is adapted to the needs of each individual child and will progress at a pace that suits them.
A Typical Day
When children arrive for the morning session, they remove their own coats and shoes and change into their own indoor foot ware. They register themselves and then enter the classroom and choose an activity from the ‘prepared environment’. Their activity session lasts approximately 2 ½ hours. During this time children are free to join in other activities, such as going into the garden, participating in cooking, craft activities, role play, stories and have their ‘self- service’ snack. Circle time occurs at the end of the morning when we sing nursery rhymes. The children then go to the toilet and wash their hands for lunch. After lunch we all go into the playground for some fresh air and exercise for approximately one hour. After this, we go to the music room for a group activity, such as a topic related discussion, music & movement and sharing news. Afternoon snack is at 3pm before the children gather for stories and home time. About Montessori
Record Keeping and Assessment
We use Tapestry, a secure online platform to share our observations with parents. Once every half term parents receive a summary of their child’s learning and development, with links to Montessori activities, the EYFS and photos. If we have concerns about your child’s behaviour or progress, we will discuss this privately with you.
Outings and visitors
We go on outings every term, to the Community Allotment, the Church and the Library. We let parents know in advance of any planned outings and they are welcome to accompany us. We invite parents and visitors in to talk to the children to supplement topics and themes.