Our Curriculum

The quality of educational provision was praised highly in our latest OFSTED inspection report (2006) and Accreditation report (2008).

Our curriculum ties in with all the areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The method of teaching at the Little Learners Montessori School is based on the Montessori Method of Early Education. The apparatus is interesting and stimulating and makes learning fun and easy. The curriculum consists of:

Practical Life: These activities promote independence, co-ordination and fine/gross motor skills. They also develop the child's concentration and dexterity. Amongst other things, the children have an opportunity to set the table, polish articles, carry out water exercises, do and undo zips, buttons, poppers, laces and buckles. They have many opportunities to discuss why things happen and how things work.

Sensorial Activities: These attractive materials are designed to stimulate each of the senses and to develop the ability to make fine discrimination. They are designed to heighten the child's awareness of the world around him/her. Children enjoy exploring materials of different shapes, textures and sizes. They have opportunities to play with sound and colour boxes, which enable them to respond to what they see, hear, smell, touch and feel.

Language and Literacy Activities: Early language experience is gained by encouraging children to talk about their experiences, listen to stories, read books and through participation in rhymes and songs.
Every child is taught the phonetic sounds and shapes of letters. The child then progresses to 'build' words using specially designed Montessori materials, which lead on to writing and reading. When ready, the child is introduced to the Montessori Reading Scheme.

Mathematical Activities: The Montessori method of teaching ensures children enjoy activities such as matching, grading and pairing. Children use the geometric cabinet to describe shape, position and size. When the child's interest in numbers has been developed through sensorial activities and sandpaper numbers he/she is introduced to more complex maths activities. These include recognising and writing numbers, sequencing, quantifying, addition and subtraction.

Cultural Activities: Children are encouraged to take an active interest in the world around them at all times e.g. the changing of the seasons, current affairs, personal news, other cultures e.t.c. Children study plants and animals to foster a love for growing and living things. We have Montessori apparatus to specifically teach the children about geography, science and history.

Art and Craft Activities: Children are free to express themselves through painting, drawing, crayoning, sticking and cutting. Topical craft activities are done by the children to take home.

Music and Movement: Singing, action rhymes and dancing are part of everyday life at Little Learners Montessori School. We have a range of musical instruments for the children to investigate different sounds and rhythms.

Computer Activities: We have a personal computer for the children, with a range of simple educational programmes. These include language, mathematics, shape recognition and investigative programs. Children at Little Learners learn to use various ICT equipment, including dance mat and BeeBot.

Physical Activities: All children are invited to join in with our physical activities. These include group games, keep fit sessions, skipping, parachute games, going for walks, playing musical chairs and many more.