Work Matters: Management Focus - Boost for Montessori

A new early years degree with a specialism in Montessori practice is now giving managers and senior practitioners the opportunity to update their knowledge and refresh their skills in this area.

The first cohort of nine graduates were recently awarded their BA in Early Years Montessori by Greenwich University in association with the Kent and Sussex Montessori Centre.

Termed a 'top-up degree', the course comprises the Montessori centre's one-year Diploma course (accepted by the OU as the first year of a degree), one year of the Montessori foundation degree and a final year of theory and practice.

Julie Pell, owner and manager of Saxbys Montessori Nursery in Cowden, Kent, believes the degree has deepened her understanding of Montessori and given her the confidence to try new ideas and continually improve her setting. Ms Pell has operated her nursery from her home for the past 16 years and it was graded outstanding by Ofsted this year. She welcomed the opportunity to extend her knowledge of Montessori practice and was particularly keen to apply this to her use of the outdoors. Her nursery had the advantage of being situated in seven acres of grounds with enclosed play areas, paddocks, woodland and ponds.