Duties
In my capacity as head teacher I am responsible for the overall, day-to-day running of the school and maintaining its ethos.
We place a great deal of emphasis on a child being allowed to take charge of his or her learning. We aim to provide an environment where children are free to develop their own personalities and independence. They can choose whether to work by themselves or in groups, depending on what they are doing.
In line with this, we do not set classrooms up with pre-arranged activities. Rooms are bare when the children enter and it is left up to them to decide what they want to do, what equipment they want to use and whether they wish to work on the floor or a table. These rooms are user-friendly with everything at child height. We have also tried to allow in as much natural light as possible.
Children are given as much time as they need to play and experiment with any chosen item. They make the decision when to have a snack and whether to join a story group or singing group.
I work closely with our team of Montessori teachers. They devise individual work plans for each child on a six-weekly basis and I have input to these, and ensure that they link with each area of the Foundation Stage curriculum.
In addition to supervising staff, I am involved in planning internal staff meetings, bringing prospective parents into the school and explaining how we work, and ordering school materials and food. I also oversee our school budget and organise the petty cash.
In addition to our regular staff we have a steady flow of student teachers passing through the school. Many are sent from the Maria Montessori Institute, and come to observe the children and complete set tasks which enable them to gain the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) diploma.
I have been in this position for five years.
Likes/dislikes
I enjoy being part of a process that gives children so much freedom. The Montessori approach provides them with keys to explore the world around them. It is rewarding to see children developing their concentration, becoming problem solvers and growing to become members of their community.
One thing I occasionally dislike about this job is having to counter people's pre-conceived notions about the Montessori approach. I encourage people to gather reliable information about Montessori and then make up their own minds.
Best achievement
It's difficult to pinpoint a single achievement, because if feels as if there are so many every week. There is a lot of satisfaction to be gained from being part of children's lives and seeing them progress.
A high point for me personally was when I achieved my Montessori Diploma.
Training
I have an NNEB, Montessori Diploma AMI and recently completed an Institute of Leadership and Management course.
I have also attended many in-house courses related to child development and good practice.
Career path
I started my working life as a student practitioner in a community nursery, where I eventually gained a post.
When I had completed my NNEB I worked for social services and stayed in this sector for nine years, working across three different London boroughs.
With each job change I earned a promotion, moving from nursery officer to senior nursery officer.
I left the public sector to work in a private nursery as deputy manager and then moved to a similar role in a community nursery.
After this I went back to college to train as a Montessori teacher. After the course I worked as a manager in a Montessori daycare centre, before taking up my current role.
Career progression
I am currently studying for an early years foundation degree and would like to follow this up with further study, with a view to progressing within Montessori.
Advice
It's important to keep abreast of childcare developments both within and outside of Montessori teaching, and be open to other sorts of training possibilities.
There is a lot of scope for individuals to work their way up the hierarchy within Montessori. If you are hard-working and flexible, enjoy what you do and are able to work on your own initiative, then you should in time be able to move into a senior role.
Interest/hobbies
I enjoy knitting, sewing, swimming and spending time with my family. I also do some voluntary work for the Montessori Society. NW
Further information:
* http://www.montessori-uk.org
* http://www. mariamontessori.org
* http://www.montessori-ami.org
* http://www.montessorimagazine.com
