The Montessori Partnership, which specialises in Early Years Education, has seen a notable rise in interest in its courses during the lockdown, with applicants ranging from professionals on furlough to recent grads and women returners: all seeking to study on the Level 8 course and become a Montessori practitioner.
The Partnership’s flexible and distance learning model appeals to anyone seeking to fit their training around their current job or childcare responsibilities. The popular L8 Diploma can be studied over three years with many doing it in less time.
The Montessori Method promotes the popular child-centred approaches and is recognised internationally. It was first founded by Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori, who created her own model after extensive research with children, including those with special needs. The method prioritises purposeful activity, curated experiences, and constructive self-chosen activity through which children are encouraged to be curious and develop at their own pace.
Montessori Partnership’s learning is structured into three components: Underpinning Educational Theory, taught online with a dedicated tutor, Practical Handling of Materials for Learning, taught in a workshop setting and teaching practice placement to deliver first-hand experience.
Students will learn how to support learning across all the early years curriculum areas including literacy and numeracy with the focus on developing independent children who from day one can wash their hands, tie their laces and tidy up after themselves.
This child-centred approach enables Montessori-educated children to regulate their behaviour, respect their environment and have compassion for other people.
Helen Prochazka, PhD, Director, of Montessori Partnership says: “Remote learning is nothing new, we’ve been doing this for more than 30 years! In the current circumstances, remote learning projects should be embraced, especially among those who have relished being at home and being involved in your children’s learning.
“Becoming a qualified Montessori teacher offers manifold benefits – not only can you embark on a very rewarding career, but it can also help your own children and indeed yourself where you embark on a journey of self-discovery which can be hugely rewarding and enriching.”
The course has been designed to offer flexibility and accessibility. It can be started at any time and costs £5,500 which can be paid upfront with a discount or spread out over monthly instalments.
Graduating students will typically go on to set up their own nursery, school or child-minding service, while many others use their learning to inform home-schooling.
Former student and mum of three, Lucy Prentice from Glasgow shares her learning experience of studying on the Montessori Partnership’s most popular Level 8 course.
Lucy says: “As a military family with three children under nine, I was used to navigating life with many moving parts as we grappled with juggling work and family responsibilities with relocating from place to place and even living separately at times. My experience with Montessori Partnership has been life-changing, it has without doubt, provided my family with greater stability and focus and gives me the option of a rewarding career.”
Find out more by visiting: www.montessoripartnership.com
