NURSERY FEATURE
Nurseries and Preschools – your ‘need to know’ guide By Liat Hughes-Joshi
More parents than ever send their children to preschool or nursery, thanks in part to free places for three and four-year-olds, and for some two-year-olds. Preschools and nurseries are about learning through play and their benefits can be significant, although there’s no obligation to sign up if you don’t think it will be right for your child.
SO WHAT ARE THE UPSIDES? Beyond the obvious – a few hours of childcare – preschool is a great way to get your little one used to being separated from you or other carers. It could also help them become familiar with an environment that’s more like school and some of the routines and behaviours expected there, such as sharing, listening and taking turns.
HOW CAN I CHOOSE THE RIGHT PRESCHOOL FOR MY CHILD? Speak to other local parents about their experiences and read Ofsted reports for the nurseries/ preschools you’re considering. Really though, there’s no substitute for taking a proper look around, meeting staff and seeing what your own impressions are.
HOW MANY HOURS A WEEK?
HOW MUCH FREE CHILDCARE AM I ENTITLED TO?
You don’t have to use up the full entitlement of 570 hours and could send your child for fewer if you think 15 hours a week is too much for them initially. Some parents find it works well to start off with just a couple of mornings weekly and build up to more (you will often have the possibility to pay for further hours beyond the entitlement).
All three and four-year-olds in England receive 570 hours per year of free childcare. This can be in a preschool, nursery or with a registered childminder and is normally taken as 15 hours weekly over 38 weeks, but there’s often flexibility on this.
Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and an author
Montessori education – an antidote to technology Written by Andrea Dalling of Andrea's Montessori and Tejas Earp of Nightingale 1 & 2 Montessori Nursery
Maria Montessori lived in an era of explosive technological and social change. She was an innovator who embraced change. When she invented her learning apparatus in the 19th century, technology existed, albeit not i-pads. Montessori education remains an antidote for technology in the 21st century. In the Montessori learning environment there is a cautious approach to the introduction of digital technology. We feel that digital experiences should not take the place of hands-on real time activities. They should complement rather than dominate the learning process.
through practical exercises such as pouring liquid or solids from one jug to the other or polishing and cleaning activities.
UNDERSTANDING WHY CHILDREN WANT TO LEARN The objective is principally ‘motivation’ to inspire learning. Children demand freedom to choose activities and thrive when allowed control over their own choices. “Activate the child’s own desire to learn in a prepared environment”. M. Montessori Today children are exposed and are choked with enormous data in the technological world they live in, constantly absorbing information and images, which have to be processed. Adults/teachers need to demonstrate how to reduce such exposure and show how to develop awareness of the natural environment through use of Montessori materials.
Developing fine motor skills at Nightingale Montessori Nursery
USING YOUR SENSES When we look at the areas of learning in a Montessori-prepared environment, the children explore through using their senses. The Montessori materials encourage the child to develop eye-hand coordination, concentration, fine and gross motor movements. There are the sensorial, practical life, cultural, mathematical and literacy areas of learning in a Montessori environment. The children are free to choose and explore activities until they master their skills through handling the Montessori materials. These materials are made of wood, so that children explore the real texture and weight of each apparatus. The children also engage in activities that help them develop independence and confidence
Familiesonline.co.uk | 020 8696 9680 | Jan/Feb 2017
SLOW DOWN AND THINK FOR YOURSELF We strongly believe Maria Montessori gave us the solution and her work is more relevant today than ever. Children in the Montessori classroom have the chance to slow down and think for themselves, make choices and learn using real natural materials such as wood, metal or even glass. Numerous activities offer opportunity to learn and develop children’s everyday practical and academic skills. Andrea's Montessori, a home-based childcare setting specialising in providing care to babies and toddlers, has established a partnership with the local nursery schools Nightingale 1 & 2 Montessori Nurseries. All three settings believe in delivering high quality Montessori care and are Accredited by the MEAB (Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation Board). 37