When Bassett House was founded by Sylvia Rentoul in 1947, she developed her small school paying close attention to the Montessori method. Fast forward to the present day and Bassett House Nursery School still prides itself on incorporating many aspects of the Montessori philosophy in teaching methods for our youngest learners. Using this method we encourage our children to make their own choices, build confidence and self-esteem and foster their creativity and independence. Through this, we create a foundation for life-long learning.
A Montessori Nursery School
A Montessori Nursery is set up and run on the educational principles originally developed by Maria Montessori in the early 20th century. The Montessori approach is holistic, aiming to develop the whole child. Fundamental to the approach is the belief that a child’s early years from birth to six are the period when they have the greatest capacity to learn.
We provide an environment in which children develop on an individual basis guided from within by their natural curiosity and with the careful guidance of our experienced Montessori teachers. We see the early years as a preparation for life and a foundation for everything which follows.
Who was Maria Montessori?
Born in 1870 in Italy, she was the first woman to graduate as a doctor of medicine from the University of Rome. This led her to focus on children with learning difficulties. Rather than seeing herself as a traditional educator, she approached education scientifically, using the classroom as a lab to observe children and test new ideas.
Montessori believed that a warm, secure environment helps children absorb information best. She saw that children learn best through hands-on experiences and developed resources that encouraged independence and a love of learning.
Her method proved highly effective, and she spent her life traveling the world, establishing schools, lecturing, and writing until her death in 1952. Montessori’s innovative practices have deeply influenced global early childhood education.
Why do we use the Montessori Method?
We use it because it is effective. Alongside other methods and techniques, it has a proven successful track record in the early years of child development in maximising each child’s own abilities. It provides a very solid foundation and academic base for children at the start of their school life. Many independent schools have successfully incorporated Montessori methods into their delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum.
Our partners in Montessori Practice
We are lucky enough to have Montessori experts within the Dukes Education family, from whom we draw inspiration and advice. Our Early Years department undergo a mock inspection every year by Aimee Kimbell, Montessori expert and Principal of Riverside Nursery Schools, a group of five beautiful Montessori nurseries in west London. Our staff all have access to the Little Dukes Training Academy, which offers Montessori training accredited by the Montessori Centre International, free of charge for Dukes team members.
