Fountain Of Knowledge Montessori Nursery School

Welcome to the Fountain of Knowledge Montessori Nursery School, a thriving and inclusive educational establishment that has been dedicated to providing exceptional early years education for children aged 6 months to 5 years for over two decades. Our ethos is deeply rooted in the Montessori philosophy, which advocates for the development of each child's social, emotional, and intellectual well-being within a friendly, safe, and nurturing "prepared environment." Our experienced and passionate team of educators works tirelessly to create an enabling environment that fosters independence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Our Approach

At the heart of our approach is the understanding that each child is a unique individual with their own interests, learning style, and pace. We strive to create a learning environment that supports their individual needs and abilities, enabling them to flourish and reach their full potential. Our "prepared environment" approach is grounded in the Montessori philosophy of fostering independence, self-motivation, and the development of practical life skills. We believe that when children learn to perform daily tasks independently, they develop a sense of competence, confidence, and self-discipline that serves them well throughout their lives.

In addition to our Montessori methods, we also incorporate elements of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, which emphasises the importance of play-based learning, child-initiated activities, and the development of key skills such as problem-solving, communication, and social interaction. We believe that children learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process, and our approach encourages them to make choices, explore, and experiment in a safe and supportive environment.

At the Fountain of Knowledge Montessori Nursery School, we understand that children are unique individuals with different learning styles, interests, and developmental phases. To support each child's individual learning journey, we also draw upon the concept of "Cultural Capital" from the Development Matters framework, which emphasises the importance of providing children with the tools and experiences they need to grow and develop. We work closely with parents and carers to understand each child's unique needs, interests, and strengths, and use this information to plan and deliver a care and education programme that is tailored to their individual requirements.

Funding

We believe that every child deserves access to high-quality early years education, regardless of their background or financial circumstances. That's why we are committed to offering a range of funding options to parents and carers, including the government's 30 Hours of Free Childcare programme, the Early Years Free Entitlement, Childcare Vouchers, and Tax Credits. We understand that navigating the maze of funding options can be confusing, which is why our experienced and knowledgeable team is always on hand to provide advice and guidance.

Why Montessori?

Montessori education is based on the ground-breaking work of Dr Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator who dedicated her life to the study of child development. Her approach emphasises the importance of hands-on, child-led learning, and the creation of a carefully prepared learning environment that supports children's natural curiosity and desire to learn.

The Montessori approach offers many benefits, including:

• A focus on the whole child: Montessori education recognises that children are complex beings who develop in many areas simultaneously, including cognitive, social, emotional, and physical. Our approach supports children's growth and development in all of these areas, nurturing their unique potential and fostering a lifelong love of learning.
• Child-led learning: Montessori education recognises that children learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process, and our approach empowers them to take an active role in their own learning. Our educators act as guides and facilitators, providing children with the tools and resources they need to explore and discover the world around them.
• A nurturing environment: Our Montessori environment is carefully designed to support children's natural learning style, with Montessori materials and resources that are specially designed to support children's development. Our classrooms are calm and peaceful, and our educators strive to create a respectful and supportive community that fosters social and emotional growth.
• Independence and self-motivation: Montessori education is based on the principle of "help me to do it myself, " which encourages children to take an active role in their learning and develop a sense of independence and self-motivation. Our approach fosters self-reliance and self-discipline, helping children to develop the skills they need to succeed in all areas of life.
• A holistic approach to education: Montessori education recognises that children are not just passive recipients of knowledge, but active contributors to their own learning and the learning of those around them. Our approach fosters a sense of community and cooperation, and we believe that children learn best when they feel valued, respected, and supported.