It’s never too late to refresh your skills
NURSERY teacher Nina Taylor has brushed up on the Montessori approach to early years through an online course.
Nina, 58, from Petersfield, Hampshire, began studying an Introduction to Montessori Approach (IMA) in March.
This is an eight-month course for people wishing to l earn more about Montessori without requiring a formal qualification. It costs £750 and is ideal for parents wanting to discover the Montessori approach, or professionals requiring a refresher.
Nina says: ‘I studied for my International Montessori Diploma many years ago. At the time, I was working at a Montessori kindergarten overseas and I did the course by distance learning. I took the exams back here when I was on holiday.
‘On my return to England, I worked in various sectors, mainly adult education. But I became disillusioned, decided to return to my early years roots and undertook the training for pre-school practitioners.’
She adds: ‘I have always felt an affinity with Montessori’s approach and have attended various summer workshops over the years.
‘I recently began work at a Montessori setting and really wanted to re-engage with t he underlying philosophy. The course has been extremely helpful. It has redirected my thinking and aligned Montessori’s views and theories with current Early Years Foundation Stage principles.’
Mrs Taylor works parttime at a Montessori nursery as well as being an assessor and trainer of childminders. ‘The course is something I feel that some of the parents of the children at the nursery would benefit from,’ she says.
A Montessori spokeswoman says: ‘This course is designed for parents or those unable to commit to obtaining a Montessori qualification who want to l earn more about the approach.’