what the course covers

The course offers a mix of theoretical study and practical handling of the Montessori materials, giving students insight into how the Montessori approach to working with children in the early years is based on a deep understanding of child development underpinned by the theories of Maria Montessori and other educators, and borne out by observation.

mode of study

The course is delivered either face to face or by distance learning and workshop. A certificate is awarded on completion of the theoretical and practical components of the course. The diploma is awarded following a completion of a minimum of 240 hours of monitored and assessed teaching practice.

qualifications awarded

A Montessori Partnership Certificate is awarded to a student who successfully completes all the requirements of the theoretical and practical components of the course, and who passes both the written and the practical examinations. A student who additionally completes all the requirements of the assessed teaching practice is awarded a Diploma.

The Montessori Partnership Montessori Diploma in Early Years Education is listed as a level 4 qualification on the Children’s Workforce Development Council list of qualifications accepted for delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage in England. In Scotland it has been credit rated with 149 points at level 8 by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and appears on the Scottish Qualifications Framework (SQF). Throughout the course the Montessori approach is related to the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage, but students not based in the UK investigate and tailor their work to the requirements of their own early years curriculum.

admissions

The course is open to students over 18 years old educated at least to GCSE pass standard, but preferably to level 3 or A-level or beyond. There are no specific entry requirements, however, and applications from mature people with experience, or individuals with qualifications gained in unrelated fields will be considered, but prospective applicants should note that a GCSE at grade C or above in English and Maths is becoming mandatory for early years leaders and managers in England.

course content

Montessori theory: underpinning philosophy and principles

• The needs of children
• Montessori theory of child development
• The 'absorbent mind'
• Sensitive periods
• Spiritual embryo
• Freedom and discipline
• Concentration and normalisation
• Competition, rewards and behaviour management
• Fantasy and imagination
• Social development and interactions
• The prepared environment
• The role of the Montessori teacher in early learning

Child development
Early years policy and provision
Practical subjects:
Practical life skills
Sensorial education
Communication, language and literacy
Numeracy
Montessori cultural subjects, knowledge and understanding of the world
Creative curriculum: art, craft, music, movement and drama

Total taught hours: 210

fees

Distance learning option: Theoretical component: 6 units of study at £110.00 each; two week workshop £1025.00.

Face to face option: For courses run directly by the Montessori Partnership, the course fee is £3035.00, but it may be paid in 8 instalments of £390.00. For details of course fees for courses delivered by other providers in association with the Montessori Partnership please contact the course provider by clicking on the links below under 'locations'.

All students: Examination fee: Currently £295, but payable at the rate in force at the date of the examination

Teaching practice fee: Currently £355, but payable at the rate in force when the teaching practice starts.

funding

Prospective UK students should contact their employer and/or their local authority early years team for information about funding to support their studies.

locations

This popular course is currently running in Edinburgh and Southampton, and in Victoria, Canada. A new course cycle has started in Keighley, W. Yorkshire. Please click on these links to contact the course providers directly for details of dates and fees.

to apply to enrol on the distance learning option please click on 'contact details' and fill in the on-line form