Safeguarding: Children are safe, secure and safeguarded at all times

Qualifications of staff: The school is led by a Montessori qualified teacher; class teachers are qualified at, or working towards Montessori qualifications relevant to the age group they are working with; non-Montessori qualified staff are undertaking Montessori professional development.

Vertical grouping: Classes are a mixed-age group.

The work cycle: The working time lasts for an uninterrupted period of at least two and a half hours, preferably three. During this time, the children mostly work individually but come together when they wish to, in small or larger groups.

Care: Care routines embody the Montessori ethos.

Prepared environment: A Montessori ‘prepared environment’, suitable for the ages and stages of development of the children within it, is set up and maintained so they can actively engage with materials and activities that are designed from a developmental point of view and which lead them to successive levels of discovery about their world. 

Activities, materials and presentations: Children have continual and free access to a full range of Montessori materials and other materials and activities based on Montessori philosophy that are appropriate for their ages and stages of learning; presentations of these materials are frequently and routinely given; materials are displayed in an orderly way, well maintained and complete.

Classroom management: Classes are run in such a way that they promote the children’s freedom to make spontaneous choices; to be independent; to complete cycles of work; to develop a sense of responsibility within the group; and to use the materials appropriately.

Teachers’ attitudes and activity: Attitude of staff reflects Montessori ethos and respect for children and colleagues; ground rules are adhered to and promoted; general classroom awareness is evident; teachers all give frequent presentations in line with Montessori principles and in accordance with their level of training.

Observation, planning and assessment: Informal observations occur throughout the day; formal written observations are regularly carried out to inform assessment, review and planning of all Montessori aspects of the provision.

Montessori-driven management structures: Management structures allow for the implementation of Montessori principles and support staff in their professional development.

Policies and procedures: Effective policies and procedures relating to implementing the Montessori approach and monitoring its effectiveness are in place, and available to staff and parents.

Partnership with parents: There is an effective partnership with parents.