The Early Years Foundation Stage
Parents Guide
The Village Montessori Nursery School is a member of West Berkshire Early Years and is recognised as a Nursery School covering the Early Years Foundation Stage of Education. This is a period of education from 2 ½ up to 5 years. Statutory School Age – when a child transfers to Primary School in the term AFTER s/he is five years of age. It is our belief that 5 years is the most appropriate age for a child to move on to Primary Education and this belief is based on proven educational reasons. Most other countries across the world do not start this primary stage of education until the age of 6 or even 7 years of age. It is our great concern that parents are being encouraged to enrol their children in a primary school at the age of 4 years or well before their fifth birthday!
We have very successfully integrated the Montessori Curriculum – without diluting it in any way – with the Foundation Stage. It is called the Foundation Stage because it gives a child secure foundations for later learning and understanding. Early experiences affect children’s attitudes to learning and these experiences create the basis for later learning in school and beyond.
There are seven areas of learning and development that shape the educational programme in early years settings.
Three areas are particularly crucial for igniting children's curiosity and enthusiasm for learning and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive.
These three prime areas are
When pupils transfer to the next stage of their education, we will pass on to parents a detailed Record of Achievement and Development covering the Montessori Programme of Activities and The Early Years Foundation Stage.
Parent / Teacher Discussion Evenings take place each term.
For further information on the Montessori Programme and/or Montessori Approach, the Foundation Stage, the Nursery Education Grant or on any matter concerned with your child’s admission to The Village Montessori Nursery School, please contact:
We have very successfully integrated the Montessori Curriculum – without diluting it in any way – with the Foundation Stage. It is called the Foundation Stage because it gives a child secure foundations for later learning and understanding. Early experiences affect children’s attitudes to learning and these experiences create the basis for later learning in school and beyond.
There are seven areas of learning and development that shape the educational programme in early years settings.
Three areas are particularly crucial for igniting children's curiosity and enthusiasm for learning and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive.
These three prime areas are
- communication and language
- physical development
- personal social and emotional development
- literacy
- mathematics
- understanding the world
- expressive arts and design
When pupils transfer to the next stage of their education, we will pass on to parents a detailed Record of Achievement and Development covering the Montessori Programme of Activities and The Early Years Foundation Stage.
Parent / Teacher Discussion Evenings take place each term.
For further information on the Montessori Programme and/or Montessori Approach, the Foundation Stage, the Nursery Education Grant or on any matter concerned with your child’s admission to The Village Montessori Nursery School, please contact:
- Jackie Maclean (Headteacher)
- Jackie Flaxman (Deputy Headteacher)
