We apply the Maria Montessori methods of teaching in our Montessori class but we also adopt her thinking and observations to all the children at Sunflowers. Almost 100 years old now, her conclusions were way ahead of her time and her principles are applied in thousands of schools worldwide. She found that little children were capable of long periods of quiet concentration, even though they rarely show signs of it in everyday settings. Although, they sometimes appear careless, they do respond positively to an atmosphere of calm and order.
The aims of the Montessori school are to;
- Develop the child’s self esteem and confidence within himself.
- Develop each child’s ability to work with other children and with adults in group situations with adult leadership.
- Develop each child’s ability to express thoughts, ideas and feelings, to speak about, dramatise and graphically represent his experiences in order to communicate them to others.
Our qualified Montessori teachers have a full understanding of how the mind of a child prioritises things and how children yearn for routine and security, much more than we realise.
Using the Maria Montessori approach to education, children are introduced to the basics of reading,writing and mathematics. Languages, arts &crafts and social behavior are also key areasof the curriculum. Children are encouraged to developnaturally good social skills and to value courtesy and good manners. Parents will receive a progressreport on their child’s development in the classduring the year. We encourage all children to bring home their activities such as painting, arts and crafts.
Our Key Worker System
In an early years setting, it is really helpful to have a Key Worker System. At Sunflowers Childcare, within each room, there is a team caring for the children. However, each team member, a “Key Worker”, is designated to certain children as their main carer. A key worker (with the consistent support of their colleagues) cares for up to 3 children in the creche room, 5 children in wobblers, 6 children in toddlers and 11 children in preschool Montessori.
The transition from home to creche can be a big step for children of all ages, but the transition is made that much easier with the help of a Key Worker. Your child will be allocated a Key Worker as soon as he or she joins Sunflowers. The role of the Key Worker is not only to care for and provide reassurance to the child during the settling in period, but also to foster a close, caring relationship that will continue throughout their time at Sunflowers.
Parents usually tell us that they also benefit from the Key Worker System. They find it helpful to have a regular point of contact for any questions, concerns or just to pass on information about their child. The key workers are encouraged to be open, honest and to keep parents informed and involved at all times.
Sunflowers Childcare fully embraces the principles of the Aistear and Siolta programmes.
Aistear Childcare Framework
The aim of Aistear is to help every child to grow and develop as a competent and confident learner. Ultimately, according to Aistear, early childhood care and education must support a child’s sense of:
- Wellbeing
- Exploring and thinking
- Communications
- Identify and belonging
These are the 4 main goals of Aistear and it proposes that they are achieved through the contexts of play and supported by caring, learning relationships with adults and peers.
In this way it makes very strong links between care and education in the early years and firmly establishes the child’s right to a safe, stimulating, nurturing and play-based environment.
Siolta
Síolta is designed to define, assess and support the improvement of quality across all aspects of practice in early childhood care and education (ECCE) settings where children aged birth to six years are present. These settings include:
- Full and Part-time Daycare
- Childminding
- Sessional services
- Infant classes in primary schools
Core Elements of Siota
Síolta is comprised of three distinct but interrelated elements: Principles, Standards and Components of Quality. The 12 Principles provide the overall vision of the Framework, while the 16 Standards and 75 Components allow for the practical application of this vision across all aspects of ECCE practice. The Components of Quality are further explained by a set of Signposts for Reflection and ‘Think-abouts’ which are intended to support practitioners in early education settings to become aware of and critical of their practice.
….” Our daughter absolutely loved it there and made so many friends ” Parent Testimonial …
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