“The environment must be rich in motives which lend interest to activity and invite the child to conduct his own experiences.”
Maria Montessori
About Start Right
Start Right Montessori School has been situated in Southgate since the year 2000 when it was opened. Our nursery caters for children aged 18 months through to 5 years old.
We offer a true Montessori education to children following the Montessori philosophy founded by Dr Maria Montessori who introduced her theories around the world. The independence and self-discipline instilled by the Montessori system of education lets children follow their interests, wherever that passion leads; giving them strong academics, leadership, self-discipline, responsibility, independence, initiative and a lifelong love of learning.
At our Montessori nursery, we recognise that all children develop at their own individual pace. We aim to provide a stimulating environment with appropriate materials/equipment in order to encourage each child to develop through play and interaction with both the indoor and outdoor environment. Through the use of the Montessori materials, children have the opportunity to explore, experiment and learn by repetition. We aim to ensure each child is well-prepared for the next stage of their development in each area and continually developing their social, physical, intellectual, communication and emotional skills.
Our Aims
START RIGHT’s aims are to evoke children’s potential from within and to help children build the foundations for a lifetime of creative learning. Our approach is built around basic and important principles:
That each child is unique with different needs and that every effort should be made to help individual children reach their own potential.
That the early years, from birth to five, are vital for forming a good basis for learning in later life, and that children need every opportunity to strengthen positive attitudes towards themselves, others and learn to develop their Intellectual, Physical, Emotional, Social and Communication skills during these years.
That children need time and space to establish each aspect of their development before moving on to the next stage of their development.
That from a solid foundation, they grow to be confident and competent learners for life.
We believe that the early years are the most important time for exploration and discovery; that children need opportunities to play, be creative, make friends and learn, whilst also having fun. START RIGHT offers each child a pleasurable, happy, warm, secure, understanding atmosphere and a place to develop both as an individual and as part of a group.
Our Settings
Our hall is large, bright, and beautifully arranged, designed for the child’s comfort, security and enjoyment. The activities are arranged on low shelving units within reach of even the smallest children. Children may work uninterrupted for long periods of time either at tables or on small mats on the floor where they are naturally comfortable. The hall is portioned into two classrooms; Daisy class for 18months-2yr olds and Sunflower class for 3-4yr olds.
Our Teaching Approach
At Start Right Montessori Nursery in addition to the Montessori curriculum we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum incorporating seven areas of learning: Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication and Language, Physical Development, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding The World and Expressive Art and Design.
We pride ourselves on our excellent and unique art, music and drama curriculum with end of term performance being one of the highlights of the year!
Children at Start Right have lots of opportunities to go on stimulating educational field trips some of which have included trips to the Science Museum, Wildlife Paradise Park, Willow Farm, London Aquarium, The local library and Chickenshed Theatre Company to name a few.
Our Staff
The Principal, Ms Sussan is a qualified N.N.E.B and Montessori teacher and has over 20 years of experience working with children up to the age of 8.
Our teachers are fully qualified in Montessori or in training recognised by Montessori colleges both in the UK and abroad. Our staff include Qualified Teacher with Qualified Teacher Status in Primary and Early Years teaching, hold specialist degrees in Art, Design and trained in Drama at the prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama.
All Start Right Montessori practitioners are selected for their experience in teaching and their genuine love for children. Additionally, teachers / staff hold the relevant qualifications in the following areas: First Aid, Health and Hygiene, Child Protection, and Special Educational Needs. We expect all staff to hold a valid First Aiders’ certificate within six months of joining Start Right and we encourage staff to develop their qualifications and attend courses in a variety of areas such as Makaton sign language, special educational needs, equal opportunities, child protection and behavior management.
Next to you, your child’s key person plays the strongest role in fostering an early and lasting love of learning. The key person is chosen by the child as well as building a positive relationship with the child and their family; the key person helps the child, during settling in, meets their individual needs and plans for their learning and development.
All of the staff have their backgrounds checked by the Criminal Records Bureau. Our staff to child ratios as guided by the Ofsted regulations for nursery age children.
