From our Principal
I discovered the Montessori Method while working in London;
the more I found out about it the more amazed I was,
and the more I wondered why all settings didn't use the same principles.
I trained as a Montessori teacher in 1989 at the
Maria Montessori Training Organization, which is the only Association Montessori Internationale,
(AMI)
training college in the UK.
A course that truly was - an education for life.
When my own children
came along a few years later I naturally looked for a Montessori setting
for them to attend. As there was nothing available in the Derby area
I looked at other alternatives but soon came to the conclusion that if
I wanted my children to experience anything close to a Montessori approach
I would have to set it up myself.
I opened a small Montessori class
(Littleover Montessori School)
in 1995 with a handful of children. The intervening ten years
have seen a steady growth to the school, which had to relocate in 2002
to accommodate more children, at which point we also changed
the name to Derby Montessori School.
hands on style
We now run a successful
Toddler Community (day nursery) and
Children's House (kindergarten) which can accomodate children from 18 months to 5 years
old from 8.30am till 6.00pm, 48 weeks of the year.
We pride ourselves on running a top quality nurturing setting which is
well respected in the local community as well as by OfSTED (
Reports for Derby Montessori School)
and the Montessori Community (
ME UK).
Mrs Kittie Methuen-Jones
is the principal of the school.
She has over 20 years experience in childcare and education in a variety of settings. She holds an international (AMI) Montessori Diploma for the 3-6 age range and a (NAMC) Montessori Teaching Diploma for the 6-9 age range. She also holds a Certificate in Early Years Practice (level 4) and is currently completing her final submission for a BA(Hons) degree in Childhood and Youth Studies. Mrs Methuen-Jones regularly attends training courses to extend her knowledge and understanding of good practice, is the Safe Guarding Children Co-ordinator and holds a first aid certificate. Mrs Methuen-Jones is the Montessori Mentor and trainer for the setting, and lead teacher for the Cosmic Education Class which started in September 2009.
Mrs Alice Higgins
is the deputy manager.
She holds a Montessori Diploma and a NNEB certificate in childcare,
and has a wealth of experience with children of all ages.
Mrs Higgins joined the school in 1998.
In her spare time she enjoys watching Derby County, playing badminton and looking after the family allotment.
Mrs Julia Cudbard
holds an international (AMI) Montessori Diploma, and has been working with children of different ages for many years. She primarily works in the Children's House and is also our Special Needs Co-ordinator. Mrs Cudbard joined our school in 1998 and holds a first aid certificate.
Mrs Cudbard is a keen gardener who also enjoys rock climbing, hill walking, ice skating and boating.
Miss Lynne Watson
is Head of the Toddler Community. She holds a NVQ3 in Childcare and has several years experience working with children of a variety of different ages. Miss Watson joined us in 2005 and has thoroughly embraced the Montessori Approach, completing her Montessori Assistants Certificate in 2008. She also holds a first aid certificate. As well as overseeing the Toddler Community Miss Watson is largely responsible for the after school club.
A large amount of Miss Watson's spare time is spent watching Scottish football. Her favourite past-time is watching old movies. Miss Watson also collects classic books.
Miss Claire Richardson
joined our permanent staff in 2006 after previously working for us as a temp. She holds a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies, a BTEC in Childcare and the Montessori Assistant's Certificate. Miss Richardson works in partnership with Miss Watson in the Toddler Community and has just completed her Early Years Professional Status. She also holds a first aid certificate.
Miss Richardson enjoys walking in Derbyshire, visiting local places of interest and stately homes. She supports Derby County and keeps up to date with new music and fashion.
Miss Sarah King
joined us in January 2009 after having previously worked in a Montessori setting in Birmingham. She holds a NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and Education and works as a Classroom Assistant in the Children's House.
In her spare time she enjoys keeping fit at the gym and occasionally going for a swim. She also likes to spend time visiting her family and catching up with friends in Birmingham.
Mrs Anna Cruickshank
has just joined us in the role of part time administrator and will also be a lunch time supervisor. She has experience in administration and marketing from her career prior to having her family.
