The idea in brief
The approach is based on the belief that children learn best when they choose their own activity in a tidy, prepared environment, with sensory materials that help them discover things for themselves.
What it looks like in the classroom
Low shelves with neatly arranged materials, individual or small-group activity, a caregiver who guides rather than directs, and enough time for a child to finish what they started.
How to check it is applied
Ask about the team's training in the approach, notice how the environment is organised, and see whether children move freely between activities.
Quick questions
- Does Montessori suit every child?
- It suits many children, but what matters most is the quality of how it is applied and whether the environment fits your child's personality.