Feature : Montessori Centre International

Welcome to Montessori Centre International. We are committed to excellence in the training of Montessori Early Years practitioners.

More students qualify through Montessori Centre International (MCI) each year than through any other Montessori training establishment in Europe.

We are based in central London, just off Oxford Street, nearest tube is Bond Street.

Your qualification with us will take you far. Our students have become Montessori teachers in schools worldwide, as well as nursery owners in the UK and overseas, nannies, teachers in prep schools and amazing mothers.

We also have a network of part-time centres in the UK and overseas for students to take advantage of.

What is Montessori?

Dr Maria Montessori was one of the most important early years’ educators of the 20th century and has had a profound influence on the education of young children the world over. Fundamental to her approach is the belief that a child’s early years - from birth to six - are the period when they have the greatest capacity to learn. What happens during those critical years lays the foundation for the future. Montessori is holistic and aims to develop the whole child. It provides specially designed resources to foster independence and a love for learning from an early age.

For more information on the method, see our Reach brochure.

Our course

We can assure you of the warmest possible welcome when you study with MCI. Our Early Childhood Diploma course has two intakes for students, in September and February.

The course is studied in one academic year (two semesters) to Certificate Stage 2 level, awarded upon successful completion of written coursework and final examinations. Total study time in college is 36 weeks (216 hours) supported by extensive home study.

Course outline

The Early Childhood Diploma course is designed to train students wishing to become teachers of the Montessori Method for children from two and a half to six years of age.

The Diploma is internationally recognised and is a suitable qualification for a Montessori class teacher and essential to anyone wishing to work as a Montessori teacher in the UK (DFE level 4 acceptable qualification). The course will provide an overview of important educational philosophies together with a detailed study of the Montessori philosophy and approach.

Students are also instructed in the use of the teaching aids designed and applied by Maria Montessori.

The syllabus is made up of theoretical subjects and curriculum subjects.

Theoretical subjects comprise: Montessori Philosophy; child development; observation and assessment; contemporary issues, including equal opportunities; childcare and good health practice; safety; nutrition and food hygiene; child protection and special needs.

Curriculum subjects comprise: Practical Life Exercises; Education of the Senses; Literacy Skills; Mathematics; Cultural subjects; Art and Craft; Music and Movement; Drama.

The Diploma is awarded to students who have successfully completed the course which comprises college lectures, assessed written course work, final written and practical examinations and 420 hours of assessed teaching practice in a Montessori nursery.

Entry qualifications

Good Montessori teachers come from every walk of life - it’s not so much what people have done that counts as the qualities they bring to the classroom. Montessori teachers must be calm, committed and tireless in helping each individual personality unfold holistically.

Students of all ages and backgrounds are welcome from 17 years upwards.

Applicants must have:

• studied to GCSE level or above;
• a good command of written and spoken English, preferably at Cambridge First Certificate level or equivalent.

All applicants are assessed for entry on individual merit.

Entry is through interview with the Academic Director, if you are interested please contact the admissions officer on telephone 020 7493 8300 ext. 316 or email admissions@montessori.org.uk.