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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the application process

 

When can my child start?

The main entry point is September and also the beginning of January. 

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How many are on the waiting list/how long is the waiting Oaks will soon be moving to new premises where we will be able to take on new pupils.  If you would like to add your child/ren to be added to our waiting list please do get in touch. 

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Is my child required to attend an interview or undergo any assessment?

We do not hold formal assessments.  For children joining, two trial days must be completed before an offer of a place is considered.  If your child is transferring from another nursery or school, we request a report from their current setting.

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Questions about fees

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What is included in the fees?

Our fees cover the cost of tuition, materials, school resources and specialist input.  

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Do you provide lunches?

At present children will be asked to bring a packed lunch.  In the near future we would like the to be able to offer pupils the opportunity to partake in cooking or baking.

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How do I pay the fees?

Fees should be paid by bank transfer one week before the first day of term.  Oaks is unable to accept payment by cheque.

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Questions about attendance

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What are the minimum sessions/attendance patterns?

All children will be expected to attend a minimum of three days a week.

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Questions about transitions

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Do you accept children from non-Montessori setting and how will my child cope transitioning from mainstream?

Children will be considered for admission regardless of their school background.  Some children will find some aspects of transition easier than others, particularly the need to self-initiate work.  Children’s experiences will vary depending on the educational approach in their previous setting and their home environment.

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Questions about the curriculum

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Do you use screens in the classrooms?

No, teachers do not teach any lessons using screens.  As appropriate children will be taught useful IT skills such as how to conduct research, write letters or CV's etc.

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Do you follow the National Curriculum?

No.  Pupils will learn the same subjects as state schools, such as maths, English, science, music, art etc, but they will do so following the Montessori curriculum.  The curriculum is broad, incorporating a wide range of subjects, and our teachers are dedicated to providing an excellent standard of education.

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Do Oaks students sit exams?

Pupils will not sit exams.  Children's learning is ongoing and teachers observe and record each child's progress in order that they can plan and facilitate their next stage of learning.  In Montessori secondary settings pupils are usually offered the opportunity of studying for and taking GCSE exams.

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Are all staff Montessori trained?

Our staff all have Montessori qualifications or are currently undertaking training.  Additional staff such as music/art/sports/environmental teachers have their own qualifications and/or relevant experience, as well as adhering to the Montessori approach to learning. 

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What provision is there for Additional Support for Learning?

Our staff are able to support children with a range of learning needs.  We are a small school, but where at all possible we will try to accommodate any child who wishes to attend our setting. 

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What are the main differences between mainstream education and Montessori?

Traditional educational systems usually operate with a teacher leading the learning, with pupils often sitting at desks, following a set curriculum, with lessons planned for each day and for a prescribed period of time.  Each child learns the same subject at the same time and is given a limited period of time to do so.  There is sometimes an emphasis on competitiveness and/or a system of rewards. 

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With Montessori education the child learns at their own pace and can follow their own interests.  There is a balance of individual and group learning, of time spent indoors and outside and an equal emphasis on intellectual, social and emotional development.

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Oaks Montessori

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