Name: Penny Johns
Course: Early Childhood Diploma (part-time)
Institution: Montessori Centre International

Going on a course can be a fun and informative experience but it also has the potential to have a hugely positive effect on your life, and maybe even change it forever. Here, Penny Johns tells us about her course experience…

Before training to become a Montessori teacher, I had a career in the theatre as a costume maker and supervisor. I worked in the costume department of a busy drama school and sometimes taught sewing to children. My first experience of Montessori was when I went to look around a Montessori nursery for my son. I had visited a few nurseries, but when I walked through the door of the Montessori nursery I knew this was something different. There was a wonderful sense of calm and I knew  this was special and the right place for my children.

I have always had a strong vocation to teach but never considered Early Years.  I read about the Montessori Method and was inspired by the spirit and philosophy behind it.   

Montessori is a global educational movement. There are over 700 UK schools and 22,000 more worldwide. I love that Montessori provides an enabling environment that allows children to learn using all the senses, including the use of special materials which foster practical skills. It gives children independence and an ability to stay focused, which are both so important for starting school.  

I decided to take the course because I love the philosophy and also want to achieve a work/life balance for my family. Many Montessori nurseries are sessional and closed during the school holidays.
I think Early Years is worth considering for a career-break mum returning to work as we have gained the equivalent of a degree in childcare through raising our own children! I studied at Montessori Centre International in central London – it’s the largest Montessori training centre in Europe and has a fantastic reputation.

The Early Childhood course is extremely stimulating and covers topics such as Montessori philosophy, child development, practical life and sensorial areas – which are unique to Montessori. We also got to grips with more familiar subjects such as literacy, maths, art, craft and drama. Having young children of my own means there is always someone around to test out materials and practise on!  

I was awarded Early Years Professional Status last March and finished my teaching practice in January of this year (with distinction!)  I started working as a special-needs teacher, working one-on-one with a child with autism and found it hugely rewarding. I am now a fully fledged Montessori classroom teacher at a local nursery, working four days a week. I have also recently completed the Montessori trainers’ course and have just done my first lecture on child development. I will be lecturing one evening a week for the next couple of months. It has been a busy but very rewarding time.  

I still manage to take the children to school and pick them up every day and only work during term time, so I can enjoy being with them every holiday.  It’s given me a new career and I love it!