The EYFS guidance, to be implemented by all providers by September 2008,outlines targets for children to work towards and be assessed against.The irony is that the philosophy of both organisations slots intocurrent government thinking about child-centred education andpersonalised learning.
Steiner Waldorf nurseries teach by example rather than by directinstruction and adapt the curriculum to individuals. Early learning isseen as self-motivated, not driven by outside pressures, and childrenare encouraged to master physical skills before intellectual ones,according to the organisation's philosophy of child development.Montessori nurseries emphasise the child's freedom, dignity andindependence, and discourage traditional achievement measurements suchas tests.
One mother, whose four-year-old attends a Montessori nursery as part ofhis free childcare entitlement, said she felt the atmosphere, whilestructured, was peaceful and calm because the children can get on withthe project they want, and are treated with respect. "The atmosphere isone of little people being very busy," she said.
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