Plans under way for Warrington's first primary free school (From Warrington Guardian)

Plans under way for Warrington's first primary free school

9:10am Wednesday 25th January 2012 in News

PLANS are under way to set up Warrington’s first free school for primary children.

A consultation has started on the Montessori school, a model popular in America and Holland that allows children to choose what to learn.

It will be parent-led and cater for youngsters aged between four and 11. Stretton has been mooted as a possible location although a site has yet to be confirmed.

Grappenhall Heyes resident Claire Donlan is heading the project. She said: “I have always been passionate about Montessori education.

“This free school programme gives an opportunity to move that way.

“It’s very difficult for mainstream schools to take on these innovations.

“This is about independent learning, children following their own interests.”

Italian physicist Maria Montessori started the educational approach in 1907 and there are now around 20,000 schools worldwide.

If opened in Warrington the free school will be run by Montessori-qualified staff.

Lessons will allow children allow to pick what they want to do within a framework set by the teacher.

A similar curriculum to mainstream schools will be followed, but with an emphasis on allowing students to learn at their own pace.

Age groups will be mixed with typical classes consisting of three to six-year-olds, six to nine-year-olds and nine to 12-year-olds.

Outdoor activities, such as growing food, are encouraged, while behavioural and social development is central to the concept.

Claire said believes that allowing children to choose at an early age means they learn ‘life skills’.

The mum-of-two hopes to send her infant son and daughter to the school once established.

She said: “It will help them learn things like cleaning up with a brush if they spill something on the floor, things that people take for granted children should know.

“It’s very successful not just in getting the academic outcomes. We are focusing on working with children and learning independently.”

The free school application will be submitted on February 24 with a final decision due in July.

An opening date of September 2013 is planned with around 30 initial admissions.Youngsters will be accepted from across the town.

For more information go to warrington-montessori-school.org or email claire@warrington-montessori-school.org.