A groundbreaking new early years curriculum is launching this month at Montessori by Busy Bees nurseries, set to spark curiosity, independence and confidence in over 1,000 children, giving them a strong foundation for school and beyond.
The ‘Montessori Bee Curious curriculum’ brings together the trusted principles of the Montessori philosophy with Busy Bees’ unique Bee Curious Curriculum, creating a rich, child-led learning experience where children are encouraged to explore, grow at their own pace, and learn through discovery.
Developed by a team of early years education experts, the curriculum was shaped by leading early years experts including Gill Jones MBE, Lead Academic Research and Developer, Jenny Shaw, and Montessori expert Lucia Quiroga, whose 20 years’ global experience helped ensure the curriculum stays true to the Montessori principles in today’s world.
Developed in line with the latest child behavioural science research, the Montessori Bee Curious curriculum aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Children will engage in core areas of learning including practical life, communication and language, physical education, peace education and sensorial – each designed to support children build essential life skills, from physical skills, problem-solving, language, cognitive abilities and social interactions.
Parents can expect to see children being introduced to rich vocabulary while developing a love for stories, exploring early numerical concepts through hands-on materials, pouring their own water to support independence, and building a deep appreciation for self-expression through art.
Lucia Quiroga, Montessori Lead at Montessori by Busy Bees, said: “We believe that every child is born as a natural explorer and, as Dr Montessori said, throughout their early years, children have an absorbent mind – their minds are like sponges, ready to soak up information from their prepared environment.
“We have combined our 40 years of early years’ experience and global best practice with Dr Montessori’s research to design a curriculum that nurtures children’s natural curiosity and fosters their lifelong love of learning. It is a thoughtful child-led approach which helps boost children’s confidence, curiosity and independence, giving them a strong foundation for school and beyond.”
The curriculum - the UK’s only independently evaluated early years curriculum by the Open University - is delivered to the highest standard through playful teaching, Montessori educators develop a learning plan according to every child’s own pace, style and interests.
It follows a sequenced progression model, ensuring each child fully understands and is secure in each stage of learning before progressing to the next. This solid understanding at each stage of learning will enable children to build key skills and knowledge throughout their formative years.
Gill Jones, Group Chief Quality Officer at Busy Bees added: “We are hugely excited to launch the Montessori Bee Curious curriculum across our nurseries.
“Thanks to the guidance of industry-leading experts on child behaviour and development, and insight from scientific research, as well as our global network of practitioners, the Bee Curious curriculum combines a wealth of knowledge to encourage play-based learning that taps into the natural curiosity of our children. Supporting children for better outcomes in life is at the heart of what we do, and we look forward to nurturing a love of learning in each child.”
To find out more about the Montessori Bee Curious curriculum or to book a visit, visit: https://www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk/bee-curious/welcome-to-bee-curious/montessori