OMS Terms & Conditions...

Fees are invoiced per term and due one month in advance of the new term’s start. Beginning of August for Autumn Term. Start of December for Spring Term and the end of March for Summer Term. You will receive an invoice to remind you. This invoice is normally sent one to two weeks prior to the due date on invoices.
Fees are set per term regardless of the term’s actual length, typically 13 weeks.
School Fees received after due dates will be subject to a £5.00 per day surcharge.
Fee Calculations. Fees are calculated termly. There are three terms per year. Starting in September / January and April.
Mid-term enrolments are accepted subject to availability and you will be invoiced in whole months for the remainder of the term.
Late entrance for a new place. The whole term will be charged as we must keep the place free from the beginning of term.
Place change for a child already at the nursery. The term’s fees will be calculated into whole months, you will be charged for the original place in whole months and for the new place in the whole month/s remaining.
We charge different rates for children under 3 and over 3 years. If you child turns 3 during term, you will be charged for whole month/s after the birthdate at the over 3's rate.
If you wish to withdraw your child from the school we require one full term’s notice in writing. This applies to children waiting to start at the school and those already attending. If the correct notice is not given, the following terms fees will be due in the case of children already attending the school and the first term’s fees will be due for children waiting to take up a place already confirmed. There can be no exceptions to this rule as tuition and all material costs are made in advance on the assumption that numbers remain constant.
Create Holiday Club: Fees for cancellations are made only if a full 6 week notice is provided.
Please note, notice must be given in writing. The office will provide a receipt when correct notice has been provided.
If the place you have requested is not available on application the nearest alternative will be offered in the letter of confirmation. If we do not hear from you within 10 days to say that the alternative place is not acceptable, fees for the place will be due.
A term’s notice must be given if a parent wishes to decrease the number of sessions attended per week, per term. Failure to provide notice will mean that the next term is invoiced at the same number of sessions as the current term.
If a parent wishes to decrease the number of sessions attended per week, during term, allowing for the notice period, then fees charged for the current attendance levels will still be due up to the end of the current term. Notice of withdrawal and notice of changes to attendance are very important as they allow us to plan ahead with the school’s activities and waiting lists. As we may turn down other applications in order to ensure that the place you have booked with us is available, we must know that the place will be taken.
Full and part time places. If you choose less than 5 days each week you may be required to swap your days to allow us to spread attendance levels out over the week. Only in this way can we ensure that parents requiring full time places may have them.
Holidays and days off sick. OMS cannot make refunds for days not attended within the term as the school’s running costs remain constant.
The OMS reserves the right to ask for a child or parents to leave the school if circumstances make it absolutely necessary. This is a rare occurrence and is only considered when there is the possibility of continual disruption to the school’s activities. The return of fees is discretionary and subject to all terms and conditions.
We aim to continually improve our core curriculum and peripatetic activities. For this reason we reserve the right to make alterations to the daily timetable and peripatetic sessions.
£75.00 admissions fee is charged on completion of the application form for Children’s House, Elementary School. Please note, if we cannot offer you a place the full admission fee will be returned.
The OMS reserve the right to refuse entry to children who are unwell or suffering from infectious diseases.
While all efforts will be made to contact parents in the event of an accident or illness the OMS retains the right to take such action as the Principal thinks fit. This includes hospitalisation in an emergency.
Children should come wearing practical clothing suitable for every activity within the nursery. During winter, parents are requested to make sure their children come with cold weather clothing suitable for outdoor recreation. Parents are also asked to supply a change of indoor clothing.
Shoes: Children should attend wearing slip-on or Velcro fastened shoes.


OMS reserves the right to ask for the withdrawal of any child or individual unwilling or unable to adhere to school policy. Terms and conditions relating to notice periods will still apply.

Create Holiday Club and After School Activity Centre

Call 01865 358210 or click HERE to book on line now!

Holidays are here again! Why not let your children experience a lovely rural environment

that will enable them to relax, yet still stimulate their imagination and creativity this holiday? You won't believe how beautiful the environment is.

• So close to Oxford
• So totally rural and natural
  

Only 10 minutes away from Oxford, to beautiful countryside or riverside surroundings, it's so easy!
Forest Farm boasts 8 acres of beautiful land for your children to explore and enjoy - and with our
two Shetland ponies, peacocks and sheep (sometimes visiting) it’s a real rural haven!

• Ponies
• Sports Centre

With a different activity each week run by our experienced teachers and professionals you can
be sure your child will enjoy lots of exciting, inspiring and energising projects as each day
builds up skills and ideas to a fantastic finale!

• Qualified Teachers
• Bushcraft

The main activities for the weeks will be Art, and Bushcraft and Nature, but will also include plenty of Cooking,
Music and a whole host of fun, creative and imaginative things! Each day runs from 8.30am - 5.30pm (Mon - Fri)
and you can do half day sessions, too, which end and begin at 12.45pm depending on whether you want a
half day morning or afternoon!

• Flexible
• Great Value
  

Enclosed you will find a booking form, with prices - places are limited, so book early! We also offer a 10% sibling discount
and if you Recommend a Friend you'll get 10% off your booking, too!

• Not the usual frenetic holiday activities
  

Create also runs After School in term times from 3.00 - 5.30pm with our skilled and inspiring teachers,
and in the Christmas, Easter and Summer holidays, and all half terms.

• Great for extending the day if you need a little more time
  

If you are interested in any of our Create holiday clubs, just telephone us on 01865 358210, you can
visit our website www.oxfordmontessori.co.uk or you can e-mail us at oms.schools@btconnect.com.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.

The Oxford Montessori Team

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CREATE APPLICATION FORM

Pleases separate sheets for fees, dates and times. Please only use this form if you can not complete the on-line application form and payment option.

Apply on-line

.......................please print then cut!..........................................................................................................................................

Application Form/Emergency Record

Name of Parent/Guardian:……………………………………………………

Address………………………………………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………………

Post Code………………………… Telephone…………………………………………

Mobile phone ………………………………. Email …………………………………

Name of child/ren ………………………………………………………………………

Date(s) of birth …………………………………………………………………………

Any allergies/medical conditions ………………………………………………

Emergency telephone contact ……………………………………………………..

Days required (please circle): Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri

Which week? (Easter/Summer only) 1 2 3 4 5 6
(see rear of this sheet for dates)

Full or half days? ……………………………………………………………………

Where did you hear about Create?………………………………………….

Signature…………………………………………………Date…………………………


Please make cheques payable to Oxford Montessori Schools
All fees are payable in advance. No refunds will be made. Please post completed form to Forest Farm School. Elsfield. Oxford. OX3 9UW.

Things you'll need on the day and Create Terms & Conditions (Please keep for your records)...

Create Terms & Conditions...

Thank you very much for your application and payment. You will also receive an email to the address you specified in your application to us. Please print this form as confirmation of your place. We will only contact you if there is a problem with your application or if the place you have requested is full.

Welcome to Create. We hope you your child(ren) have a very enjoyable time with us. We would welcome any feedback, and you will be given a feedback form, and there is also the green comments book where you can leave your suggestions.

Our approach is to create a fun but stimulating environment in relaxed setting. There will be a chance for the children to do focused challenging activities as well as a chance for exercise, sport and free play and relaxed activities such as reading books and a range of suitable magazines. We try to encourage the children to go outdoors for play and walks as well.

Below are some terms and conditions...

1. Please leave at least two contact names and numbers, and inform us of any change, we require you to be contactable at all times.
2. Please let us know if anyone else will be collecting your child(ren) and sign in the book.
3. We want all children to be able to have fun without disruption. We have the right to ask you to take your child out for any of th following reasons; inappropriate behaviour, disruption of activities, bad language, verbal or physical abuse towards another child or adult, contact negativity involving agenda of activities. We rely on the positive involvement and enthusiasm of the children
4. We will not accept anyone onto the premises who i sill, who looks ill or who has had a stomach upset or high temperature in the previous 12 hours. No medication can be administered unless under special circumstances. Please let us know of an medical condition that we should be aware of.
5. Children must come in suitable clothing and bring spare clothes i.e. T-shirt, waterproofs nd wellies and please bring them indoor shoes or slippers to change into.
6. All children have a sun had and must suitably covered for the sun. Please bring sun cream. If you do not want sun cream to be applied you must inform us in writing. (Summer only)
7. Please make sure you child has a packed lunch. You will need an ice pack in the lunch box if you are providing any meat products or if the weather is exceptionally hot. PLEASE DO NOT PROVIDE SWEETS, NUTS OR CHOCOLATE IN THE LUNCH BOX. Please ask for you Lunch Ideas sheet if you need inspiration. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Please let us know of any food allergies or intolerance.
8. We are an equal opportunities school and every member of create will be regarded as of equal worth and importance, irrespective of his/her creed, religion, culture, class, race, gender, sexuality and/or disability.
9. Fees for Create Club are non refundable unless 6 whole weeks notice is given for cancellation.
   
10. Punctuality - Please be punctual collecting your children. We will accept no lateness. If in extreme circumstances you are late there will be a charge of £5.00 for the first 10 minutes and £1.00 per minute after.

If you need to contact the school please dial 01865 358210 and you will be connected to the school office. Please leave a message if no one answers and we will return your call as soon as possible. If the office is closed you can get straight through to the create room by dialling extension 227 when prompted.

Please ensure that staff have all your latest contact details.

The Create Team.

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Useful links...

• Main school web page
• Create Fees, Dates & Times
• Interested in learning about the nursery or elementary school?
  
• Interested in learning about our plans for senior school places for Sep 2008?
• Interested in hiring the sports barn
• children's parties
• sports
• events / weddings
  

Contact Numbers & Addresses...

• Email: oms.schools@btconnect.com
• Internet: www.oxfordmontessori.co.uk
• For all general enquiries call the main office on 01865 358210. Fax: 01865 358390.
• Office Address: Forest Farm, Elsfield. Oxford OX3 9UW.

The Nursery Schools...

• Wolvercote Children’s House: Wolvercote Green. Oxford. OX2 8BD.
• Iffley Children’s House: Iffley Church Hall. Church Way. Iffley Village. OX4 4EG.
• Forest Farm (See below)
  

The Elementary & Nursery School & Teacher Training Centre...

• Forest Farm Children’s House & Elementary School: Forest Farm. Elsfield. Oxford. OX3 9UW (Off the Wheatley Rd between Woodeaton & Beckley)

The Senior School

• Forest Farm Senior School. Forest Farm. Elsfield.
  

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OFSTED...

A very short summary of our results, taking the bits we really liked!

• Forest Farm: Ofsted June 2007:
  

• 'teaching is good and occasionally outstanding'

• ‘a satisfactory school with several particularly good features.’

• 'concentration is particularly well developed'

• 'highly skilled level of adult awareness and teaching'

You may want to read the full report here Forest Farm Ofsted Report

• Iffley Village Children's House: Ofsted June 2007:

• 'Children show high levels of independence and self-care'

• ‘Staff are good at helping the children to focus on activities and are aware of their next steps in learning, particularly in literacy and mathematical development.’

• 'Children are making good progress towards the early learning goals'

• 'Children develop high levels of independence in the nursery and they are confident about selecting activities for themselves'

You may want to read the full report here Iffley Children's House Ofsted Reports

• Wolvercote Children's House: Ofsted February 2005: **Ofsted visited again on Thursday 19th July! So look out for the updated report which was excellent.

• 'Oxford Montessori Children's House Wolvercote Day Nursery, provides good quality care for children. The staff provide a friendly, stimulating and welcoming environment for children and parents. There is a good range of resources and materials that promote children's learning in all areas. The staff are developing the well used outdoor area, to enable them to provide all areas of the curriculum outdoors. The staff team are qualified and experienced in childcare and they have regular opportunities for on going training.'

You may want to read the full report here Wolvercote Children's House Ofsted Reports

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Nurturing young minds...

...in learning environments made to suit their developmental needs / a small school with large school facilities including an indoor sports and activity centre, outdoor sports field, bushcraft facilities, a coppice wood, dipping pond, fruit orchards, organic gardens, greenhouse, miniature Shetland Ponies, and peacocks (this was the last animal count as of July 07). Someone also suggested Lamas. So watch this space! We also have a visiting flock of sheep, not to mention the wild hare, roe deer, rabbits and Red Kites!

We have 8 acres of glorious countryside where children can explore to their hearts' content. Precious time to cultivate their minds' evolution, their spirits' fulfilment and develop their imaginations' horizon.

Values...

Forest Farm school is non-denominational, though we take part in, and teach the meaning behind our many Christian celebrations. We recognise and take part in other events from the world's major religions. These values form the schools moral and philosophical approach to teaching young people about their cultural heritage and their world. They are, after all, the moral values we aspire to as citizens who share common ideals   Within this framework, we work to help individuals find their own values and place in the world. The school is co-educational. All ethnic groups, religions and creeds are welcome. Many religions and spiritual orientations are encountered, studied and appreciated during a child's years at the school.

Unique aspects and skills...

The school's curriculum is fashioned around concepts, content and activities that matter to children at key developmental stages in their lives. Nursery children (2 to 6 years) interact with practical, sensory, and cultural materials and experiences. This experience is hands-on and concrete as they seek to emulate the world and relate it to their lives. Elementary children (primary aged, 6 to 12 years) are encouraged to move from imitation to feeling and experiencing their world more directly. Their cultural curriculum is rich. Montessori's academic learning materials bring the academic study of language, numeracy and the sciences to life. Adolescents (senior schools pupils, 11/12 to 16) will be encouraged to test ideas, to seek truth and to develop character. They will benefit from a curriculum that cherishes independence, self motivation, compassion and empathy. *Senior school education is planned for September 2008, please ask for more details if this is of interest)



The development of intelligence and self knowledge involves the whole body. Education should follow. Pupils learn a wide variety of subjects and take part in a broad range of activities The classic academic subjects are taught with an emphasis on literacy and numeracy, but in addition to these core areas, our offering include the arts, animal husbandry; aspects of farming, forestry, horticulture, basket making / willow weaving, bush-crafts and sustainability. The approach is 'hands-on' when ever possible.

Specialist Learning Materials...

Montessori Learning Materials are physical / tactile learning tools that help children understand an important range of key concepts in a concrete way. The materials act as a spring board to extend children's skills, knowledge and cultural appreciation in many, many ways. Our 'Great Lessons' introduce children to history, science, the study of our place in the universe. Our peripatetics department help the school specialise in art, music, physical exercise, sports and modern languages. Languages as diverse as Spanish, French and Mandarin are taught from an early age. Children are encouraged to simply communicate, using all their skills.

So many aspects of 'best practice' & Concrete Benefits for Parents...

Learning what matters to pupils keeps the love of learning burning bright. Learning to listen and understand is key, and is the foundation for both critical self-awareness and compassion for others. Overall the school is interested in presenting pupils with the opportunity to learn the many skills modern educationalists term as 'executive function' - the skills needed to encourage and nurture innovative, creative, diplomatic, social, and above all independent, self aware people. This is process led learning - the myriad of learning opportunities presented by a journey in discovery, not always judged by the destination, or result. We monitor children's progress carefully, lots of individual attention in small classes make it natural to know our children well. We are in the business of developing and establishing a strong sense of self esteem, one based on self awareness, an appreciation of ones own ability and place in the world. Teachers place the emphasis on assessment and progress monitoring. Good teacher to pupil ratios that range from 1/4 for our youngest children to approximately 1/15 for the primary aged children make this a realistic possibility.

So, some of the key benefits...

Forest Farm School is part of a small family run group of nursery and primary schools known as The Oxford Montessori Schools.

1 - Oms is a teaching organization. Our ethos, our methods are professional, the people we attract and employ have a focus, a vocation and want to work with children. As parents you deal with professional, mature people who know your children. Your children are cared for and taught by teachers, not care workers or people filling in time. Our teachers understand your children’s needs, emotionally, socially and academically. *95% of our staff have a teaching qualification to NVQ level 4. The majority hold Montessori diplomas. Many have degrees and QTS status. This is born out by the experience and trust placed in us by the 100’s of families that have used our services since we opened our doors in 1990 and our first rate Ofsted reports and the recommendations from Oxfordshire’s Early Years Partnership Workers.

2 - Oms is ‘family based’ it has an in-built ethos and philosophy that is child centred and focused on the observable, scientific developmental needs of children. This means your children have opportunities to discover their talents and interests in a nurturing family atmosphere. The ‘charge’ they get from this makes learning meaningful and fun. Children develop a life long love of learning. Our approach helps children achieve their potential. It helps them develop a real confidence based on self knowledge. Classes are organized on family lines. Mixed age groups. 3 to 6, 6 to 9 and 9 to 12. Individual curriculum / programmes of work to cater for different learning styles and abilities. Oms receives constant feedback from parents and teachers regarding children who have made the successful transition to new schools. They give children credit for ...


3 - Oms operates to high teacher to pupil ratios. We always match and often exceed ratios stipulated by Ofsted. This means your child receives more one-to-one attention, the nursery and school runs smoothly and teachers remain motivated in an environment where moral is high. Current ratios are 1 teacher to 4 children between 2 and 3 years old, 1 to 8 for above 3’s and 1 to 12 for children aged 6 to 12 years. There are many sessions (pm’s in particular) where these ratios are improved significantly allowing great continuity of care and education. The new Early Years Units being set up around the country operates to ratios of 1 teacher to as many as 25 children!


Forest Farm Sports Barn

4 - Oms offers a new and unique approach to Day Care for working parents. We offer a School Day and our Create After School Club and Create Holiday Club. Each component is staffed by different teachers and run with a style appropriate to the children and their moods and needs.

The benefit is fundamental - you don’t have to make a compromise by placing your child in sub-standard day care, because you or your partner need to work full time. At Oms your child receives professional tuition and care during the day and after school because the teachers for the School Day and Create sessions are not always the face ones. New teachers join others who work on a shift pattern so they are fresh, full of stimulating ideas and highly motivated. You won’t have to convince your child a long day is a good idea, the new friendly faces, the creative activities, the tasty tea time are things they will look forward to. Oms offers complete wrap-around care, convenient for you. Teachers are motivated, fresh and stimulate which is very good for your child. Corporate and private Day Care in the U.K. is beset with structural problems. Staff are under qualified, poorly paid and young. It’s no wonder staff turnover is so high and moral so low. Uniquely, Oms salaries are matched to the LEA’s pay scales. We take personnel issues very seriously. All teachers benefit from training and professional development. They have proper paid holidays, vital time to recharge.

5 - Oms offers a learning environment. We follow a time-proven curriculum and philosophy that is not pulled from pillar to post every time a new educational initiative comes from government.

Parents can see the benefits that stem from our methods. Children are happy, learning appropriate and want to come to school or nursery = fewer tears in the morning! Parents have time to learn about our methods and to see how they benefit their children. Why not just place children in typical play based settings? It’s important to get the balance right. Play is essential, so is following the child’s needs. Montessori combines the two. It’s vital to get it right when you consider that an average child’s social, emotional and academic potential is developed by 5 years.

6 - We aim to ‘background assess’ and measure children’s progress, WE DO NOT ALLOW it to dominate teachers time or label a child that is developing at a slower rate than another. Montessori is a tailor-made educational experience for your child based on their needs. It’s important we monitor what they do, so we can be creative and anticipate their day to day needs. We don’t monitor to grade, set or stream children by ability. We monitor to identify areas where we can help. The benefits to you? You don’t have to sit through parent teacher meetings and be told which of 9 levels in 13 categories your child fits. In an early years unit, in a class of 30 that means looking down at a lists of approx. 390 tick boxes from a graded choice of 3510! You are able to talk to a teacher about your child for as long as necessary to convey a real sense of his or her achievements and difficulties. The confidence of your child is a secret commodity to us. Every child is good at something and most have talents in many areas. Your children are encouraged to identify these areas and develop them.

7- Joining us and moving between years. Most school make children enter or move up the school at absolute prescribed times. Oms base these decision on the developmental needs of the child. Children rise at the right time. You are not ‘bounced’ into making an inappropriate decision about your child’s education. A 5 year old may stay in the Children’s House with his or her peers, 4 and 3 years olds' for a further 3 terms if it is felt that’s best. A 5 year old may join the a primary school class if we agree they would benefit from it. A child moving from Elementary 1 (6 to 9’s group) to Elementary 2 (9 to 12’s group) may do so early or late - again, his or her developmental needs are the key factor. Most of the former is just common sense, but can make a huge difference to the well-being and confidence of a child. Did you know that the law does not require children to start school until the term after their 5th birthday? A school that implies a child must take a place in an early years unit at 4 in order to secure a place at 5 plus is acting illegally.

8- OMS is a place for active learning and learning independence. We don't teach children rules for their own sake. Community rules are vital, they are relevant and help children achieve their aims. Children learn and love to learn when they discover using all their senses. Play is a birthright after all. Your child benefits from an approach that nurtures the 'whole' child. A confident child, and then the well adjusted confident adult, stems from a broad and balanced education. Children take an active part in choosing what they do. They select work and activities, they may work in small groups, individually on mats or tables. When they finish they tidy up and put things back. It’s a common sense pattern that breaks the vicious cycle of spoon feeding and desk bound ‘learning’.

9 - Oms create environments that are appropriate to children’s developmental needs. This is true, particularly in the realm of creativity. Your children will not come home with pseudo ‘children’s creative work 'that has really been mostly done by an adult. If your child shows you something, it’s been made by them, with their own creative ideas and input. What would be the point of doing it any other way? Oms teachers will display children’s work, not adult work that has been ‘assisted’ by children. Displays are simple, not framed or ‘over mounted’. Yes, it’s important to encourage children’s sense of pride in their work, but this is something that comes from within. As adults we try to encourage the creative spirit within, the focus is not on the product but the process.

10 - Oms is interested in the ‘process’ children use to learn. The journey they take to discover what they know. The ‘product’, the end result does not dominate our work. Why does this benefit you and your child? Process learning demands high quality, hands on teaching. Poor teachers can’t do it. Box tickers can’t do it. Your child, by definition, is taught by a good teacher. Your school is managed by people who are making a public commitment to keep the child central to all things. Old fashioned teaching concentrates on ‘product’. Ofsted concentrate on it because it is measurable, although as we write this is changing. The difficulty with this approach is that it glosses over how and the why, children will be taught, as long as it produces what Ofsted agree is important.

11 - Oms teachers are chosen for their maturity and experience. The benefits are huge in this respect. Teachers try to make relationships with you and your child, to understand the needs of child, but also the needs of families. Young , inexperienced teachers can be trained care for children effectively. They often lack empathy. The understanding that comes with running a family of their own, of getting the work life balance right, of the constant challenges that face modern families.

Partners in Inspiration...

The school was founded in 1990 with a single nursery school for children aged 2 to 6 years. By 1999 there were more nursery schools. In January 2000 Forest Farm school was started with one nursery class and a single elementary class. By 2007 the schools grew to support some 150 families throughout Oxfordshire with a teacher training course, 2 elementary classes and off site nursery settings in and near central Oxford. In September 2008 it is our intention include the 12 to 16 aged group with a home school partnership. Further development includes a unique sports facility - the conversion of a vast covered agricultural barn - to an exciting multi-use sports and activity arena, this was completed in June 2007. In many ways the school matches facilities offered by much larger independent schools but retains its small school feel. This has been achieved by a constant commitment in direct investment. We have completed our hectic develop now, and look forward to enjoying the intimate environments that have been created. Our schools are small. They were designed that way because it provides a better experience for the children.

The school is participatory in nature...

There are three groups where democratic principles are encouraged. Parents, Children and the teaching management / leadership team. This direct participation is an important part of the schools governance. Parents meet to discuss important issues; help with fund raising and to organise practical work for the school. Children are taught to understand the rudiments of democratic participation and get to know the principle roles needed to make it effective. They may vote on aspects of school policy that may affect their time. They negotiate disputes etc. The Leadership is also democratic in nature. Key issues are discussed and voting is called for to reach consensus. The school is privately owned by its founders who advise and guide decision making in The Leadership Team. The schools founders retain casting votes on crucial matters and continue to develop the schools long term vision.

Contributions (fees) are paid by parents to support the whole community. In return for reduced contributions, parents may be invited to offer time, skills and initiatives in vital practical areas to help the school run. We expect parents to understand how the school is run, to support and uphold its ethos and to understand the opportunities, but also the limitations - both financial and logistical - that are faced by a small independent school.

We are an independent school offering a genuine child led Montessori curriculum. The school seeks to balance this with an adherence to the broad structure of the National Curriculum to ensure children are properly prepared for the transition to other schools, mainstream or independent. Children adapt well to many different settings because they are encourage to be critical thinkers, self aware and able to leave us with highly developed social skills.

Quality...

The Leadership Team is the central decision making body of the school. It writes and amends school policy. It delegates and coordinates parents contributions. The Leadership Team manages a number of important working sub groups that sustain the schools work with Human Resources, Finance, The Curriculum, Marketing and Promotion and Maintenance. Parents are encouraged to take part in these groups where they have specific skills to offer.

The approach to the sports barn

Our Communities...

Nursery Education (2 to 6 years)

• High quality
• Genuinely child-centred
• Trained experienced teachers
  

A family based community where there is always stacks going on; Playing, Sharing, Meeting & Growing. Painting, Drawing, Laughing & Caring. Cooking, Cleaning, Washing & Helping. Walking, Running, Jumping & Splashing. Balancing, Waiting, Listening & Singing. Stories, Poems, Candles & Celebrations. Wood & Cotton, Wool & Silk. Mud & Water, Fire & Smoke and so much more. Children and teachers co-discover the world and opportunities presented by these activities. Our early years environment is a family. It's a team, at its core, dedicated teachers, people who have elected to work with children as a genuine calling or vocation. Ofsted recognised this department as particularly strong with 'outstanding teaching' and commended the skillful observation based teaching that occurs routinely.



Elementary Education (6 to 9's to and 9's to 12 years)

• Individual attention
• Close monitoring
• An emphasis on developing Independence and other key life skills
• A broad and exciting range of peripatetics options, mostly included in contributions. Music / art / drama / bush-craft / modern languages / sports
  

Pupils between these years are taught by one or two core class teachers. These teachers work from our progressive curriculum and the National Curriculum. They are free to extend it according to their areas of interest, as their skills and talents require. These teachers care and inspire their pupils in literacy and numeracy. They introduce them to the world via history, geography, arts and the sciences. Specialist teachers bring foreign languages, music, sports, crafts and the great outdoors, into the classrooms. The core of the class teachers work is focused on the 3 hour work period in the morning. Each child has a programme individually designed to meet their needs. It is the class teacher's aim to recognise and respect the strengths, needs and unique nature of each child and adapt to each child's mode and style of learning.

Senior Education (12 to 16 years) (Sep 2008)

• Simple yet uncommon ideas getting young people to learn using all their senses
• A university model with lots of mentoring and encouragement
• Opportunities to take part in real and economically useful work
• Academic expectation that are appropriate to young people's abilities
• Emphasis on physical activities and sports / creative arts / sustainability
  

The tutorial model is planned for the Senior School. Each child with a mentor who, in partnership with the child, develops a programme of work. Specialist teachers take one or more specific subjects. Aspects of Montessori Erdkinder philosophy are introduced. The children make crafts and grow vegetables. They may sell these at local market or directly to members of the community, teachers and parents. They are encouraged to be economically useful from an early age. They are also encouraged to be active learners. Adolescents need physical as well as mental stimulation. Moral guidance is a key facet. Understanding his or her moral relationship to the world and objective understanding of and connection to the world is valued highly. A broad range of subjects and activities develop clear thinking, artistic creativity and responsible action. Children are prepared for GCSE, the broad standards of the National Curriculum are used as a guide to standards.

Teacher Training

• Join an elite of early years professionals in a stimulating career
  
• Benefit from nearly 100% grants that cover tuition fees
• Learn practical skills, observation, critical incident analysis
  
• Have huge fun and intellectual stimulation by joining a community of like minded people
  

This is your chance to change your life, and perhaps for the better the lives of many, many children. OMS have operated the Oxford Montessori Diploma in Early Years Education for 7 years. The training course is recognised level 4 NVQ equivalent qualification. It is also recognised by the EYDPC in Oxfordshire.

Parents & other key stakeholders...

School life reaches out to the local community too. We hold summer barn dances, promise auctions, beautiful summer and winter performances with the children. Each year we host a spectacular bonfire party with fireworks too. If you decide to approach the school with an application for your children, remember you are joining a community that is passionate about a very special education in a very special place. In return for the school's commitment to keeping contributions and other costs to parents low, we ask that you are prepared to participate and uphold the school values and ethos at all times.

The families and children who thrive at Forest Farm are the ones who hold it's basic ethos true. Those who are genuinely looking for an alternative yet proven, truly child centred approach to education. Our community thrives when parent / child / teacher and governance work in partnership. This is one of our fundamental aims.

Life on the Farm...

Forest Farm is a special place. Ponies, peacocks, chickens, Red Kites, Hares, Badgers, Moles, Rabbits and Roe deer vie with children, parents and teachers for space to play and work. Ours is the most alive of communities. Animal husbandry, horticulture and sustainability are becoming an increasingly exciting focus at the school. The 2000 tree Coppice Wood, planted in March 2007 has laid the important foundation for a wonderful exciting educational resource for the children in years to come. It will also supply us with much needed bush-craft materials for weaving, construction etc. Past and current parents at the school have played an important part in developing the resources we have, this community aspect to the schools growth is seen as important.

Specialism & the Long Term Vision...

The school aims to further develop its specialisms in art, crafts, Forest Schools (bushcraft) music and drama. 2006 / 2007 saw substantial investment to create the Coppice Wood, the Dipping Pond, the Sports and Activity Barn (a conversion of a huge agricultural barn to a multi use sports facility). 2008 / 2009 / 2010 will see investment in dedicated spaces for music / drama recording / productions, new senior school classrooms and arts and crafts.

Approaching the school for a place...

Forest Farm Montessori school is part of a small family owned group of small nursery settings too. Wolvercote with its 40 children, Iffley Village with its 20 registered places. Each year a small but steady number of children rise from the Children's House (nursery) to join the Elementary. Each year this number grows, so please be sure to let us know in plenty of time if you are considering an Elementary or Senior school place for your child.

Long Term & Visions...

Ours is a family community. We don't aspire to be a large independent school. Our methods would not suite the transition and the ethos could not cope! Ours is a balancing act. Small classes, good facilities, well resourced teaching spaces, teachers paid a fair wage and parents who are asked for a fair contribution. This is our aim. How we balance these sometimes competing demands creates the 'reality' of the provision we offer, we hope our achievements speak for themselves. The development of the facilities has been steady. Contributions that come over and above money needed to run the school on a day to day basis are reinvested. A school is a money burning miracle, a bottomless pit of resources, a never ending challenge. It, like a small country / community / embodies the struggle and successes one associates with the running, the nurturing of a society albeit on a small scale. Its governance is endlessly fascinating and challenging. The school is an expression of the people who represent it on one level. On another it, it is given stability through participation / policy and vision.

Maria Montessori & Science...

Maria Montessori was Italy's first female doctor. Her studies into early education built upon the pedagogic traditions of Rousseau and Piaget. She wrote and practiced her theory and transformed the prospects for groups of poor Italian children who lived in the slums of Rome. Her unique contribution to progressive educational theory lay in her belief that meeting the needs of children was only possible if one observed how they learnt. From these observations she developed her ideas, the foundations for the prepared environments our pupils work and live with everyday. Many of Montessori's principals are being borrowed by mainstream schools. Their implementation is unsuccessful in most cases because of lack of funding and unmanageable class sizes. Today there are 1000's of Montessori schools world wide. The communities that use her fundamental philosophy test and verify her work on a daily basis. The method is alive and constantly evolving to meet the needs of today's young people and teachers. A recent study in U.S Journal 'Science' demonstrated that Montessori educated pupils scored highly in 'executive function' those skills often associated with 'life success' in adulthood.

The locality...

The former Victorian Barns at Forest Farm were converted by the present school founders in 1999. The buildings are very special, converted to retain their atmosphere. The grounds (approximately 8 acres) are given over to a newly planted traditional coppice wood (grown and managed by the children for bushcraft products) peacock cages, hen houses, outdoor football / rugby / basketball and netball spaces. There are areas for play, adventure and horticulture and the production of vegetables and flowers. There are opportunities for riding and caring for our Shetland Ponies.

Forest Farm is located approximately 15 minutes from the centre of Oxford between the villages of Wood Eaton, Elsfield and Beckley. A bus service will be available soon.

Further information:

Web: www.oxfordmontessori.co.uk
Email: oms.schools@btconnect.com
Address: Forest Farm School. Elsfield. Oxford OX3 9UW.
Main Office Tel: 01865 358210
Fax: 01865 358390

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LINKS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION...

Please be sure to make sure, if you are reading this from a pdf document that you do not look at these links in 'web view' as they are live links to our web pages.

• Main Website
• Key Information
  
• ON-line applications
• Tuition Fees

• Create Holiday Club

• Term & Conditions
• Ofsted Reports

Wolvercote Children's House ...

• Wolvercote Montessori nursery takes place in a pretty 1930's village hall and has been part of community life for 15 years...

• The Hall provides a spacious environment for children, in a beautiful and homely room, where children feel safe, secure and welcome. Small enough to enable them to feel secure and not overwhelmed, and large enough to allow space to explore, learn and have fun, it provides an ideal environment just minutes from the Summertown, and within easy reach of the city centre. Wolvercote is a small but lively school, where children have space and safety in which to allow their imaginations to develop.

• At two years’ old, no more than 4 children work in a group with one teacher. In the classroom, children enjoy choosing a wide range of activities from the shelves of Montessori materials. The space is large enough for the children to really broaden their learning horizons with the learning materials, and special activities such as drama and music sessions in which all ages can participate. At three years’ old and above, each teacher works with the children in key groups of no more than 8 children. All the staff are qualified, experienced Montessori teachers. Enthusiastic, warm and friendly, the staff provide a caring, nurturing, fun and exciting environment for the children.

• Nearby Wolvercote Common provide lovely and interesting settings for the children to go on walks and learn about their environment. The large garden with great play facilities also provides a fantastic outdoor area for the children to explore.

• The nursery offers term-time only places at affordable prices.

• You can download further details about Oxford Montessori Schools, our philosophy and ethos, a full prospectus and details of our fees from www.montessori.squarespace.com, where you can also book online. If you would like to arrange a visit, or have any queries you can telephone us on 01865 358210 or email us on oms.schools@btconnect.com. You can also read our Ofsted report on www.ofsted.gov.uk and use URN reference EY134042 to find us. Alternatively, follow the links on the website or use the useful links below...

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• Main Website
• Key Information
  
• Online applications
• Tuition Fees

• Create Holiday Club

• Term & Conditions
• Ofsted Reports