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About Us

The Maria Montessori Institute (MMI) is a London-based registered charity that promotes the authentic educational approach first developed by Maria Montessori.

Our Vision

We are the Maria Montessori Institute. We work for a world where Montessori education is empowering the next generation to be happier, more fulfilled, and better able to make a positive difference to their family, their community, and the planet.

Our Mission

We Are The UK's Only AMI Training Centre

We provide world-recognised AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) teacher training and short courses for those looking to start a new career, the Montessori community, other professionals and parents and carers. We are proud of the academic excellence of our courses, which are delivered by highly qualified trainers who have all undertaken the AMI Trainer of trainers programme after substantial experience working with children.
Our London Training CentreMontessori Training

We Run An Exemplar London Montessori School

We run an exemplar school in London offering the highest-quality and most authentic Montessori education for 2½ to 16 year olds on four sites across North and West London. All our teachers are AMI trained and receive on-going professional development and mentorship which ensures they are actively engaged in reflective practice to maintain the highest level of authenticity.
Our SchoolWhat Is AMI?

We Champion Montessori At Every Stage In Life

We champion the power of the Montessori approach at every stage of life from new parenthood to Montessori for dementia, disability and ageing.
Montessori for Dementia, Disability and Ageing

We Promote And Support Outreach Projects In The UK & Around The World

We promote and support outreach projects with disadvantaged communities in the UK and around the world, underpinned by Montessori principles.
Outreach

Our Values

Joyful

Our schools, offices and training centre are friendly places and we are positive and optimistic in our approach.

Caring

We support our students, our children and families and one another.

Inquisitive

We are self-reflective and curious.

Integrity

We are true to our beliefs, we are always polite and professional and offer the best quality and value we can.

Inclusive and collaborative

We value difference and respect the contribution that any individual or organisation can make.

What is AMI?

Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)‘s mission is to support the natural development of the human being from birth to maturity, enabling children to become the transforming elements of society, leading to a harmonious and peaceful world. AMI is recognised internationally as an authoritative voice regarding the unique nature of childhood, natural human development and the rights of the child. AMI is identified and sought after nationally and internationally as the custodian and cultivator of Montessori philosophy and pedagogy. AMI is invited to assist international and national humanitarian and government authorities in addressing social and educational problem situations where positive change can be effected through the education of children.
AMI Website

Research & Archive

Maria Montessori Institute is committed to scientific research to show the effectiveness of the Montessori approach. You can read some of the published articles on the AMI website.
The Maria Montessori Institute holds a number of documents and materials dating back to the courses held by Maria and Mario Montessori. Thanks to the generosity of the Westridge fund, we have been able to sort, catalogue and scan these documents so that they may be used by researchers from around the world.

Items in the archive include a bound set of Dr Montessori’s lectures given at the first international course in 1913 in Rome and papers relating to the 1957-58 Elementary Course held in London by Mario Montessori, including hand painted charts and notes taken in lectures.

The MMI archive supplements the main archive held at the AMI Head Office in Amsterdam.

Donations of materials and documents to the archive are always welcome.

AMI Website Make a Donation

Staff & Board of Directors

Our Organisation

The Maria Montessori Institute was funded by Mario Montessori, the son of Maria Montessori. It is a registered charity and exists to uphold the vision of Maria Montessori and the standards of AMI. It is governed by a Board of Directors.

Our Organisation

Our Training Team

Our training staff are all AMI Diploma holders who have at least 5 years experience working in Montessori environments. Our trainers have also qualified through the AMI Training of Trainers Programme requiring at least a further 3 years of intensive study.

Our Training Team Structure

Our School

Our school staff are all AMI Diploma holders having qualified with the Maria Montessori Institute or at another AMI Affiliated Training Centre.

Our School Team Structure Our School Team

Our Administration Team

Our Administration team is based at Hampstead and cover Finance, Resources, HR and Marketing.

Our Administration Team

Our Outreach Team

Our outreach team comprise members of the Maria Montessori Institute staff who carry out projects in the UK and abroad.

Our Outreach Team

Board of Directors

Our board members have a keen interest in enabling children to experience Montessori education at its best. They have a wealth of experience working with children, and working in Montessori and other professional fields.

Should you wish to contact a Board Member please address them courtesy of the school head office address: 26 Lyndhurst Gardens, London, NW3 5NW / info@mariamontessori.org. Contact the Chair directly on chair@mariamontessori.org.

Mr Benedict Faccini

Author/Consultant to UNESCO
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Mr Benedict Faccini
Author/Consultant to UNESCO
Ben Faccini is a writer, novelist, translator and creative-writing teacher. He worked for many years for a joint UNESCO/UNICEF education programme for marginalised children around the world. Ben also attended a Montessori school during his early years.

Mrs Nicola Forsyth

Montessori Pedagogue
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Mrs Nicola Forsyth
Montessori Pedagogue
Nicola Forsyth trained as a Montessori teacher in Lyndhurst Gardens in 1980, and from her first week onwards knew that Montessori education was a perfect beginning for any human being.

She went on to set up her own school in North London, with over 100 children, which she ran for the next 30 years, after which she continued to use her Montessori experience by working for Home-Start (a charity which helps parents in need with children under 5).

She says, “I believe that the MMI is an incredible organisation and feel hugely privileged to serve as a Board member of an organisation that works tirelessly to bring quality Montessori, not just to its own schools, but worldwide.”

Ms Sara Giwa-McNeil (Chair, Safer Recruitment)

Montessori Pedagogue
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Ms Sara Giwa-McNeil (Chair, Safer Recruitment)
Montessori Pedagogue
Sara Giwa-McNeil began her career in management roles in the aviation and healthcare business and worked for the Financial Services Authority having studied at the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. After a period of travel she undertook a career change training as a Montessori teacher with MMI in 2008. Sara went on to open her own school which she ran for 10 years having also acquired Early Years Professional Status (an equivalent to QTS). Subsequent to closing her school she worked for a charity, helping to set up a Montessori school for the charity in Sri Lanka. Sara is a member of the MMI Steering Committee and brings her considerable experience to bear on the issues, challenges and achievements of the Organisation.

Mrs Wendy Innes (Health and Safety)

Montessori School Proprietor
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Mrs Wendy Innes (Health and Safety)
Montessori School Proprietor
Wendy Innes has held many positions within the Organisation initially serving as a Children’s House teacher in the 1970’s and on her return to the UK, working in various capacities with the Training Centre whilst opening her own school in London. Wendy runs a Montessori Infant Community and Children’s House (18 months – 6 years) in Marylebone, which this year celebrated it’s 40th birthday. having trained at the Maria Montessori Institute, Wendy travelled abroad and taught in Mexico. Wendy says, “I greatly enjoy being a member of the MMI Board; the wide range of issues that are brought to the Board allow for much discussion and decision making between us all. The MMI continues to be forward thinking both at the school level and the training level. The education and well being of the children and students in our care, staff, and the whole community, are always taken into full consideration at our meetings”.

Mrs Catherine Middlemas (Safeguarding)

Montessori Pedagogue
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Mrs Catherine Middlemas (Safeguarding)
Montessori Pedagogue
Catherine Middlemas serves as Safeguarding trustee and is also a member of the MMI Steering Committee. Following a degree in French and Portuguese from Manchester University and a career at Accenture, Catherine trained at MMI in Hampstead from 2000- 2002. Catherine worked in London Montessori Schools including the MMI School in Hampstead and went on to establish a Montessori School in Essex before re-locating to Sussex with her husband and three children in 2015. Catherine is now a Montessori Coach at AMI Schools in London and is an Assessor for Montessori Education UK (MEUK) guiding schools who are working towards ‘Recognition of Authentic Montessori Practice’. Catherine is also studying for an MA in Educational Neuroscience at UCL and Birkbeck College, University of London, with a special interest in socio-emotional and language development in children between 0-6 years.

Ms Farran Scott

Musician
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Ms Farran Scott
Musician
Farran Scott began her educational life in the Maria Montessori Children’s House where early signs of her musical abilities were evident. Subsequently, Farran stayed connected to the Organisation in a variety of ways and then as a Board member. After studying the violin in London and Germany, Farran specialised in chamber music. As a member of The Brook Street Band, she recorded prize winning CDs, was a frequent guest on BBC Radio 3 and played many concerts. Farran has also commissioned numerous composers, run education projects and taught all ages and stages. She is committed to the Montessori approach to education. Her interests include neurodiversity, SEN, woodlands and citizen science.

Mr Ian Stockdale (Treasurer)

Real Estate Finance Advisor
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Mr Ian Stockdale (Treasurer)
Real Estate Finance Advisor
Ian Stockdale is a partner in a real estate finance advisory firm based in London and consultant to a UK property manager. He previously worked for Danske Bank and National Australia Bank in corporate and property lending and has extensive experience in financial services. He is interested in exploring creativity, innovation and change with his clients. Ian has a BA in Economic History from the University of Leeds, and an MBA in Financial Services from Sheffield Hallam University. He served as the Honorary Treasurer for the Association Montessori Internationale for 13 years.

Ms Carrie Weston (Company Secretary)

Higher Education; Deputy CEO
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Ms Carrie Weston (Company Secretary)
Higher Education; Deputy CEO
Professor Carrie Weston is a Chartered Psychologist and academic with a research background in Early Childhood and Developmental Movement. She has a passion for learning, teaching and achievement, with many years of experience in schools, services, Higher Education and educational leadership. Formerly Dean at the University of East London, where she worked from 2003-2019, and Deputy CEO of Metanoia Institute, Carrie is now an Associate at Advance HE, a freelance educational consultant, and writer.
Carrie completed her PhD in 2007, in Scotland. She maintains an interest in research in the fields of teaching, learning and inclusive education. Additionally, Carrie is the author of a number of children's books, including the bestselling Oxford University Press 'Boris' series. Through her writing and storytelling for children, Carrie has performed at Glastonbury, launched a literacy scheme with the Memphis Grizzlies in Tennessee, is a guest speaker for literacy events in schools and was put forward for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize for children's literature.

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