Overview

This Post Diploma course (for Montessori Diploma holders at the 3-6 age level) is a scientific observation of children using techniques developed by Maria Montessori. Through discussion and practice, students gain a deeper understanding of the Montessori approach and how it is applied in the Children’s House. It is specifically designed for those working in a Montessori 3-6 years environment. After many years of running this course, we are now offering a new format which offers greater accessibility and affordability.

  • The Course is open to all Montessori Diploma holders at the 3-6 level  – it is not necessary to have an AMI diploma
  • The Course is divided into 2 Modules, each with a separate fee – participants can choose to do one or both – or do one and then return later to do the second the following year
  • There are 2 optional practice discussion modules (Case Studies) – participants can choose to do one or both of these – or can also decide not to do this part of the course until later
  • Graduates who have previously studied on one of our Post Diploma observation courses can choose either of the case study modules as an opportunity to refresh their skills

Over the course of an academic year you will use data collected from your classroom observations and be supported to analyse this in depth and respond to individual children’s developmental needs. Observations must take place in a classroom led by a Montessori 3-6 Diploma holder.

This course is available in Chinese translation. Please click here to read a summary of the course and an application form in Chinese.

该课程提供中文翻译。请点击此处查看中文课程介绍及申请表

Details

Courses Evenings, Modular, Part time
Location Online
Next course - Module 1 Montessori Observation: Core Concepts and Foundations: 29th September 2025 - 8th December 2025
Module 1 format Online on Mondays, 19:30 – 21:30 UK time, during UK term time plus observations, reading and reflection in your own time
Module 1 (Chinese translation) Montessori Observation: Core Concepts and Foundations in English with simultaneous Chinese translation: 1st October 2025 - 10th December 2025
Module 1 (Chinese translation) format Online on Wednesdays, 18:30 - 20:30 CST (11:30am - 1:30pm UK time), during UK term time plus observations, reading and reflection in your own time
Who is Module 1 for? Montessori 3-6 Diploma holders working in a 3-6 years Montessori environment
Module 1 Entry Requirements A Montessori Diploma at the 3-6 age level (non-AMI accepted)
Module 1 Course Fee £420
Case Study A 12th January 2026 - 2nd February 2026
Case Study A format Online on Mondays, 19.30 - 21.30 UK time
Case Study A (Chinese translation) 14th January 2026 - 4th February 2026
Case Study A (Chinese translation) format Online on Wednesdays, 18:30 - 20:30 CST (11:30am - 1:30pm UK time)
Who is Case Study A for? Participants of Module 1 who wish to put the tools and techniques gained into action by conducting a case study of one child
Case Study A Entry Requirements Completion of Module 1
Case Study A Course Fee £210
Module 2 Montessori Observation: Deepening Practice and Understanding: 23rd February - 23rd March 2026 and 13th April - 18th May 2026
Module 2 (Chinese translation) Montessori Observation: Deepening Practice and Understanding in English with simultaneous Chinese translation: 4th March - 25th March 2026 and 15th April - 20th May 2026
Module 2 format Online on Mondays, 19:30 – 21:30 UK time, every 2 weeks during UK term time plus observations, reading and reflection in your own time
Module 2 (Chinese translation) format Online on Wednesdays, 18:30 - 20:30 CST (11:30am - 1:30pm UK time), during UK term time plus observations, reading and reflection in your own time
Who is Module 2 for? Participants of Module 1 or previous MMI Observation courses who wish to deepen their practice and understanding
Module 2 Entry Requirements Completion of Module 1 or previously followed the Observation course at MMI
Module 2 Course Fee £420
Case Study B 1st June 2026 - 22nd June 2026
Case Study B format Online on Mondays, 19.30 - 21.30 UK time
Case Study B (Chinese translation) 3rd June 2026 - 25th June 2026
Case Study B (Chinese translation) format Online on Wednesdays, 18:30 - 20:30 CST (11:30am - 1:30pm UK time)
Who is Case Study B for? Participants of Module 1 or previous MMI Observation courses who wish to put the tools and techniques gained into action by conducting a case study of one child
Case Study B Entry Requirements Completion of Module 1 or previously followed the Observation course at MMI
Case Study B Course Fee £210

"An observer obviously needs something to observe and he must be trained in order to be able to see and recognise objective truth, he must also have at his disposal children placed in such an environment that they can manifest their natural traits." Maria Montessori

What Students Say

What will I learn about?

Module 1

Explores Maria Montessori’s guidance on the preparation necessary to be able to observe the child:

  • Self-preparation as a key to being able to see
  • Preparation and Observation of an environment that both reveals and responds to the true nature of the child

Preparation and use of the ‘tools’ and techniques to observe scientifically and systematically

  • How to take useful observation notes
  • Preparation and analysis of work curves

Following the Child

  • Presentations and points of consciousness
  • Engaging attention

Each study session is followed by an observation task to gather data on the specific topic from the participant’s environment, children, and practice.  Alternating discussion sessions then provide a forum for sharing discoveries made, and deepening understanding by analysing together what the observations have revealed. Relevant reading will also be provided.

Case Study A

Tools and techniques gained in Module 1 are put into action by conducting a case study of one child. Journeying together in these weeks through the cycle of observation, interpretation, analysis, planning, implementation, and documenting of outcomes helps embed these core skills into practice and understand better how to observe and respond to each child in the community.

Module 2

Following the Child:

  • Interference and intervention
  • Errors and their correction
  • Indirect preparation
  • Four stages to normalisation
  • The will

Case Study B

Tools and techniques gained in the Module 2 are put into action by conducting a case study of one child. Journeying together in these weeks through the cycle of observation, interpretation, analysis, planning, implementation, and documenting of outcomes helps embed these core skills into practice and understand better how to observe and respond to each child in the community.

 

Fees and scholarships

Course fees for 2025-26 academic year:

  • Module 1 – £420
  • Case Study A – £210
  • Module 2 – £420
  • Case Study B – £210

Hilla Patell Bursary – bursaries available in memory of Hilla Patell. UK students only.

Contact us to apply for a bursary for this course.

 

Training Information Session Ask A Course Advisor

Chinese Course Option

This course is available in Chinese translation. Please click here to read a summary of the course and an application form in Chinese.

该课程提供中文翻译。请点击此处查看中文课程介绍及申请表

Learn More

Apply for this course

Option 1 / 4

Apply for Montessori Observation: Core Concepts and Foundations (Module 1 in English)

£420
  • Next course dates
    Monday 29th September 2025 - 8th December 2025
  • Course format
    Online on Monday evenings

This course is available in Chinese translation. Please click here to read a summary of the course and an application form in Chinese.

该课程提供中文翻译。请点击此处查看中文课程介绍及申请表

Option 2 / 4

Apply for Montessori Observation (Case Study A in English)

£210
  • Next course dates
    Monday 12th January 2026 - 2nd February 2026
  • Course format
    Online on Monday evenings

This course is available in Chinese translation. Please click here to read a summary of the course and an application form in Chinese.

该课程提供中文翻译。请点击此处查看中文课程介绍及申请表

Option 3 / 4

Apply for Montessori Observation: Deepening Practice and Understanding (Module 2 in English)

£420
  • Next course dates
    Monday 23rd February 2026 - 23rd March 2026 and Monday 13th April - 18th May 2026
  • Course format
    Online on Monday evenings

This course is available in Chinese translation. Please click here to read a summary of the course and an application form in Chinese.

该课程提供中文翻译。请点击此处查看中文课程介绍及申请表

Option 4 / 4

Apply for Montessori Observation (Case Study B in English)

£210
  • Next course dates
    Monday 1st June 2026 - 22nd June 2026
  • Course format
    Online on Monday evenings

This course is available in Chinese translation. Please click here to read a summary of the course and an application form in Chinese.

该课程提供中文翻译。请点击此处查看中文课程介绍及申请表

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I gain a certificate for this course?

Participants will receive an MMI Certificate upon completion of all 4 course components (Modules 1 & 2, Case Studies A & B).

What do I need to do to complete this course?

An MMI Certificate of Completion is awarded to students who have satisfied the course requirements:

  • Final submission of 2 case studies to the required standard
  • Satisfaction of the 90% attendance requirement

Do you accept students from outside the UK?

The course runs via live online sessions and can be attended from anywhere in the world.

Where is the training located?

Live online sessions plus observations at your 3-6 setting and some preparation/study for the sessions in your own time.

What are the hours of the course?

Online on Mondays, 19:00 – 21:00 UK time, during UK term time.

Or with Chinese translation on Wednesdays, 18:30 – 20:30 CST (11:30am – 1:30pm UK time), during UK term time.

What if English isn't my first language?

You need a good level of English to succeed on our courses. All applicants need to demonstrate their ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English.

If you are a Chinese speaker, the course is available on Wednesdays with simultaneous Chinese translation.

What is the application process?

English-speaking applicants are asked to complete our online application form. Chinese-speaking applicants are asked to download the application form and submit this via email.

You will then be asked to email a number of supporting documents including a personal statement and a copy of your Montessori 3-6 Diploma.

Successful applicants will be offered a course place. Some applicants may also be invited to an interview which can take place online.