Montessori schools in UK

[Nanchen]

I am keen to hear more about people’s experiences with Montessori schools in the UK, Scotland if possible. My motivation for considering Montessori as an alternative to traditional education models, is around the use of technology, notably iPads and computers, from primary 1 ( age 4-5) in all state and private schools. Do Montessori abide by the “5 iPads in every classroom” from the minute children start school? I really don’t like this, and would prefer my child to be screen free until at least the age of 8 or 9.

I dont know anyone who has attended a Montessori school and would love to hear some first hand experiences of parents who have sent their children to a Montessori school or who are currently enrolled.

The fees are equivalent to that of our country’s top private schools, which are on huge grounds, have extensive sports fields, tennis courts, swimming pools, music, arts and drama departments (in addition to core academic offering) and from the description of Montessori teachings, it’s difficult to establish it my child would receive the variety of subjects taught at an independent school in our area.

So firstly, are iPads in every classroom in a Montessori school, as in all independent and state schools in Scotland (I can’t speak to rest of UK here)? And to parents of children in a Montessori school, what do you think are the key differences between your child’s education and yours (assuming you went to a state or independent school here in the UK)? Thanks!

P.S please don’t ask about my aversion to screens around children. I’m aware they are not watching YouTube in school and are using them for learning Maths etc. but I still feel strongly opposed.

State schools in England (and I presume Scotland) now teach computing from age 5 (year1) and in England this is part of the national curriculum. Technically academies do not have to but most do.

it’s usually programming a robot that moves around (bee it or similar) etc etc.

Montessori is very common at pre school ages certainly in England but I have not come across a Montessori school, many people move onto Steiner schools which are somewhat marmite.

I feel exactly the same, I believe it is an experiment to be using screens so young when your brain isn't fully developed. There's no scientific research that puts my mind at ease. Especially with such a strong body of research to compell countries like Sweden & Denmark to go screen free. I think Australia has too but maybe just for phones? The evidence in a new paper from Canada on 100k children from 2008 is enough for me to not want my child to be apart of an experiment on their brain when we, as adults, have stopped reading the slower form of books and creative thought is a quick ChatGBT away for simple answer. Mark Zuckberg went to a wardoff school and Steve jobs famously didn't let his kids have tech. He knew they had been designed to be as dopamine and easy serving as possible. I want my child to not use the easy way out, it's like giving a calculator before you've workout out how to do the sums yourself. Learn to use tools like an actual ruler. It's not the easy way out for a reason. You're brain is forming important new connections that set you up for life, to think around problems creatively not to use a tech tool. That's for later on when AI does your job for you.

I've been gutted to find out that state schools in the UK have tech so needlessly and lazily young, it feels like the government has been persuaded by large tech deals and not a growing body of evidence that screentime is detrimental to education, learning and childrens mental health in general. The stats are scarey. Why is this country sold on such an idea?

Why can't parents opt out? We can't afford a private school and our local gives their own kids individual ipads to take home. It seems mental.

If you do find anywhere that doesn't have tech so young please let me know. It all seems like madness to me.

Hi Pandaeyed and Octavia64,
I spotted your posts from last year. There are two Montessori primary schools in Edinburgh - One in Liberton and one in Murrayfield but with different owners and energies. It might be of interest that a few years ago The Montessori (Primary) School in Murrayfield, Edinburgh was set up for just the reasons you both mention. It grew from a Montessori nursery there. Here's a link to the primary school page.
https://www.themontessorinurseryschool.com/primary-school.html
My daughter attended Montessori from age 3 - 10 and I have seen a huge difference to her life as result - her enthusiasm for learning and inner confidence, and her mental health and wellbeing now.
No screens, no devices, teaching outside every afternoon with nature school, art, physical education and science exploration, and they go on many exciting outings for the children to explore the world first hand. The children are self motivated in their learning and skip into school everyday. I would recommend taking a look for your children too.