Guide to Montessori & The NQS

The "Montessori & the National Quality Standards" set is a series of documents focusing on highlighting connections between the National Quality Standards (NQS) for early childhood services and the Montessori approach.

Each Quality Area is broken down into standards and elements, with examples of what an assessor might "observe", "discuss" and "sight" as evidence of the Montessori approach or applications of these principles. The categories of "observe", "discuss" and "sight" are included to reflect the nature of an assessment visit, in which the assessor will use these three strategies to evaluate the operation of an early childhood service. The assessor will observe the classroom setting, engage in discussions with staff members and sight documented evidence.

After exploring the listed examples of how the Montessori philosophy and methodology apply in each element your individual service can contribute additional examples from your own centre to differentiate your unique application and solidify your confidence about how to demonstrate your commitment to the NQS within the framework of your Montessori principles.

By using the "Montessori & the NQS" documents your staff members can feel prepared and empowered about how the assessment will be conducted and how to communicate (through actions, words or physical evidence) elements of the Montessori philosophy.

The documents are provided in Microsoft Word format via email so that you can add and edit as needed to reflect the individual approach of your centre.

These documents were originally developed by Jessica Langford (co-owner of Montessori Child) and we proud to now offer professionals the exclusive opportunity to access these resources directly from their author.

For more information about the National Quality Standards, and its place within the National Quality Framework, please refer to ACECQA.

Please note: Quality Area 7 is featured without the "generic" Montessori information as it is an area that more strongly relates to centre management, which does not tend to be guided by any specific Montessori principles or practices. This area is still included in the set so that your staff team can include this in your personalised discussions and notations.