HOME / PRIVACY POLICY Central Coast Montessori Privacy Policy Purpose The Privacy Policy defines Central Coast Montessori’s approach for the collection, use, management, and disclosing of personal information collected as part of the School’s activities. Central Coast Montessori is bound by the requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and its obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 (the Privacy Act). Scope The Privacy Policy applies to the management of personal information collected by all campuses and operations of Central Coast Montessori in the course of our operations, including that which is collected by solicited and unsolicited means, and is applicable to the management of any personal information which is under the control of Central Coast Montessori. The management of personal information refers to the circumstances in which we obtain personal information, how we use and disclose that information, and how we manage requests to access, dispose of, and/or change that information. The policy does not apply to information that is under the control of any third party to which Central Coast Montessori provides personal information in accordance with this policy. What is Personal Information? Personal information is information or an opinion about an individual from which they can be reasonably identified. This may include: an individual’s name, signature, address, phone number, photograph or date of birth sensitive information, such as: racial or ethnic origin political opinions or associations religious or philosophical beliefs trade union membership or associations sexual orientation or practices criminal record health or genetic information some aspects of biometric information. credit information elements of employee records and notes internet protocol (IP) addresses voice print and facial recognition biometrics (because they collect characteristics that make an individual’s voice or face unique) location information from a mobile device (because it can reveal user activity patterns and habits). Collection of Personal Information Central Coast Montessori may collect personal information from an individual in their capacity as a current or prospective student or parent/guardian, contractor, volunteer, job applicant, employee, alumni, visitor, or others who come into contact with the School. If it is reasonable and practical to do so, Central Coast Montessori will collect personal information directly from the individual. In the course of providing our services, we may collect and hold information including but not limited to: General identifying information including names, addresses, emails, phone numbers, gender, and date of birth Sensitive information including place of birth, nationality, religious beliefs, medical information and history, and criminal history Financial and business information Personal information of emergency contacts Photographic images, sound, and video recordings. Generally, Central Coast Montessori will seek consent from the individual in writing before collecting their sensitive information. It is noted that employee records are not covered by the APPs where they relate to current or former employment relations between the School and the employee. However, a current or former employee’s health records are covered by the New South Wales Health Privacy Principles. Solicited Information Central Coast Montessori has, where possible, attempted to standardise the collection of personal information by using specifically designed forms to ensure that only the information required for Central Coast Montessori to provide its services is collected. However, the School may also receive personal information necessary to effectively deliver its services or meet its legislative obligations via email, letters, notes, social media, our website, over the telephone, in face-to-face meetings, through financial transactions, and surveillance activities such as the use of CCTV security cameras or email monitoring. Central Coast Montessori may also collect personal information from other sources (e.g., a third-party administrator, referees for prospective employees, etc.). Personal information will only be collected from third parties where it is not reasonable and practical to collect the personal information from the individual directly. Unsolicited Information Central Coast Montessori may be provided with personal information without having sought it through our normal means of collection. This is known as “unsolicited information” and can be collected by: Misdirected postal mail – Letters, documents Misdirected electronic mail – Emails, electronic messages Employment applications sent to us that are not in response to an advertised vacancy Information entered into or stored in online systems and platforms Information communicated through mail, email, telephone or verbal communication Unsolicited information obtained by Central Coast Montessori will only be held, used, or disclosed if it is considered information that could have been collected by normal means. If that unsolicited information could not have been collected by normal means, it will be destroyed, permanently deleted, or de-identified as appropriate. Device Information and Activity When visiting our websites/app, we may collect information about your device and activity, for example, technical information, including: The IP address used to connect your computer to the Internet Your login information Browser type and version Time zone setting Browser plug-in types and versions Cookies Operating system and platform The type of device used. Additionally, as you browse our websites and platforms, we collect information about the individual web pages or products that you view, what websites or search terms referred you across those platforms, and information about how you interact with our suite of products. We refer to this automatically collected information as “Device Information”. We collect Device Information using the following technologies: “Cookies” - Data files that are placed on your device or computer and often include an anonymous unique identifier. For more information about cookies, and how to disable cookies, visit http://www.allaboutcookies.org "Log files” - Track actions occurring on our websites, and collect data including your IP address, browser type, Internet service provider, referring/exit pages, and date/time stamps. “Web beacons”, “tags”, and “pixels” - Electronic files used to record information about how you browse our websites. Information from Third Parties Information may be collected by us or on our behalf via third parties including: The date and time of your visit to our websites IP address Documents and pages you access The type of browser and browser settings Your operating system Address of a recurring site you are about to visit Information you submit regarding payment particulars Device identifier, including Unique Device Identifiers (UDID) Device details Pages visited Language selections Cookies Tracking pixels Geographic area and location. We collect this information for the purpose of: Providing you with local information and alerts about our products and services Improving our website and services Complying with local legal obligations Gathering anonymised statistics for analytical purposes Ensuring proper function of the website and online software Any other reason allowed at law Collection and use of sensitive information Central Coast Montessori will only collect sensitive personal information if it is: reasonably necessary for the delivery of our services or to meet our legislative obligations necessary to lessen or prevent a serious threat to life, health or safety another permitted health situation. Central Coast Montessori may share sensitive information with other entities in our organisational structure, but only if necessary, to provide our services. Sensitive information may also be disclosed outside of Central Coast Montessori where required or permitted under legislation. Use of Personal Information Central Coast Montessori only uses personal information that is reasonably necessary to deliver our services (the primary purpose), for a related secondary purpose that would be reasonably expected by the individual, or for an activity or purpose to which an individual has consented. Central Coast Montessori’s primary uses of personal information include, but are not limited to: Providing education, student support, extra-curricular and health services Satisfying our legal obligations including our duty of care and child safety and wellbeing obligations Sharing School information with parents/guardians Marketing, promotional and fundraising activities Supporting the activities of school associations Supporting the activities of the Central Coast Montessori Foundation Supporting community-based causes and activities, charities and other causes in connection with the School’s events or activities Helping us to improve our day-to-day operations including training our staff Systems development; developing new programs and services; undertaking planning research and statistical analysis School administration including for insurance purposes Employment of staff Engagement of volunteers. We will only use or disclose sensitive information for a secondary purpose if an individual would reasonably expect us to use or disclose the information and the secondary purpose is directly related to the primary purpose. We may share personal information with related bodies corporate, but only if necessary, for us to provide our services. Storage and Security of Personal Information Central Coast Montessori stores personal information in a variety of locations including, but not limited to: Local servers Remote servers Hard copy files Personal devices, including laptop computers Third-party app and management system providers such as Transparent Classroom, OWNA, OWNA HQ, accounting software MYOB and OneSpot/Seabird Apps Third-party storage providers such as cloud storage facilities Central Coast Montessori may disclose personal information about an individual to overseas recipients, for instance, when storing personal information with technology service providers which are situated outside Australia or to facilitate a school transfer. The countries in which these overseas recipients are likely to be located include the United States of America. Central Coast Montessori takes all reasonable steps to protect the personal information we hold from misuse, loss, interference, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. These steps include, but are not limited to: Restricting access and user privilege of information by staff depending on their role and responsibilities Educating staff and students on protection of personal passwords Ensuring hard copy files are stored in lockable filing cabinets in lockable rooms. Staff access is subject to user privilege Implementing security measures around the School buildings and grounds Ensuring our IT and cyber security systems, policies and procedures are implemented and current Monitoring staff compliance with internal policies and procedures when handling personal information Undertaking due diligence with respect to third-party service providers who may have access to personal information, including customer identification providers and cloud service providers, to ensure as far as practicable that they are compliant with the APPs or a similar privacy regime The destruction, deletion, or de-identification of personal information we hold that is no longer needed or required to be retained by any other laws. Cross-sharing of Information Central Coast Montessori operates both a Preschool and Primary campus under two entities. To facilitate smooth transitions for students moving from Preschool to Primary, it may be necessary to cross-share certain student and family particulars between the two campuses. This sharing of information will be conducted in compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles, ensuring that personal information is managed securely and respectfully. We are committed to protecting the privacy of our students and families and will only use or disclose information for the purposes of enhancing educational outcomes and ensuring a seamless transition experience. Responding to Data Breaches Central Coast Montessori maintains procedures for responding to data breaches, including initial containment, formal investigation, and the formation of a data breach response team. If we have reasonable grounds to believe that a data breach has occurred which is likely to result in serious harm to any individual, Central Coast Montessori will: Enact procedures to contain and investigate the data breach Attempt to notify the affected and/or at-risk individuals directly or, if it is not possible to notify individuals directly, publish a statement on our website and through appropriate public channels, and Provide a statement to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) including details of the breach. Disclosure of Personal Information Personal information is used for the purposes for which it was given to Central Coast Montessori, or for purposes which are directly related to one or more of our functions or activities. Personal information may be disclosed to government agencies, other parents, other schools, employees, recipients of School publications, visiting teachers, counsellors and coaches, our service providers, agents, contractors, business partners, related entities, and other recipients from time to time, if the individual: has given consent; or would reasonably expect the personal information to be disclosed in that manner. Central Coast Montessori may disclose personal information without consent or in a manner that an individual would reasonably expect if: we are required to do so by law the disclosure will lessen or prevent a serious threat to the life, health or safety of an individual or to public safety disclosure is reasonably necessary for a law enforcement-related activity another permitted general situation applies another permitted health situation exists. Personal Information of Students The Privacy Act does not differentiate between adults and children and does not specify an age after which individuals can make their own decisions with respect to their personal information. At Central Coast Montessori, we take a ‘common-sense’ approach to dealing with a student’s personal information and generally will refer any requests for personal information to a student’s parents/carers. We will treat notices provided to parents/carers as notices provided to students, and we will treat consents provided by parents/carers as consents provided by a student. In seeking to respect the rights of children under the Privacy Act and recognising that in certain circumstances (especially when dealing with older students and when dealing with sensitive information), it will be appropriate to seek and obtain consent directly from students. We also acknowledge that there may be occasions where a student may give or withhold consent with respect to the use of their personal information independently from their parents/carers. There may also be occasions where parents/carers are denied access to information with respect to their children, because providing such information would have an unreasonable impact on the privacy of others, or result in a breach of the School’s duty of care to the student. Quality of Personal Information We take all reasonable steps to ensure the personal information we hold, use, and disclose is accurate, complete, and up-to-date, including at the time of using or disclosing the information. If Central Coast Montessori becomes aware that the personal information is incorrect or out of date, we will take reasonable steps to rectify the incorrect or out-of-date information. Access and Correction of Personal Information You may submit a request to Central Coast Montessori to access the personal information we hold or request that we change or update the personal information. Upon receiving such a request, we will take steps to verify your identity before granting access or correcting the information. If we reject the request, you will be notified accordingly. Where appropriate, we will provide the reason/s for our decision. Complaints Central Coast Montessori takes all complaints seriously. Privacy complaints can be made to the Privacy Officer and will be handled in accordance with our Complaints Policy and Procedures. How to contact us Central Coast Montessori can be contacted about this Privacy Policy or about personal information generally, by: Email: privacyofficer@ccm.nsw.edu.au Mail: Privacy Officer, Central Coast Montessori 10-12 Debra Anne Drive, BATEAU BAY NSW 2260 Changes to our privacy and information handling practices This Privacy Policy is subject to change at any time. Please check our Privacy Policy on our website regularly for chanes. DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION

Browse our Early Years Gallery and discover the vibrant moments of Montessori learning—children engaging, exploring, and growing in a thoughtfully prepared environment. Home / The Early Years Gallery / Early Years Gallery EDUCATION FOR LIFE A nurturing environment that cultivates independence, empowering children to explore and choose while laying the foundation for lifelong learning.

Central Coast Montessori is an independent, not-for-profit school governed by a highly skilled volunteer Board, ensuring strong leadership, accountability, and educational excellence. discover more CAREERS VISION, MISSION & VALUES Home / Governance / Governance MEET THE CENTRAL COAST MONTESSORI BOARD Central Coast Montessori Primary is a company limited by guarantee, and its members form the Central Coast Montessori Board of Directors. Central Coast Montessori is a not-for-profit organisation. Its accounts are independently audited. About the Board of Directors The Board of Directors provides the overall governance of Central Coast Montessori, including oversight of strategic, policy, corporate, and financial matters. The Board delegates to the Principal the responsibility for the day-to-day management and operation of the School and its educational activities, in accordance with the School’s strategic plan, Montessori principles and values, and policies approved by the Board of Directors. The Principal advises the Board on educational policies and holds primary responsibility for all matters relating to students, staff, and the teaching, interpretation, and application of the Montessori philosophy and method. Members of the School Board are experienced professionals from diverse fields, bringing a broad range of expertise to oversee the governance of Central Coast Montessori. The skill sets of our Board members include corporate governance, education policy, marketing, public relations, human resources, finance, property, and risk management. Service on the Board is undertaken voluntarily, in accordance with legislative requirements. Currently, the Board consists of: ANNUAL REPORT Dimitri Nicolaou Principal Bry O'Neill Director Dean Roller Director Rebecca Butler Director Alan Stevens Director

Find answers to common questions about applying to enrol at Central Coast Montessori, including fees, tours, childcare subsidy (CCS), immunisation, and more. Home / Admissions FAQ / Admissions FAQ ANSWERS TO THE MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS Welcome to our Admissions FAQ. Here you’ll find answers to commonly asked questions about the enrolment process, eligibility, and requirements. If you have a question that’s not covered here, please feel free to get in touch —or submit your own question below. Enrolment Preschool Primary Secondary Does my child need to be enrolled from birth? Our typical entry age begins at 6 months through our Parent & Child Program, but we encourage families with older children to enquire as well. While spaces are limited in our early programs, we are happy to discuss options and guide you through the process for children of various ages. Starting the conversation early ensures you won’t miss out on the best fit for your family. What is the enrolment process? Can I book a tour? Do I need to submit an application? What are the fees? If I already have a child enrolled at the school and wish to enrol their sibling, is it necessary to submit a seperate Application for Enrolment? Submit a New Question Name* Email* Message* Submit Start the Journey ENQUIRE NOW BOOK A TOUR APPLY NOW

Home / Sitemap / Sitemap CENTRAL COAST MONTESSORI About Welcome from the Principal Vision, mission and values Term Dates Governance Annual Report Why CCM? What Sets Us Apart Is Montessori for You? Birth of a Movement Montessori FAQ Recommended Reading & Resources Admissions Enrolment Process Apply to Enrol Application for Enrolment Enrolment Conditions View Our Prospectus Prospectus Investment 2025 Early Years Fee Schedule 2025 Primary Years Fee Schedule Frequently Asked Questions (Admissions) The Early Years About the Early Years Parent & Child (Ages 0-3) Preschool Program (Ages 3-6) The Early Years Curriculum The Early Years Gallery Primary About Primary Lower Primary Upper Primary Primary Curriculum Primary Years Gallery Careers Working at Central Coast Montessori Current opportunities MyCCM Family App Compliance Policy Library Anti-Bullying Policy Anti-Discrimination Policy Child Safety Code of Conduct Child Safety Wellbeing Policy Community Code of Conduct Complaints Policy Complaints and Grievance Resolution Policy Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Statement (Employees, Contractors & Volunteers) Privacy Policy Work, Health and Safety Statement Sushi Friday Orders (Preschool & Primary Campus Only) Shuttle Bus Information CCM Family Handbook News & Events The Coddiewompler (Publication) Events Contact/Enquiries

Upper Primary (ages 9–12): an academic-rich, collaborative Montessori environment where abstract understanding, moral awareness, and critical, imaginative thinking flourish. Home / Upper Primary / Upper Primary FOSTERING CURIOSITY & UNDERSTANDING Exploring Montessori for 9-12 Year Olds As children transition into the Montessori primary program for ages 9 to 12, they exhibit a remarkable blend of curiosity, imagination, and a strong moral and social awareness. This age group is characterised by their inquisitive nature and an innate desire for exploration. As they complete the first cycle of primary education, many fundamental skills are becoming more fluent and integrated. The second cycle is one of consolidation, further exploration, and application, greatly broadening their understanding of the world around them. In an environment centred around research and collaborative learning, the children often work in small groups on various projects that ignite their imagination and stimulate their intellect. Guided by trained Montessori educators, these lessons encourage children to engage in activities that foster their reasoning skills and teach them essential life skills. The Montessori approach intentionally guides children through a process that moves from the concrete and tangible to the abstract, commencing in their early years and continuing throughout their education. This didactic process supports true understanding rather than rote memorisation, allowing children to internalise knowledge deeply. From this foundation, they can innovate and apply what they have learned if they choose to do so. Having typically honed their reading and self-expression skills during the lower primary years, the senior primary child is now eager to delve into cultural knowledge, seeking a deeper understanding of both the natural world and human-made environments. At this stage, they demonstrate enhanced abilities for abstract thought and reasoning, along with a growing physical strength that empowers them to engage with the world more fully. Furthermore, their focus on peer relationships intensifies, coinciding with an increasing interest in questions of morality and the conscious organisation of community through established rules and roles. Driven by a quest to comprehend the universe and their place within it, these children possess an insatiable appetite for cultural exploration. Their studies encompass a wide range of subjects, including geography, biology, history, language, mathematics, science, music, and art. Learning is enriched through excursions beyond the classroom, utilising community resources such as libraries, observatories, botanical gardens, science centres, factories, and hospitals. This holistic approach not only fosters a deep sense of connection to humanity but also nurtures their inherent desire to contribute positively to the world around them.

The Central Coast Montessori Early Years Curriculum fosters curiosity, problem-solving, communication, and wellbeing, delivering outcomes that exceed NQS and EYLF standards. Home / The Early Years Curriculum / Preschool Curriculum & National Quality Standards EXCEEDING OUTCOMES THROUGH A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH Exceeding National Quality Standards Our Early Learning program and activities are informed by critical reflection that guides best practice and is embedded in all aspects of education at Central Coast Montessori. Our Preschool exceeds National Quality Standards, as set by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority . Early Years Learning Framework We deliver an authentic Montessori curriculum that compliments the Australian Government's National Quality Framework (NQF), including the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) outcomes. Both approaches share the goal of fostering holistic child development. The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) offers guidance for educators to collaborate with families in recognising children's strengths and interests, applying effective teaching strategies, and facilitating a smooth transition to primary school. It emphasises play-based learning approaches that are guided by children's interests. The EYLF framework centres on five key learning outcomes. The Montessori Curriculum is a comprehensive and child-centred framework that fosters holistic development across cognitive, physical, social, and emotional aspects of a child’s development. The Montessori program consists of five key curriculum areas Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, and Cultural Studies, each tailored to cultivate specific aspects of a child’s growth and understanding. Montessori education nurtures and accommodates complete academic foundations. EYLF Outcomes & Montessori Links: Children have a strong sense of identity: T he Montessori framework allows children the freedom, independence, and choice necessary to cultivate a strong sense of self. Children are connected with and contribute to their world: Montessori Education provides real-world skills and social skills that enable children to become great contributors to society. Children have a strong sense of wellbeing: Montessori Education is equally focused on developing children’s sense of wellbeing. Children are confident and involved learners: The Prepared Environment is crafted to enable freedom of movement and choice from an early age. Children are effective communicators: Montessori learning supports the development of effective communication skills, grace and courtesy, literacy, and social abilities. Holistic Development We focus on nurturing the whole child—intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially. This complements Outcome 1, which highlights fostering a strong sense of identity. Hands-on, self-directed activities in Practical Life and Sensorial areas help children build confidence, independence, and a sense of self from an early age. Community and Belonging Both frameworks emphasise belonging and positive relationships (Outcome 2). Mixed-age Montessori classrooms create a community where younger children learn from peers and older children develop leadership skills. This fosters collaboration, respect, and connection to the world around them. Lifelong Learning Our self-directed activities nurture curiosity and intrinsic motivation, aligning with Outcome 4: children as confident and involved learners. Freedom to explore their interests deeply engages children, encouraging a love of learning. Communication Skills Language development is integral to our early years curriculum - paralleling Outcome 5: effective communication. Through storytelling, reading, writing, and interactive materials, children enhance their vocabulary and communication abilities at their own pace. Respect for the Environment Montessori’s emphasis on caring for the environment supports Outcome 2: social responsibility. Activities like gardening and maintaining the classroom teach respect for nature and shared spaces, fostering environmental awareness and responsibility. Functional Independence Montessori in the early years focuses on fostering the acqusition of functional and physical independence. 'Help me to do it for myself' is the catch cry for these young learners as they are guided to develop their abilities/skills to navigate and engage with the world and to begin to become aware of their ability to satisfy their own basic needs. Thus instilling a deep sense of confidence, competence and belonging. Through Montessori Practical Life activities children develop the following skills that link to the EYLF: Demonstrate increasing awareness of the needs and rights of others Are open to new challenges and taking considered risks Approach new safe situations with confidence Begin to initiate negotiating and sharing behaviours Make choices and decisions Practical Life We focus on nurturing the whole child—intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially. This complements Outcome 1, which highlights fostering a strong sense of identity. Hands-on, self-directed activities in Practical Life and Sensorial areas help children build confidence, independence, and a sense of self from an early age. Holistic Development Through Montessori Sensorial activities children develop the following skills that link to the EYLF: Uses and names a range of tools, resources and techniques in investigations Uses his/her senses to explore natural and built environments and materials Explores the purpose and function of a range of tools Manipulates and experiments with resources to investigate, take apart, assemble, invent and construct Utilises the senses to gain information when exploring the world around them Sensorial Through Montessori Language activities children develop the following skills that link to the EYLF: Attempts to ‘read’ and shares texts for personal purposes Explores texts from a range of different perspectives Actively uses, engages with, and shares their enjoyment of language Investigates words and word meanings Makes connections between text and their own experiences and ideas Identifies some elements of books and conventional texts Recognises components of text, e.g. letters, words, sentence, pictures, page, title, author, illustrator Recognises own written name Language Through Montessori Mathematics activities children develop the following skills that link to the EYLF: Engage in simple investigations and explorations Apply a wide range of thinking strategies to solve problems Persist when faced with challenges and when first attempts are not successful Uses reflective thinking to consider why things happen and what can be learned Develops investigative skills through instructive play and experiential learning Mathematics Care of Environment Through Care of the Environment children develop the following skills that link to the EYLF: Considers the importance of picking up own rubbish Demonstrates increasing knowledge of, and respect for natural and constructed environments Explores relationships with other living and non-living things and observe, notice and respond to change Develops an awareness of the impact of human activity on environments and the interdependence of living things Demonstrates respect for plants, animals, places Takes responsibility for own actions Through Care of Self and Others children develop the following skills that link to the EYLF: Engages in and contributes to shared play experiences Expresses a range of emotions, thoughts and views constructively Displays awareness and respect of others’ perspectives Reflects on their actions and considers consequences for others Expresses empathy for others Recognises own and others emotions Shows interest in other children and being part of a group Care of Self and Others Children develop holistically with an equal focus on academics and overall wellbeing Children develop independence, concentration, and real-life skills Children express a range of emotions, reflect on their actions, and demonstrate awareness of others perspectives Children develop investigative skills, ask questions, and apply a range of thinking strategies to problem-solve Children use their senses to explore, investigate, and create Children participate in physical activities and follow the rules of the games Children show self-confidence and interact well with others Children respond to challenges and demonstrates problem-solving skills Children demonstrate care for the environment and an interest in sustainability Montessori Learning Outcomes There are five key outcomes of the EYLF: Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of well-being Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators EYLF Learning Outcomes

Lower Primary (ages 6–9): a foundational Montessori stage integrating Cosmic Education with NSW curriculum in collaborative, mixed-age classrooms fostering reasoning, moral awareness, and creative thought. discover more UPPER PRIMARY PRIMARY CURRICULUM Home / Lower Primary / Lower Primary BUILDING ON THE EARLY YEARS Exploring Montessori for 6-9 Year Olds In the Lower Primary stage, children embark on their 'cosmic education' journey. Developmentally, this phase serves as a period of construction, as children progress at their own pace from the absorbent and sensorial aspects of early childhood into the second plane of development. Here, we witness the emergence of more reasoning and creative thought processes. This time is also marked by heightened social awareness, where young learners begin to engage with moral concepts and explore ideas of justice. Our Lower Primary program features mixed-aged classrooms accommodating (mainstream Years 1, 2, and 3), facilitating a collaborative environment where students can support and learn from each other. The school seamlessly integrates the NSW mandated curriculum with the Montessori curriculum within a student-focused framework designed to promote individualised learning. Montessori educators offer a diverse range of choices and activities within a prepared environment, maintaining clear boundaries and expectations. This approach empowers children to take responsibility for their own learning while fostering respect for the needs and rights of their peers.

Our biannual magazine, The Coddiewompler, is a thoughtful celebration of Montessori life—bringing together voices, stories, and moments that define our vibrant learning community. Home / The Coddiewompler / The Coddiewompler BI-ANNUAL PUBLICATION The Coddiewompler is Central Coast Montessori’s biannual magazine — a thoughtful collection of reflections, stories, and snapshots from across our learning community. Each edition brings together the voices of children, guides, and families, offering insight into Montessori education in practice and celebrating the shared experiences that make our community unique. Current Issue PAST ISSUES Past Issues PAST ISSUES Subscribe to our mailing list First name* Last name* Email* SUBSCRIBE

Discover Montessori in action—book your visit today and explore our unique learning community. Discovery Session DISCOVER WHAT IS POSSIBLE Home / Discovery Session / Begin your family’s journey with Central Coast Montessori. Discovery Session Dates The below list shows upcoming dates, click to register: Tue, 30 Sep, 7:30pm - 8:30pm AEST About the Discovery Session Join our 1-hour online Discovery Session to explore the Montessori philosophy and discover how Central Coast Montessori approaches education. This session offers prospective families the chance to gain deeper insights into our learning environments, the Montessori method, and the ways we support children and families on their educational journey. To attend, please first submit an enquiry and our admissions team will provide you with a registration access code. We ask all families to attend a Discovery Session and attend a campus tour before proceeding with an application to enrol. These steps ensure you have a thorough understanding of Montessori education and what makes our learning community unique.

Home / The Early Years Education / The Early Years Education 'HELP ME DO IT FOR MYSELF' At Central Coast Montessori, the early years provide children with the opportunity to work towards the acquisiton of physical independence. With each skill developed, the growing individual also experiences a greater sense of self-confidence and self-esteem. Absorbent Mind and Sensitive Periods From birth to six, children absorb information effortlessly from their surroundings. In Montessori classrooms, hands-on, specifically designed, sequential materials support key developmental needs. Guides observe each child and introduce activities that match their interests and skills, ensuring engagement during this critical learning phase. Sensorial Development Materials like the pink tower and colour tablets are just two of hundreds of didactic resources that help refine children’s senses and to categorise the world. These activities progress from simple to complex, laying the groundwork for abstract concepts in maths, science, and beyond. Prepared Environment The classroom is designed to foster independence, with child-sized furniture, natural lighting, and organised materials within reach. Children freely choose activities, developing responsibility and autonomy as they care for their space and explore at their own pace. Social Development Multi-age classrooms encourage collaboration. Younger children learn by observing older peers, while older children reinforce their knowledge by helping younger classmates. Through the dynamic daily experience within a 'classroom family/community', children develop empathy, communication, and conflict-resolution skills essential for emotional and social growth. Practical Life Skills Tasks such as pouring, sweeping, and buttoning help children manage their needs and contribute to the community. Practical life activities build fine motor skills, concentration, and self-discipline, empowering children with real-world competence. Holistic Development Montessori education goes beyond academics, integrating practical life skills, emotional growth, and social responsibility. This holistic focus ensures children develop confidence, independence, and a well-rounded skill set to thrive in any environment. Where to from here? The Early Years Journey Lets Go