A NURSERY has won high praise from Rishi for expanding in North Yorkshire a form of learning currently taking Silicon Valley by storm.
The Richmond MP said the Montessori method had inspired Microsoft boss Steve Jobs and a groundswell of parents was now beginning to appreciate its benefits.
Mr Sunak spoke at the official opening of a play barn converted to meet demand at Rooftops Montessori Nursery in Richmond.
“Montessori is reasonably rare in this country but it is massive in Silicon Valley,” he said. “It is absolutely fantastic seeing it thrive in Richmond.”
Montessori education was founded by the 20th century scientist, Maria Montessori, who believed the best way to teach children was holistically, to build their independence and confidence and for them to learn by doing.
She also believed that the early years, from birth to six, represented the period where children had the greatest capacity to learn.
Rooftops owner Hannah Hurley decided to offer working parents even more help by converting a derelict barn at the back of its premises in Queen’s Road.
Conversion work began on the old coaching house in April. The once redundant area has been brought back to life with a two-storey facility and outdoor play area that will be called the Butterfly room for toddlers aged two to three and a half.
The expansion has seen the Montessori nursery take on extra staff increasing the workforce to 18 and capacity to 12 babies and 20 pre-school children, looking after more than 80 at various times during the week.
Upstairs will also be used as a dining room as the nursery has linked up with Richmond Methodist School to provide hot meals for the first time.
Further plans also include launching an after-school club that will run until 6pm and holiday classes featuring activities such as cookery, pottery, arts and crafts.
Mrs Hurley said: “The conversion has been quite a challenge but worth it and I am delighted with the new barn and the amount of support received from staff, local contractors and the community.”
Mr Sunak said: “Supporting local business is the life’s blood of our economy and it is great that it now employs 20 people.
“I have two young children and know how precious they are. So when you drop them off you need to know it is with someone you can trust. Early years education is so vital as it means all of our children start off on a firm footing.”
The nursery is also registering an interest with the Government to pilot the 30 hours free childcare provision being proposed for 2017.