Independent Education Consultancy Amanda Kemp BA(Hons), MontDip, AdvMontDip Tel: 07799 366790

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Meaningful Schooling   …..is an independent education consultancy. Its remit is to advise and, upon request, to create solutions for difficulties experienced by the individual child, the family, or a school or nursery. I am a former Head of School and SENCO, with many years experience in both mainstream and Montessori schooling. I am also an experienced lecturer and teacher training course director. Meaningful Schooling exists to provide working solutions to your educational concerns.   "Whatever an education is, it should make you a unique individual, not a conformist; it should furnish you with an original spirit with which to tackle the big challenges; it should allow you to find values which will be your road map through life; it should make you spiritually rich, a person who loves whatever you are doing, wherever you are, whomever you are with; it should teach you what is important, how to live and how to die." John Taylor Gatto   If there is cause for concern regarding a child’s schooling, it is essential to review all aspects of the approach being fostered: the type of school and its ethos; the school day and its duration; the school’s stance on homework and testing; the correlation between home and school expectations. However, the focal point needs to be that individual child, and his or her needs. Choosing a school is one of the most crucial decisions a parent makes. Sometimes the child’s needs appear to change, and the choice may need to be reviewed. An independent viewpoint can be inordinately helpful here: this term I have been dealing with more enquiries than ever centred around a desire to re-think that coveted school place: “It’s a good school, but is it right for my child?”   I am currently mentoring several parents as they seek a comfortable work:family:school:leisure balance. I also work with Home Educators to build bespoke and creative curriculum that will foster the unique thirst for knowledge inherent in every child. I am an experienced lecturer and  training course director. I have recently provided support to a manager in a Children’s Centre and a Kindergarten, and trained a group of young nursery staff in Positive Language and Open Questions. I have been supporting a number of Early Years settings, as they adapt their routines and curriculum to accommodate the new EYFS. This revised Foundation Stage presents logistical challenges, as well as changes to the nature of planning and evaluations. I am currently advising a number of Managers and Owners on how to move forward with this.

Amanda Kemp 2007