A GROUP of parents are petitioning to set up the first free Montessori primary school in Lewisham.

Eleven people are behind the campaign including six parents whose children attend the Rose House Montessori pre-school, in Vancouver Road, Forest Hill.

Montessori learning typically involves children of mixed ages being in a large room where they can choose which activities they take part in.

Rather then being tested against certain standards the students are helped to progress to their own potential.

Mother-of-two and campaign manager, Sarah Cottle, said: “The shortage of primary school places specifically in reception is reaching crisis level.

“Schools are building extra classrooms to the point where children have limited outdoor space, which is a shame.”

The 40-year-old journalist added: “We hope we can address the shortage of places in Lewisham and we feel a Montessori school will be a benefit to children in the area.”

The school could be set up under the government’s free schools initiative, which gives parents, teachers, charities and community groups powers to set up new schools.

Stage one involves collecting evidence of support before submitting the proposals and so far around 120 people have joined an online petition.

Mrs Cottle, of Vancouver Road, said: “I would love to see it open in September but that’s very ambitious. It would depend on us getting lucky finding a building and getting money.”

The new school would have around 200 pupils aged five to 11.

An open day is being held for parents on January 21 from 9am to 10pm at The Parish Church of St George, in Vancouver Road.

To sign the petition, visit gopetition.com/petition/40913.html

What is a Montessori school?

- A Montessori school follows the teachings of Dr Maria Montessori, who conducted research into children with intellectual disabilities in the early 1900s.

- Children are allowed to learn on their own while being guided by the teacher.

- A child's work is not graded. The teacher assesses what the child has learned and then guides them into new areas of discovery.

- Children are encouraged to work at their own pace, either individually or with others.

- Classes are called Children’s Houses and are made up of mixed age groups - usually three different ages.

- Students cover the UK curriculum but at their own pace. The classroom is prepared for them based on the teachers’ observations.