Claire Frankland

I was born in Salisbury, England. My Father was a musician for the London Orchestra and we accompanied them on their travels. We spent the first few months of my life living in The New Forest.

We then moved to Belfast, Northern Ireland, and lived there until I was 3. My first words were “bang” and “bomb” and my sister and I had our pram searched daily for hidden bombs, by soldiers.

Our next destinations were Johannesburg; Pretoria and Durban, South Africa, for a year.

We returned to the New Forest, England and moved again, to South Yorkshire to be with extended family where we stayed until I was 12.

We moved again to Cambridge, where I later met and married my husband. I have always liked to be busy and worked as a Nanny; in a supermarket; and as a Children’s Church Leader.  We started a family and I gave up working and raised my 2 boys.

My Husband also grew up travelling the world, so it came as no surprised when we announced to family and friends that we were leaving England and heading to The Sunshine Coast, Australia. We’ve been here almost 10 years now, and have added to our family with a girl.

I returned to work when my daughter turned 3 and worked at a Childcare Centre for 3 years. I took care of the babies and the toddlers, and loved being with the children but always felt unfulfilled, like I was just a babysitter.

I left there and went to University for a year and studied a Bachelor in Nursing Science. This still didn’t feel like my calling.

We moved house to Caboolture and I applied to Harmony Montessori for a job, and was offered a float position that quickly developed into becoming Toddler Group Leader, and much to my surprise Glenda gave me the opportunity to study in Sydney to gain an AMI Assistants to Infancy (0-3) Diploma. I am half way through the training and feel completely fulfilled. I have so far studied Montessori Pedagogy; Anatomy & Physiology; Obstetrics; Nutrition; Hygiene; Child Neuropsychiatry; The Home Environment; Aids to Psycho-sensory Motor Development; The community Environment; Language; and Exercises of Practical Life. As you can see it is a very intense course. I totally love every aspect of what is entailed.

Montessori education is based on “following the child” and on recognising the needs and characteristics of each child, and I aim to create an environment that best meets these needs.

I never would have believed my life would have turned down this path and I would feel as content and passionate about my work as I do now. My family are very supportive of me.

If asked “how do you relax?” I have to be honest and say “I don’t very often!”, though I do enjoy Singstar with my family, though I sing much better with a glass of wine; walking my dog; gardening; cooking and decorating my house.

I describe myself as dedicated; caring; friendly; compassionate and hard working. My husband describes me as a “workaholic; Over the top; and doesn’t know when to stop!” He knew that when he married me though!

I look forward to getting to know you more too.

Some Useful Resources

• Montessori Calendar
• Download our Brochure