Dyane Osborne - Manager & Lead Teacher

I have always been interested in science and the environment and have a love of being active and outdoors. 

As an undergraduate at Plymouth University, I studied Environmental Education & Education Studies, covering Peace Education, Equality and Justice in Education, Global Education, Alternatives in Education, Wellbeing in Education and Outdoor Education. 

I gained a solid grounding in the psychological, social and political principles which underpin our education system. Prior to this, I studied at the London Montessori  Centre where I gained an International Diploma in Early Childhood Studies. I subsequently went on to study Montessori Primary Education in Leicester. 

In traditional learning environments, the literacy and numeracy strategies prescribe what is taught lesson by lesson and there is little time left in the curriculum for individuality, other subjects, physical activity or creativity. 

I knew that I wanted to find  a new way to teach. 

Early on in my teaching career, I was lucky enough to teach at a Montessori Primary School in Tottenham, London, where I gained valuable experience working in a school that put diversity and inclusion at the heart of its curriculum. 

Alongside my classroom teaching, I have worked as a personal tutor, supporting children with dyslexia. 

I found my love and interest in working with primary-aged children who chose to have an active role in their own education. This led me to working with children who were home educated or attended school on a part-time basis. 

The greatest gift for me as a teacher is to be part of the child's journey of exploring and understanding the world into which they have been born. 

I have studied and worked at the Schumacher College, Dartington, which was a springboard for my decision to create a new model of education for the next generation, so that children could thrive, be valued, feel empowered and communicate effectively with knowledge and experience of equal value. 

Cedarwood Montessori Education is now an established setting which is growing from strength to strength, offering children and families the opportunity to take back the right to choose where and what their children learn. 

Some of my main influences have been Maria Montessori, Satish Kumar, John Muir and Joseph Cornell. 

I like to keep fit and enjoy yoga, hand-balancing and mountain walking. I love my garden and all that it offers me over the changing seasons. I live in Bittaford with my husband and youngest son Hamish.

More info on the way, check back soon :)

My journey into education started over a decade ago when I made the decision to leave my career and complete a degree in Education Studies - something I'd always considered but had never had the opportunity to pursue. Alongside university, I volunteered in a school where many of the families lived with multiple social and economic challenges and was inspired to work with children to make a difference. 

Amongst undergraduate studies and postgraduate teacher training, I had two more children (I also have a 22 year old daughter). Both were home birthed after I became interested in attachment and gentle parenting. My early parenting journey this time around was very different to my experience as a young mother with little social support - I learnt about emotion coaching, boundaries with love and respectful interactions, inspired by (amongst many others) Magda Gerber and Emmi Pickler. 

Learning about optimum child development and alternative approaches to education alongside my experiences training in mainstream schooling meant we made the decision to home educate. 

One of the things I found most challenging about working within mainstream schools was the status quo of using language to force conformity, often through shaming. When I heard about Marshall Rosenberg's model of Non-Violent Communication I was committed to learning more and have since completed foundation training. I strive to weave peaceful communication through my personal and professional interactions.

I worked within a blended democratic learning community in Manchester and saw how the model of listening to the child and allowing exploration through play and art worked for so many of the children. I began to discover more about Montessori and Reggio philosophies and found that my practice aligned with this blended approach and so we implemented elements of these at home. I am always amazed at how children respond to autonomy and opportunities for independence. At the core of my practice is the understanding that children are capable and are always doing their absolute best with the resources they have.

Whilst living in Devon, I worked within the psychology service and was privileged to work with schools, families and children where there were complex barriers to learning. I am particularly passionate about supporting children and families in times of challenge and, to support my development, I am hoping to complete a Masters in Psychology. My dissertation will explore the ways belonging is fostered within educational settings.

I am so excited to be part of the Cedarwood team, supporting families with the care and education of their children and following the child to learn about how best to support them.

When not parenting, working or studying, the beach is my happy place. I also run (slowly), practice yoga and am a fledgling poet!

My core interest as a teacher lies in supporting each child to discover and connect with their inner

nature.

My approach in the Montessori classroom is one of a guide and observer, whose ultimate goal is to intervene less and less as the child develops. I aim to build an atmosphere of calm, order and joy in the classroom and encourage the children in all their efforts, thus promoting self-confidence, wellbeing, and independence. With younger children I am more active, demonstrating the use of materials and presenting activities based on an assessment of each child's needs.

My journey into the Montessori education started in the West of Ireland over 30 years ago. I was studying childcare and had a placement with an organisation supporting a group of children to transition from institutional life into an independent group home using the Montessori approach. I was

inspired by how these teachers met each child where they were and developed meaningful individual learning while holding an overview of the whole group and the prepared environment.

After working with this organisation for four years I studied at the London Montessori Centre where I gained an International Diploma in Early Childhood Studies. After graduating I taught in Montessori schools in Ireland, the UK as a teacher, deputy head and head teacher.

After a year travelling in India focusing on my spiritual path I returned to the UK and completed a two-year teaching diploma in yoga and meditation. I subsequently set up a yoga centre in Wales and established and ran a programme of weekly classes for the local community. My Montessori training

influenced my yoga teaching in that I sought to meet the students where they were while supporting them to do that for themselves.

Later, when establishing a Montessori school in India I merged Montessori and yoga techniques into the classroom which created a holistic and dynamic environment. I am passionate about both these systems and love how they complement each other and support me as a teacher. Knowing when to observe and when, and how much, to intervene is for me a core life skill that is continuously being developed, refined, informed, and supported by my daily spiritual practice.

I returned to work as a Montessori teacher in 2007 and have supported three schools through their MEAB (Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation Board) accreditation and worked as an accessor for the

organisation while designing and delivering Yoga Lifestyle (Sadhana) courses.

I have been living in Devon since 2014 with my partner and feel deep appreciation for living on the Moor. I have recently discovered energy medicine and like how this informs my practice and teaching. I love the outdoors, walking on the moor, gardening, poetry, storytelling and dancing.

I am a qualified Primary Teacher (St Lukes, Exeter) specialising in Early Years, with an Honours Degree in Biology from Aberdeen University. I was brought up on the Dartington Hall Estate and attended its school (now Park School), where my parents also taught. I have worked in Education since having children, when I became a registered childminder. 

Studying Montessori methods during my PGCE, I found much of it resonated with my own happy early years in Dartington and, although not Montessori trained, I am an enthusiastic supporter of the practice. I love to work in a child-led, creative environment, where children’s voices are heard and their educational, emotional, physical and other learning needs are met through providing an appropriate learning environment. 

I have a great love of the outdoors and like to encourage outdoor learning, allowing children to meet the targets of the National Curriculum through fun and purposeful activities outside whenever possible. 

Having had a musical upbringing (I have Music A Level and play the ‘cello in the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra) I like to encourage music and movement in my teaching. Singing together enhances listening skills, team work and well-being and can be used across the curriculum to aid learning. 

When not teaching, I volunteer for the RNIB and visit hospitals with my retired guide dog, Biscuit*, as a Pets As Therapy team. My hobbies include playing my ‘cello and walking with my family. We have recently bought a share in a meadow and I am enjoying learning about its ecology. 

*Biscuit McMurran 

Retired Guide Dog 

Registered Pets As Therapy (PAT) Dog: PAT - 2229049 

Having lost her owner 2 years ago, this patient and gentle Labrador/Retriever  was retired early from Guide Dog work and has now re-trained as a PAT pet. She visits schools (and often Cedarwood), hospitals and residential homes.  

Outside of work, Biscuit enjoys walks, sleeping with her soft toys and cuddles.

I have been working in education for nearly 10 years, with two gaps for maternity with my daughter who is 5 years old and my son who is 2 years old. I obtained my PGCE Primary from the Institute of Education in London back in 2012 after completing a degree in English Language and Linguistics. 

My interest in child development actually began when I carried out a research project for my undergraduate dissertation, looking at the development of English literacy for bilingual children. This research lead me to a local primary school where I worked with 5 and 6 year olds, examining how they acquired language, developed early literacy skills and how they engaged with language in different contexts. I found this research fascinating, not only from a linguistic perspective but I also in experiencing how incredible it was to watch very young children grow, change, develop and learn so much in such a short space of time. I was inspired and from there I knew that I wanted to learn more about how children acquire knowledge and grow in their understanding of the world, and become a part of this incredible process. 

Over the course of my career so far I have taught across the key stages, from Year 5 right down to Reception, most recently. I love working with each age group for their own merits, but am particularly passionate about working in the early years.  In working with Reception aged children (4-5 year olds), I have realised the profound importance of these early stages of development, and how essential it is to provide children with strong foundations as curious, creative, adventurous and resilient human beings. My path as a teacher has lead me away from mainstream teaching and into Montessori because I believe that the only way to support children in becoming confident and independent learners is to allow them to have the opportunity to experience learning first hand in a way that is truly child led, whilst also being sensitively and consciously supported by the adults around them. Children themselves are wonderful teachers when they are given the space and freedom to discover, to experiment and to make their own choices. Our role to hold this process and guide it gently in the right direction! 

I am thrilled to be joining the Cedarwood team this year, and ready to continue on my own journey in providing education and care which meets needs of the individual. My previous experience brings with it a deep understanding of elements of the national curriculum, age-related standards, effective planning and pedagogy, inclusion, special educational needs and safeguarding. 

At home I am a mother, and love nothing more than family days out at our local beaches, moorland spots and beautiful woodlands. I am a singer and worked professionally as so for many years. I still perform frequently with various acts and bands including the Devon Afrobeat Collective and the Sunday Singalong Pianoke. During quieter times I love crafting, weaving, macrame, sewing, up-cycling preloved items and tending to my beloved house plants.

My journey into understanding child led development started at a very young age.

My primary school years were fundamentally improved when a teacher began to recognise dyslexic characteristics in my response and aptitude to certain aspects of learning. The teacher was dedicated to making sure I was assessed and received the help and support needed. 

I feel very fortunate to have had a teacher that recognised my individual learning needs, letting me express myself and to progress and develop with confidence.

I was home schooled from the age of 12 and developed a natural ability in arts and crafts and by the age of 16 I held summer art workshops for young children at the local sports centre.

At 18 I travelled to Austria to work in a family run hotel and helped organise children’s art and craft workshops. I went on to travel further afield to Fiji and the Cook Islands to encapsulate island living and to learn from different family cultures.

On my return I had a career in Social Housing and studied to AAT level. I helped to develop a supported housing section for vulnerable people throughout the South West.

Then I had my daughter, who was born prematurely at 29 weeks. Having my daughter this early really identified how each child is individual and how their developmental milestones are not just set on age alone. I started to explore more alternative learning which better suited our needs. 

It came naturally for me to follow the  attachment parenting style and this really helped to start out our parenting journey together. 

This led to me becoming an attachment parenting companion, giving one to one childcare in the home. This gave the mother freedom to carry on with activities whist their child was being held and nurtured to help with their emotional and physical security. 

My daughter and I joined many toddler outdoor activities including farm and forest groups at Dartington amongst others. This established my mission to continue to follow child lead learning, using the natural recourses around us.

I went on to work as a teaching assistant in the Forest School my daughter attended.

I studied to achieve a CACHE Level 3 Award in Childcare and education. I progressed to being a Forest School leader and my role included one to one learning to assist individual children who needed help and support.

I am really proud to be part of this exciting new venture at Cedarwood and to have the opportunity to continue my journey in child led development.

More info on the way, check back soon :)

Art and working with young people have been my two main passions throughout my life. I have infinite enthusiasm for working creatively with children and instigating a learning environment where pupils can develop as individuals and are presented with opportunities which wholly engage and motivate them. As with the Montessori teaching approach, I believe in shaping learning around the natural development of a child, and to help guide them to stimulate confidence, personal expression, and awareness. 

I completed an art foundation course at UWE and was awarded a first-class honours degree in fine art, specialising in print making, from the University College Falmouth. Print making has fuelled my interest in experimenting with a breadth of materials and techniques and made me confident with pushing boundaries and taking risks within my practice. During the holidays I worked on an organic farm, planting, picking, and enjoying being at one with nature in the peace and beauty of the Cornish countryside.  

After University I took a couple of years out; working as a nanny in Paris, waitressing in the French Alps and hitchhiking and wwoofing (organic farm hopping!) my way through Sweden to the south of France. I also spent time exhibiting my print-work, helping to curate exhibitions, and collaborated with local primary schools, where I got involved with extra-curricular creative activities and workshops. This gave me time to reflect on my next step in life and when I decided to enrol on a PGCE course and to combine my two loves of art and educating young people. 

I completed my secondary art and design PGCE training at the University of Exeter and subsequently spent 7 years teaching in two different Plymouth based schools. Here I enjoyed developing innovative and engaging themed projects and gained further insight into strategies to help mediate and guide the learning of young people. Here I also organised outside and out of school creative opportunities for the children, helping create a more enriching and full sensory learning experience. 

I did, however, become disillusioned by the contrived and restrictive mainstream curriculum which is leaving little space for creative subjects and self-expression. I am therefore very excited to be given the opportunity to work at Cedarwood Montessori school and to help the children embark on their creative and sensory journeys where they have the freedom to be true participants in the process of their own learning. 

I live in Ashburton with my partner Francois (I met him when nannying in France) and my three children aged from 1 to 9 years old. Being a mother has broadened my awareness of the differing stages of child development and the importance of gently guiding, supporting, and helping open the doors to allow them to discover their individual potential. I continue to make and produce my own artwork and enjoy reading, cinema trips and art exhibitions. I also love going to the beach and walks on the moor with my family, skiing and snowboarding in the mountains, and a bit of yoga for some downtime.  

I have a BA Hons degree in Fine Art and Social Context from Dartington College of Arts. Facilitating workshops in schools for a theatre in education company was the beginning of my work with children and young people, and I have loved it ever since! I have worked in many primary and secondary schools as a visiting artist and also with children with additional learning needs. I developed creative learning courses to support Numeracy and Literacy for early years children through Devon County Council Family Learning Services. 

I trained with ENGAGE to deliver Gallery Education programmes, and have worked in galleries in the UK and Australia. This was an enriching experience, connecting children and young people’s creativity to contemporary and historic artists’ work. 

I strongly believe in the power of creativity in the curriculum to catalyse and inspire learning of other subjects, and to observe and explore the world we live in. This includes opportunities to be experimental, allowance for making mistakes and often enhancing and exceeding children’s own expectations. I think the act of being creative supports articulacy and emotional literacy.  I try to educate all young people about being resourceful and reusing /repurposing where possible, nurturing children’s curiosity and exploring the natural world.

I enjoy working at Cedarwood as it provides a caring supportive environment with a flexible approach that guides the children, while allowing them to follow their instincts.

Since 2013 I have been a co-director of Participate Arts, designing and delivering creative projects for and with people of all ages, in education and the general community. Its purpose is to connect people through creative participation - nurturing art skills and the imagination, providing inspiring experiences, while promoting health and wellbeing. In 2019 I was lucky enough to travel with teachers from 3 Exeter schools to Malawi on a partnership project with 3 schools there, working with children on UN sustainable development goals. 

I used to run a natural skincare business, blending my design skills with alchemy, making plant-based products and running workshops. 

I live in Ashburton with my partner and 12 year old son. I love walking on Dartmoor, creating and making, and being in my garden with our chickens!

More info on the way, check back soon :)