Nurturing Relationships
At the core of our educational philosophy lies 'Nurturing Relationships,' a key underpinning principle
intricately influenced by the teachings of Steiner, Bandura, Bowlby, the relational aspects of Reggio
Emilia, and the holistic perspective of Te Whāriki. Through the weaving of these influences, we are
dedicated to fostering strong connections that create a foundation for a child's well-being and
development. Our commitment to nurturing relationships is grounded in the belief that children
thrive when they have secure attachments, their needs are met, and they feel enveloped in love and
warmth.
Drawing inspiration from Bandura and Bowlby, we recognize the importance of purposeful
interactions and meaningful connections in shaping a child's sense of self and belonging. Integrating
the relational aspects of Reggio Emilia and Te Whāriki, our approach promotes mutual respect,
acknowledging the unique qualities and contributions of each child. By embracing the insights of
Steiner, Bandura, Bowlby, Reggio Emilia, and Te Whāriki, our commitment to 'Nurturing
Relationships' ensures that every child experiences a caring, supportive, and respectful environment,
laying the groundwork for their emotional well-being and overall development.
Wellbeing
Wellbeing is one of our six underpinning principles, a fundamental principle inspired by the Reggio
Emilia and Te Whāriki approaches. We recognise that Wellbeing is not just a priority but the very
heartbeat of our educational journey. Drawing inspiration from the Reggio Emilia approach, we
believe in the inherent strength and capabilities of each child. Through child-centric learning, our
approach allows children to actively participate in their educational journey, fostering a sense of
autonomy and well-rounded development. The Reggio Emilia emphasis on the environment as the
'third teacher' aligns seamlessly with our commitment to creating spaces that promote wellbeing.
Thoughtfully designed environments inspire curiosity, creativity, and a sense of security, all crucial
components of a child's overall wellbeing.
Incorporating elements from the Te Whāriki approach, we embrace the holistic development of
every child. Te Whāriki's commitment to cultural inclusivity aligns with our belief that wellbeing is
intricately tied to a child's sense of belonging. By recognising and valuing the cultural identities of
children and their families, we create an environment that nurtures a strong sense of identity and
interconnectedness. The holistic nature of Te Whāriki, focusing on principles such as well-being,
belonging, contribution, and communication, further reinforces our dedication to ensuring each
child's physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.
Our aim is to create an environment where children experience a sense of hygge, surrounded by
love and warmth, while cultivating mindfulness and Zen practices. Through the integration of Reggio
Emilia and Te Whāriki approaches, we strive to provide a rich, nurturing educational experience that
not only promotes academic growth but also prioritizes the overall wellbeing of every child in our
care.
Engaging Environments
'Engaging Environments Is another one of our key underpinning principles influenced by the insights
of Maria Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Steiner, and the Curiosity Approach. Drawing inspiration from
Maria Montessori, we strive to create environments that promote independence and exploration,
allowing children to navigate their surroundings with confidence. Embracing the Reggio Emilia
influence, our spaces are designed to be visually and intellectually stimulating, encouraging children
to express themselves and engage in meaningful learning experiences.
Inspired by Steiner, we incorporate elements of naturalness and authenticity into our environments,
aiming to create a sense of cosiness and homeliness. The Curiosity Approach further guides us in
crafting open-ended spaces that ignite curiosity and inquisitiveness, providing opportunities for
discovery and creativity.
We aspire for our settings to be cosy and homely, offering a comforting atmosphere. The emphasis
on natural, open-ended, and authentic elements ensures that the environment is engaging and
stimulating, fostering a sense of belonging among the children. We envision our spaces promoting
not only a calm and focused atmosphere but also sparking curiosity and a love for learning. By
intertwining the principles of Maria Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Steiner, and the Curiosity Approach,
our commitment to 'Engaging Environments' is rooted in creating surroundings that inspire and
support the holistic development of each child."
Rich Experiences
At the core of our educational philosophy lies 'Rich Experiences,' a foundational principle inspired by
the wisdom of Steiner, the inquisitiveness of the Curiosity Approach, and the immersive nature of
Forest School. Infused with the Steiner philosophy, we aim to provide children with awe and
wonder, creating an environment that sparks their imagination and creativity. Guided by the
principles of the Curiosity Approach, our approach encourages exploration, fostering a spirit of
inquiry and a love for learning.
Inspired by the Forest School ethos, we believe in the importance of enabling children to take and
manage risks effectively, promoting resilience and confidence. Our overarching aspirations,
influenced by these approaches, are to offer children the best opportunities for holistic development
and to provide access to enriching extra-curricular activities. Through the integration of Steiner, the
Curiosity Approach, and Forest School principles, our commitment to 'Rich Experiences' is rooted in
creating an environment where every child can thrive, explore, and develop their full potential.
The World around us
'The World Around Us,' is another one of our six underpinning principles inspired by the Steiner and
Forest School approaches. Embracing the Steiner philosophy, we believe in fostering a deep
connection between children and the natural world. The Forest School approach further amplifies
this connection by providing immersive outdoor experiences that encourage exploration and a sense
of wonder. Our overarching aim, influenced by these approaches, is to instil in children a profound
gratitude and respect for the environment. By immersing them in nature, we cultivate a love for the
world around us, nurturing a sense of responsibility for its preservation.
Aligned with the Steiner approach, we recognise the importance of developing each child's unique
identity and individuality. Through the Forest School approach, we provide opportunities for hands-
on learning and life skills development in a natural setting. Our aspirations extend beyond the
classroom, aiming to equip children with practical life skills that go hand in hand with their academic
learning. We envision them not only as learners but as contributors to their communities.
Our commitment to 'The World Around Us' includes fostering a deep appreciation for diversity and
inclusion. By integrating the Steiner and Forest School approaches, we strive to create an
environment where children learn the value of embracing differences, fostering empathy, and
contributing positively to a global community. Our holistic approach aims to shape well-rounded
individuals who not only thrive academically but also carry a profound sense of responsibility for the
world they inhabit."
Teaching and Learning
Another of our key underpinning principles is 'Teaching and Learning,' a principle deeply influenced
by the insights of Froebel, Vygotsky, the principles of scaffolding, and the concept of sustained
shared thinking. Drawing from Froebel's emphasis on holistic development, we strive to foster Level 5 involvement, ensuring that children are actively engaged in their learning experiences. Guided by
Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, our approach embraces the importance of meaningful interactions
and scaffolding, creating a supportive environment where children can build on their existing
knowledge.
Through intentional teaching, child-initiated learning, and seizing teachable moments, we aim to
provide children with quality teaching and interactions. This dynamic approach is designed to
cultivate a love for learning, encouraging curiosity and critical thinking. By integrating the principles
of Froebel, Vygotsky, scaffolding, and sustained shared thinking, our commitment to 'Teaching and
Learning' ensures that we hold high expectations for all, empowering each child to reach their full
potential.
