Kaya and Welcome!

As a new year begins there is promise and joy. We so gratefully welcome your child into our Early Childhood gardens and classrooms. Our aim is to nurture curiosity, friendships and the wonderful growth and development that occurs so rapidly at this age. 

With open hearts and guiding hands our teachers and assistants will share stories, laughter and create a safe and nurturing space for each child to flourish.

To you, our parents, thank you for your trust. Together, let us all be on a supportive journey that honours and defends childhood. 

Here’s to a wonderful year ahead!

Lisa Payne and the Early Childhood Team

Preserving the Magic of Early Childhood

In the realm of early childhood development, the Waldorf Education philosophy underscores the significance of allowing children to embrace the magic of their formative years through unbridled play and exploration. This foundational principle emphasises the importance of shielding young minds from the potential detriments associated with media and screen exposure. Here are nine key points that encapsulate the Steiner education perspective on why children should be given the freedom to be children and engage in immersive play, unencumbered by the intrusion of electronic media:

• Promoting Imaginative Play and Sensory Development:
  • Prioritizing hands-on, creative learning experiences to nurture imagination and sensory development.
• Fostering Meaningful Interpersonal Connections:
  • Encouraging direct interactions with the physical world and nurturing relationships with caring adults.
• Preventing Negative Effects of Early Electronic Media Exposure:
  • Recognizing the potential hindrance of screens to active exploration and the development of natural senses.
• Protecting Simplicity and Wonder of Childhood:
  • Limiting screen time to preserve the enchantment of childhood and foster a strong foundation for creative thinking.
• Learning through Imitation:
  • Emphasizing the crucial role of imitation in a child's learning process, encompassing practical, artistic, and social activities.
• Enhancing Motor Skills, Emotional Intelligence, and Cognitive Abilities:
  • Acknowledging the contribution of imitative activities to the development of vital skills.
• Encouraging Concentration, Language Expression, and Healthy Sleep Patterns:
  • Highlighting the potential negative impact of screens on concentration, language expression, and sleep patterns.
• Promoting Healthy Alternatives:
  • Advocating for activities such as storytelling, artistic endeavors, outdoor play, and rhythmic exercises as alternatives to screen time.
• Safeguarding Creative Thinking and Problem-Solving Abilities:
  • Setting boundaries on screen use to provide a conducive space for the cultivation of creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

People who have worked with children for many years see the difference that a childhood unencumbered by the intrusion of electronic media makes. The above nine points provide the foundation for nurturing well-rounded individuals capable of independent thinking and meaningful contributions to society.