| "If a child has been able
to play, to give up their whole living being to the world around,
they will be able, in these serious tasks of later life, to devote
themselves with confidence and purpose to the service of the world."
Rudolf Steiner
Our work is based on the educational guidelines and insights into
the nature and development of man, given by the Austrian philosopher
and scientist Rudolf Steiner. Steiner advocated a holistic approach
to the education of the child, working to develop the physical,
emotional and spiritual aspects of each. We acknowledge and work
with the individuality of each child to develop their full potential
for the future. This is achieved through a rhythmically structured,
play-based curriculum, which nurtures the true nature of the young
child.
Nature of the Child
Bodily growth and health are paramount as the child seeks to find
harmony between her inner being and her physical nature. Sense impressions
are taken in deeply, and the young child is profoundly affected
by her environment. The child’s sense for movement, of balance,
touch and of well-being are formative. A sense of well-being is
nurtured by a cheerful rhythm: waking and sleeping, working and
playing, active and quiet, summer and winter. Colour, shape, tone
of voice, song; all penetrate deeply into the young child’s
being.
Our way of working
Our work is to provide as high a standard of physical, emotional
and spiritual experience as is possible in the circumstances in
which we find ourselves. To this end, we try to surround the children
with good speech, pure sounds, natural materials and soft colours
in a gentle, nurturing environment.
Special care is taken to create a play environment that is beautiful,
unhurried and secure. There is rhythm and balance in daily and weekly
plans, and through the teacher’s guidance, a healthy alternation
between active pursuits such as circle games and more receptive,
quiet activities such as drawing, painting and listening to stories.
Children can experience both the pleasure of solitary play and the
rewards of being part of the group.
We understand that during the first seven years the child learns
through imitation and must therefore be given that which is worthy
of imitation. This means that the adults working with the children
need also to be constantly striving to carry the ideal for the children
to imitate. Our focus during this time is also to develop the children’s
creativity by leaving them free to play/act from their own inner
impulse. In support of this, open-ended materials are provided for
the children’s play.
Our aim
Our education offers time for the children’s development to
take place in a healthy way. This helps them build the strong foundation
that will carry them through the whole of their lives. Experience
has shown that children who have had this opportunity are well prepared
for primary school and able to take up fully what their education
offers.
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