Our Vision
At Little Explorers Nursery School, rather than working towards specific ‘school-readiness’ skills, we support children’s development of the following attributes, which we believe best equips them for their future, and future learning.
Curiosity
Children are born curious; in trying to protect children, adults often unintentionally discourage curiosity. We actively promote curiosity, encouraging questions and following wherever they may lead.
Risk Assessment
If we always assess risk for children, we don’t teach them this important life skill, which ultimately puts them in more danger. We support children to assess risk for themselves, with us as a safety net, if needed.
Resilience
We all know life can be tough! Through experiences of falling down and getting back up, of failing and trying again, children build resilience to face life’s bigger challenges. We practice growth mindset in the setting, viewing failure as an essential element of the lifelong learning process.
Independence
We believe that children naturally move towards independence once they have established a secure dependent relationship; each child’s key person offers this solid foundation within the setting. We then provide myriad opportunities in our learning environment for children to explore and achieve independently.
Confidence
We support children to try, to fail, to succeed, to ask for help, to ask questions, to think for themselves, to express themselves, to build relationships with trusted adults and peers, to challenge themselves and others (respectfully), to be their unique selves. We avoid the dichotomies of right and wrong, yes and no – instead creating a world of endless possibilities, where children can feel confident they are accepted, just as they are. We put our trust in the children, allowing our confidence in them to promote their self-confidence.
Ambition
All children are capable of great things. We encourage children to see possibilities, to seize opportunities, to enjoy challenges, to take pride in their efforts, and achievements, and to wonder ‘what next?’
Creativity
Children are naturally creative, but studies show that levels of creativity decline throughout life. There is evidence that the education system doesn't support creativity. We limit children as little as possible to allow creativity and self-expression throughout the curriculum.
Self Direction
Children learn what they want to learn. Some children are fascinated by things that go round (think of babies watching washing machines), some children are fascinated by insects - but all children find the world fascinating. By enabling children to explore their fascinations, until they are completely satisfied and naturally move on to a new interest, we maintain a state of awe and wonder that otherwise seems to get lost along life’s journey.