OUR EARLY LEARNING SCHOOL | 1 TO 6 YEARS

(STAGE 1 - STAGE 5)

From the outset, our Reddam House Early Learning School is influenced by the unique Reggio Emilia approach, recognising and celebrating each child’s innate abilities and gifts. We regard children as competent and capable, and respect childhood as a time to explore, create and be joyful whilst learning. Our Early Learning School environment and teachers also support the Reggio Emilia philosophy. We believe that we are ‘doing it differently’. The children are welcomed into each room personally by the educators who support each child in the transition between home and school. The door into the Early Learning School is the ‘hinge’ between the two most important worlds in your child’s life.  The rooms are calm, beautiful and organised. Each space is carefully resourced with natural objects matched with palettes of paint or jars of crayons with the intention of inspiring each child to explore colour, shape and pattern. Construction areas have the beginning of a building to extend and motivate children into their own buildings and imaginative play. In each corner of each room there is a spark of interest waiting for a child to take this forward and direct their own learning and answer their own questions. We inspire the children to have confidence and imagination towards how they will proceed with their activities, to become creative and critical thinkers who can learn independently. This is what we believe is the most important part of the education we provide at the Early Learning School. Please do come and visit us, taking part in an individual tour so that we can demonstrate to you how all of our children are learning and enjoying their experiences in our school.

Nicky-C
MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMISTRESS - WELCOME TO OUR EARLY LEARNING SCHOOL

Welcome to the Early Learning School where our aim is to provide an exciting, nurturing, and inviting environment for your child. The enriched, Reggio Emilio Inspired curriculum allows children the opportunity for experimentation, discussion, and support, encouraging them to develop their full potential in a holistic manner, intellectually, physically, socially, and emotionally. Our aim is to encourage a sense of self-confidence and independence in our children, motivating them to give their best at all times. The development of a strong set of core values, set to equip them to deal with life’s challenges, is a vital element in our daily routine. The atmosphere in the school is one of happiness, excitement, and love; an ideal environment to grow!

— Nicky Cummings, Early Learning School Headmistress

CURRICULUM

Nursery Umhlanga curriculum

REGGIO EMILIA INSPIRED

Reddam House schools pride themselves on applying the unique Reggio Emilia educational approach to early learning education. This teaching philosophy, first developed in post-war Italy, focuses on recognising and celebrating each individual young child’s innate abilities and gifts.

Children are regarded as competent and capable in their own right and the philosophy respects childhood as a time to explore, create and be joyful. This philosophy along with other recognised teaching methods form a rich and dynamic foundation for early learning.

creche Umhlanga

Teachers are skilled observers who determine individual needs and build on existing gifts and talents. The approaches are balanced and giving, without undue academic pressure. The methodology encourages a feeling of belonging and instils innate confidence in children. Their learning environment is made to feel safe, welcoming and authentic.

Work in progress is displayed in the classrooms, thereby keeping the memory of the work vivid and alive. The Early Learning School environment supports the Reggio Emilia philosophy.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR

The ELS School at Reddam House Umhlanga offers an extensive programme for the children to choose from after school. We strive to offer a board spectrum in order to ensure our children reach their full potential.

Extra-curricular offerings include: ballet, dance, karate, soccer, taste buddies.