REGGIO EMILIA INSPIRED

Inspired by the internationally renowned Reggio Emilia philosophy we embrace an early learning approach where the child is placed at the centre of learning in a safe and nurturing environment. Loris Malaguzzi, the charismatic founder of the philosophy which dates back to post World War II Italy, firmly believes that children are born competent, are naturally curious and resourceful and are creative thinkers. They are not empty vessels that need to be filled with facts, figures and dates.

The teacher's role within the Reggio Emilia approach is complex and deemed primarily to be that of a learner alongside the children to provoke, co-construct, and stimulate thinking and peer collaboration. Whilst nurturing the essence of childhood, the teacher is a teacher-researcher, a resource and guide as she/he lends expertise to children. This is a distinctive innovative approach that supports our children’s interests and fosters their intellectual development through a systematic focus on symbolic representation encouraged by teachers.

Young children from birth to age six are invited to explore their environment and express themselves through many ‘languages’ or different ways of expression, including words, movement, drawing, painting, sculpture, shadow play, collage, and music. Within the Reggio Emilia approach, different approaches toward the same investigation are all valued, and thus children are given access to many tools and media to express themselves. The relationship and collaboration with the home, school and community all support the learning of the child. Teachers are committed to reflection about their own teaching and learning.

Whilst learning is viewed as a process or journey; education is about building relationships of respect and trust amongst children, parents and teachers and creating connections between ideas and the environment. We thereby support children in our care to develop and grow optimally and in doing so cultivate a lifelong passion for learning and exploration amongst our eager, wide-eyed young children in our purpose-built school.

The layout of the physical space at Reddam House has been designed to encourage choices, problem solving and exploration. Teachers are skilled observers who determine individual needs and build on existing gifts and talents. The approach is 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.

Documentation of work in progress is made visible on large panels throughout the classroom, thereby keeping the memory of the work vivid and alive. 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 our children are learning and enjoying their experiences in our school.