The Kindergarten is very often the first step away from home and so a warm and homely atmosphere is provided where young children can flourish. Here the children are allowed to develop at their own pace as they begin to be aware of themselves as individuals and form a growing awareness of others around them. Playthings are kept simple and made of natural materials such as wood or wool to nourish the child’s senses and stimulate imagination.

Receive the children in reverence, educate them in love, and send them forth in freedom – Rudolf Steiner

There are four Kindergartens, each led by a Kindergarten teacher with an assistant. The Kindergarten morning has a healthy rhythm allowing the child time to rest and play. It begins with creative play, where the mixed age group play together, making shops, boats or houses out of tables, chairs, logs and playcloths. Shells or counters often provide “food” or “money” in play. This part of the morning allows for the children to be at their most creative – doing, making and building – and is child-led. The teacher is there to facilitate play, not to lead it.

After tidying away and circle time, the snack, which is prepared and cooked with the children during the morning, is shared. Seasonal vegetables or fruit and grains feature, such as barley soup or freshly baked bread.

Garden time allows the children to play out in all weathers, appropriately dressed, or perhaps go for a walk in the grounds, around the school allotments and through the orchard to see and collect things for Kindergarten. Finally, before home time, the children come in for a quiet story.

The seasons are reflected strongly in all that we do: the food we share, the crafts we make and the stories we tell, and of course each season has its wonderful festivals to share and celebrate.

Kindergarten allows the young child the time to progress smoothly from a busy three and a half year-old to a child of six who is eager and able to engage in more formal learning and thus ready for school.