Our hybrid educational approach at Alphablocks Nursery School has been recognised for its beneficial mix of pedagogical methods, which are naturally incorporated in our everyday practice and guide our children’s learning journeys. During this Spring Term we are focusing on a different approach every two-week ‘cycle’ (we call these ‘focused weeks’). Regular updates will be published in our blog.
There are a number of established educational approaches in the early years sector and, even though there are many differences between them, they all share the same simple goal: to help every child fulfil his or her potential.
Despite the differences between these approaches, all of them are recognised by Ofsted and form part of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. The Montessori approach puts at its centre the child’s independence in learning and development, while the Reggio Emilia approach focuses on how the learning environment can act as a ‘third teacher’. Forest School sessions at our nursery develop confidence and self-esteem through learner-inspired, hands-on experiences in natural settings.
In this post we review the core features of each approach and explain, in simple terms, how we combine their best elements into a unique hybrid approach which is followed here at Alphablocks Nursery School & Pre-Prep, a boutique nursery in the heart of Hadley Wood village, serving local communities in Barnet and Enfield.
Maria Montessori’s approach to early years education was developed around a century ago. Its reputation grew internationally over the years and is currently one of the most well-known educational philosophies. So what is it that makes it so enduring?
The Montessori philosophy begins by recognising the crucial importance of early years in future learning; it also asserts that children have the greatest capacity to learn between the ages of zero to six. At Alphablocks Nursery School & Pre-Prep, Hadley Wood, we share this belief and consider it as a key tenet of our school’s ethos. We also share the same overarching goal of fostering competent and responsible children who become lifelong learners.