Maple Cross Nursery and Pre-school: A Journey Towards Our Curiosity Approach Accreditation
At Maple Cross Nursery and Pre-school, we believe that every child deserves an environment that sparks their imagination, encourages their natural curiosity, and nurtures their growth. This is why we are excited to share that we are actively working towards earning the prestigious Curiosity Approach Accreditation.
The Curiosity Approach is an innovative educational philosophy that champions a modern blend of Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf-inspired approaches. At its heart, it promotes child-led play and discovery in a setting that fosters independence, creativity, and critical thinking.
What is the Curiosity Approach?
The Curiosity Approach is more than just a method – it’s a holistic approach to development.
It emphasises creating learning environments that resemble home-like, nurturing spaces rather than traditional classrooms. With a focus on natural materials, open-ended resources, and the invitation to explore, this approach gives children the freedom to follow their interests and develop essential life skills through play. It encourages creating a setting that is calm, neutral, and rich in opportunities for self-directed learning.
Why the Curiosity Approach Matters to Us
At Maple Cross Nursery and Pre-school, our mission has always been to provide a stimulating and supportive environment where children can thrive. By working towards the Curiosity Approach Accreditation, we aim to take our commitment to the next level. We understand that early childhood is a magical time when children’s imaginations are at their peak. The Curiosity Approach resonates deeply with our belief in the importance of allowing children the time and space to be curious, to ask questions, and to make sense of the world in their own unique way.
This approach allows us to let the children lead their own learning journeys. We focus on creating an environment where every corner is a space for discovery—whether it’s a sensory area filled with natural textures or an invitation to create with open-ended materials like fabrics, cardboard, and wooden blocks.
What Does This Mean for Our Nursery?
As we work towards our Curiosity Approach Accreditation, you will begin to notice some exciting changes in our environment. We are in the process of reimagining our learning spaces, incorporating more natural elements, and providing an abundance of open-ended resources that encourage creativity and problem-solving. From wooden toys to loose parts, we want to inspire children to use their imagination to build, create, and explore.
Our outdoor areas will also play a significant role in this transformation. Outdoor learning is a key component of the Curiosity Approach and of Footsteps, and we are enhancing our garden spaces to provide even more opportunities for children to connect with nature. Whether it’s mud kitchens, sensory gardens, or simply time to explore the natural world, we are dedicated to fostering a love of the outdoors and a sense of wonder in our little learners.
How We Are Preparing for Accreditation
Becoming accredited in the Curiosity Approach is a process that involves ongoing reflection, training, and evaluation. Our dedicated team is undergoing comprehensive professional development to embrace this mindset fully. We are also engaging in thoughtful discussions about how we can continue to evolve our practice and create an environment that inspires curiosity every day.
We are working closely with the Curiosity Approach directives to ensure that our nursery aligns with their ethos and standards. This journey is not just about a certification—it’s about a shift in thinking and practice that will benefit our children for years to come.
What This Means for Your Child
As we move through this exciting process, you may notice changes in how your child interacts with their surroundings. The Curiosity Approach encourages children to think critically, take risks, and engage deeply with the world around them. Your child will have even more opportunities to explore their interests, develop confidence in their abilities, and engage in purposeful play that fosters essential life skills.
We are thrilled to be on this journey towards creating a truly unique and inspiring learning environment for our children. The Curiosity Approach Accreditation will be a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to providing the best possible early years education.
Join Us on Our Journey
We are excited to embark on this journey and invite our community—parents, children, and staff alike—to join us in embracing curiosity and creativity. Keep an eye out for updates as we continue to transform our nursery and pre-school, and feel free to ask us any questions you may have about this new approach to learning.
We can’t wait to see where their curiosity leads them!
