The setting...Seedlings Kindergarten takes place in a wonderful converted barn space, surrounded by beautiful countryside, on the site of North Farm, just outside the village of Burgh in North Norfolk. Seedlings was founded in 2017 by Katie Baxter, a Steiner Waldorf trained class and kindergarten teacher, with over 10 years experience of working in Steiner Waldorf early years settings, both in Germany and here in the UK.
|
|
What we offer...
Seedlings Kindergarten provides quality early years care and education for children from 2 ½ to 7 years of age. Seedlings Parent and Child Group runs weekly, for accompanied babies and children from birth to 3 ½ years old. This group is ideal for families who would like to find out more about the Steiner Waldorf philosophy of caring for babies and young children, and to connect with other like minded parents. It is also perfect for little ones who will be moving up to kindergarten, as they become familiar with the teacher and the setting, and the rhythm of the morning, making the transition to being left much easier.
The principles of Steiner Waldorf education...
Steiner Waldorf early childhood education is based on an understanding of the principles of child development as indicated by the educational philosopher, Rudolf Steiner, in the first half of the twentieth century. Working with these principles kindergarten staff acknowledge that young children learn best by being actively involved in their surroundings, learning through 'doing', rather than through explanation and instruction. At Seedlings children are given the time and space for self-directed creative play, as well as many opportunities to learn by imitation from their teachers, through a variety of creative and domestic actives, in a warm and caring, home from home environment.
The Principles We Work With at Seedlings...
|
- We recognise each child as a unique individual
- We recognise and support each stage of child development - We work with the child’s natural inclination to be active - We use imitation, co-operation and example as an educational approach (rather than instruction and direction) - We support creative child initiated play with open-ended materials - We support the development of numeracy and literacy through everyday experiences - We provide a nurturing sensory experience in an enabling environment - We support the child’s personal, social, emotional and moral development - We work with rhythm and repetition, enabling the child to feel safe and secure - We develop and enhance social interaction, encouraging empathy and respect for each other - We encourage children to know and love the world through awe and wonder - We support the development of the child in co-operation with the parents - We protect the child’s right to a healthy and appropriate childhood |
|
Staff at Seedlings -
Katie - Kindergarten Teacher
Katie Baxter graduated with a BA Honours Degree in Humanities in 1990 and went on to train as a Steiner Waldorf Class Teacher, qualifying in 1998. Katie has worked with children in Steiner Waldorf early childhood settings for over 15 years, completed the Level 4 in Steiner Waldorf Early Years Childcare in July 2021, and is currently studying for the Level 5, due to graduate in July 2022. After living in Germany for six years where she worked as a Steiner Waldorf Kindergarten Teacher, Katie was inspired to set up her own kindergarten at her parents farm in North Norfolk. Katie also has experience of working with older children, teaching handwork (art and craft) to 7 - 16 year olds at the Norwich Steiner School. Katie has three teenage children, all of whom have been Steiner educated, and she lives with her family in Norwich.
Click Here |
