Theories behind our approach
At Bloom Nursery, our approach to learning is heavily influenced by the Reggio Emilia perspective, a holistic viewpoint of child development and Forest School principles.
Reggio Emilia is an approach developed by Loris Malaguzzi, a teacher, with parents in the town of Reggio Emilia. It's centred on parent-teacher collaboration, with the child at the centre to drive their learning, as we believe children are competent and inquisitive, with limitless potential. At Bloom Nursery, we view children as active participants in co-constructing their own knowledge.
Forest School practices child-led outdoor play to promote curiosity and exploration, helping children's early year development. Bloom Nursery applies these practices by offering a fluid curriculum that focuses on child-led outdoor play in Highgate woods which is essentially our back garden.
Early Years Foundation Stages (EYFS) are used to understand children's learning and development from birth to five years old, to ensure the care we offer is of the highest calibre. The framework emphasises seven key areas of learning, including personal, social and emotional development; communication and language; literacy; mathematics; understanding the world; and expressive arts and design - delivered primarily through play-based and child-initiated activities. Alongside this we maintain a strong focus on the child, leveraging ongoing observation and assessments to tailor our approach to their specific needs and interests. The EYFS have an underlying commitment to safeguarding and welfare, caring for the children's safety and wellbeing, at all times.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs says that children can only learn and develop when they feel safe, secure and emotionally supported. Therefore, we prioritise meeting each child's fundamental needs through a nurturing environment providing consistency, warmth and attentive care. Fostering a strong sense of belonging is important to us as we recognise that positive relationships and emotional security play a key role in developing confidence, social skills and willingness to engage in learning. By supporting a child's self-esteem and offering opportunities for creativity and exploration, we enable them to reach self-actualisation, where they are their most authentic version of themselves. At Bloom Nursery, we create an atmosphere of safety and trust to ensure that every child feels seen, heard, and valued, fostering an environment where children can thrive.
