Communicate with the child
All the important everyday actions (dressing, undressing, eating, going to sleep, changing nappies etc.) are announced in advance by the nursery school teachers. This helps the children to prepare for what is about to happen and to relax about it, show their opposition or willingness to cooperate and encourage them to support the nursery school teacher.
Wellbeing
Providing care is not only about satisfying the need for food, cleanliness and hygiene; we also guarantee the children’s well-being. The actions of our nursery school teachers are guided by the happiness of the children and we support any opportunity for the children to get involved themselves.
Do not disturb
Since children are happier and calmer if they are not constantly disturbed in their own activities, we do not intervene in the children’s processes too soon. However, we are always at the children’s side if they should need help. This helps them to learn how to make decisions on their own.
Gain experience
Children should be able to decide for themselves when they are ready to learn. They are not forced to do activities or movement sequences if they are not already doing these on their own. Their autonomy, individuality and personality will blossom if they are allowed to develop as independently as possible. We do, however, offer a stimulating environment, in which children can try out a wide variety of materials, for example, and gain experience through their own experimentation.
Emmi Pikler (1902-1984)
Our work is guided by the records kept by Emmi Pikler, a paediatrician and education specialist from Budapest, who said: Children are only free to train their own bodies and minds if they are given the time and space to do so.
Aware of the fact that the acquisition of independence is an important milestone in a child’s development and that this forms the basis for the healthy development of personality, we respect and encourage the child’s own initiative. We create a safe and secure environment, which invites the children to make their own discoveries as we inspire them with encouragement.