Steiner Waldorf Education

The teaching and curriculum in a Steiner Waldorf school are based on the concept of education as an art. Its aim is to develop, harmonise and integrate the powers of thought, feeling and action in the developing child so that the foundations may be laid for mental flexibility, practical initiative and. moral strength in adult life. All aspects of playgroups are directed to meet the developmental needs of the child.

Our playgroup is part of this worldwide educational movement, which is rapidly growing. There are over 700 Steiner Waldorf schools on all continents. They are all co-educational and are based on the understanding of the human being described by Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian educationalist, philosopher and scientist who provided valuable insights into the development of the child; resulting in a truly child-centred education which is gaining widespread recognition at a time of great social change such as now.

The playgroup provides a secure and nurturing environment for the small child from three years upwards. The daily, weekly and yearly rhythms are an important element in supporting the active and creative life of the child. The emphasis is on doing and the children are left free from formal academic learning, which comes later in the primary school. There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that children's subsequent school performance benefits from this focus on practical and social activities in kindergarten.

For further information visit the Steiner Waldorf School Fellowship site: www.steinerwaldorf.org.uk