Wildflowers Kindergartens are based on the Scandinavian Forest School model for early childhood education where children learn through exploration, movement, relationships, activities and play in nature.
The kindergartens are located in Kilmeston, south of Cheriton and at Brockwood Park between Bramdean and West Meon in Hampshire.
Wildflowers started in September 2005.
Intention
The purpose of Wildflowers Kindergartens is to provide a learning environment for 3 to 6 year old children which is full of life, joy and care, where their curiosity, motivation to learn, imagination, creativity and sense of wonder are nurtured.
It is our intention that each Wildflowers child:
- feels included, valued and respected
-
learns to care for themselves, other people and their environment
- grows to be independent, adaptable, resilient and confident
- develops a sensitive, attentive and inquiring mind
- develops an appreciation of silence and the beauty of nature
Why Choose Wildflowers?
By being in nature, all of our children's senses are continuously stimulated. They see a variety of colours in plants and different light through the forest canopy, hear birdsong and the wind in the trees, smell flowers and wet leaves, and touch soft moss and rough bark; the children establish an intimate relationship with the natural world.
Outdoors the children can express themselves freely and use their bodies to the fullest. They can be boisterous and loud, and they can withdraw for some quiet time alone.
There is so much to discover and ponder upon - our countryside and its nature provide the very best learning environment for our children.
Independent studies have shown that children educated in natural environments are healthier; have better balance and co-ordination; are more attentive and concentrate better; develop more sophisticated uses of language; and demonstrate more creativity and co-operation in their play, than children spending most of the time indoors and in conventional pre-school outdoor spaces.
Being outdoors makes both children and staff healthier, calmer and more energetic. There is no better place to be!