The Tadpoles Nursery Schools have been in existence as an early yearsâ educational setting, offering their forward-thinking and unique approach to the families of Chelsea for over 50 years.
They are now bringing their ever-evolving teaching practices to those children and families of Kensington.
Understanding The Importance of Early Years Education
Nursery Education is not about childcare but about helping a childâs brain develop at its most receptive time, which is between the years of 0-5.
A childâs âearly yearsâ are the moments where their minds are the most open and the most absorbent; where they see the world around them with wonder and without judgement and where they are able to ask questions without fear or embarrassment. At moments of play with other children, they will realise that there is no wrong or right answer, that it is about exploring and the process.
Childrenâs play has an imaginative and creative flow which leads to discovery and problem-solving. We believe at Tadpoles, that the most inspiring way of teaching these invaluable lessons is not through âforced learningâ but through the art of play. This was recognised in ancient times; âDo not keep children to their studies by compulsion but by playâ Plato. At Tadpoles, when a child is âat playâ we do not disturb their process even if it is âtidying up timeâ, it is important that they complete their âworkâ.
âSit on your hands and voiceâ â Donald Winnacot
What Do Parents Want in a Nursery School?
At Tadpoles, we have always listened closely to the parentâs voice and from our, many, many years of experience, have learnt that all parents want and look for something a little different from each other.
Our families are the centre of everything that we do.
Our parents embrace our playful and outdoors philosophy understanding that our imaginative and creative approach is the most inspiring way of teaching our little ones the invaluable lessons and skills that they will need to take them on into their future in education with resilience and a passion for learning.
âThe perfect place to start your childâs educational journey â sparking curiosity, amazement and joy in the minds of their studentsâ â Mrs F, mother of 4.
At Tadpoles, we do not believe in âstaticâ learning methods but in ever-evolving and forward-thinking teaching practices, which adapt to each child and their individual needs. We aim to give our children an inspiring, happy, settled and structured environment in which to work and play.
Preparing Parents and Children for Reception
There are many myths about what schools are looking for and require from a child at assessment and when they enter their reception class.
Every school has a different approach to assessment and many have moved on to having none at all.
However most schools take little interest in what a child has learnt and their interest lies in whether a child is ready, confident, interested and enthusiastic to learn.
At Tadpoles, we believe that the forced learning of phonics and numbers can kill the joy of literature and numeracy and no one will be able to learn phonics and numbers unless they are ready. With the natural, everyday use of stories, songs, rhyme and drama, even for daily requests, we enthuse our children with an understanding and love of words and by using the exciting environment around us, with all its rich mathematical content, we stimulate a love of and show our children the necessity of number.
âTadpoles Nurseryâs approach to early years education aligns with Harvard UniversityâŠâ The Parliamentary Review
 The Good Enough Mother (Parent)
At Tadpoles Nursery, we believe (as Donald Winnacott explains, in his philosophy âThe Good Enough Motherâ) that parenting is not about perfection and often parents will need help and guidance through this new âprofessionâ for which they have not been trained and has suddenly been sprung upon them. There is no one way to parent your child. Every parent and family are different and they will set out on this new journey trying only to do their very best. At Tadpoles, we believe in the family as a whole and the importance of supporting not only the child within our care but the entire family. We are here to help at every step of the way.
Preparing Our Children For The Future
Neil Postman wrote âChildren are the living messages we send to a time we will not seeâ and it is this exact sentiment that we need to keep in our minds when looking at how we approach every area of our childrenâs early education.
At Tadpoles we give them the skills to question, problem solve, recognise and celebrate their differences, listen to and respect their different opinions, understand and value their different emotions and realise that all emotions are equally valid â rather than pushing the emphasis on constant happiness â we are giving them the skills that will help them to prepare for the future with resilience.
Equal Thinking, Ecology and Climate Change, Care and Kindness within our communities – the list goes on -will only be positively affected if we educate our children from the very beginning, giving them the imagination, tools and skills at an early age. Allowing them to explore paths not yet taken and ideas without judgement.
âOur children will mould the future of our world but it is us, who must inspire them with the skills to create that futureâŠâ The Teachers of Tadpoles
Tadpoles Nursery, Kensington
We are so excited to now be bringing our ever-evolving teaching practices to the families of Kensington, forging further links with the many prep and primary schools in both Notting Hill and Kensington.
Tadpoles Kensington replicates as closely as possible the values, philosophy and practice of Tadpoles Chelsea, whilst maintaining its own individuality.
The school is in a wonderful building with spacious rooms and a huge amount of natural light, looking over the beautiful tree of St Mary Abbots Gardens within the Royal Borough. This green and tranquil place comes with an outside space leading onto the gardens which the children will be able to use for their sports and play.
It is with great joy that we look forward to this next, natural step in the evolution of Tadpoles Nursery School.
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