The Edinburgh Steiner School, in Merchiston, South Edinburgh, is re-establishing its holistic baby groups from 2nd September, with free taster sessions offered to all new families.
Welcoming expectant mothers, carers/parents and their babies, it offers a relaxing and nurturing environment to share experiences, food and be creative.
"Where society is becoming increasingly digital, with more and more young children learning to swipe before they can walk; where pupils as young as four years old are embarking on their school career; Waldorf schools worldwide look at education from a different standpoint to mainstream independent nurseries in Scotland", notes the Early Years Department, which has a high profile in Steiner Waldorf schools worldwide.
This progressive pedagogy considers Birth – 7 years old of vital importance to a child for the development of a healthy adult. Following the international Steiner Waldorf model, practised in some 80 countries globally, these Groups are an opportunity to dip a toe into exploring what makes their approach to early childhood education distinctive.
Once walking, Adult & Child groups - held both in nature and in the School's Toddler Hut - provide a stepping stone into their Seedlings Playgroup (aged 2+).
Toddlers, bringing their parent, grandparent, carer or childminder along, experience a setting that strives to develop, harmonise and unite the faculties of thought, feeling and action in the child, so that the foundations may be laid for mental adaptability, initiative and moral strength in adult life.
The child is seen to have physical, emotional and spiritual needs as well as intellectual ones; and it is recognised that children’s learning flourishes in a calm, peaceful, predictable, familiar and unhurried environment that recognises the child’s sensory sensitivities. The teaching and curriculum together seek to nourish all these aspects.
A relationship with the Edinburgh Steiner School can begin as early as pregnancy through this range of groups, encouraging bumps, babies and young children to come together to create a community with like-minded families.
Sessions cost £8, paid termly or half-termly.
