The Reggio Emilia Approach
Our curriculum is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and our approach to children’s learning is inspired by the Reggio Emilia pedagogy. The Reggio Emilia Approach is an innovative and inspiring approach to early childhood education where a lot of natural and recyclable materials are provided to create an environment that allows children’s to be creative and think critically. This approach values every child as strong, capable and resilient; rich with wonder and knowledge.
Every child brings with them deep curiosity and potential and this innate curiosity drives their interest to understand their world and their place within it. The Reggio Emilia Approach originated in the town of Reggio Emilia in Italy out of a movement towards progressive and cooperative early childhood education. No two Reggio-inspired nurseries will look the same, as the needs and interests of the children within each community will be different.
We provide a stimulating, planned learning environment centred on the individual needs of the children. We follow a framework based around the Early Years Foundation Stage (statutory from September 2008 and revised in September 2017 and 2019) which recognises all children’s need to develop and learn through interaction with people, focuses on cultural capital and their own exploration of the world. The children receive rich and varied play experience using a wide range of toys and equipment indoors and outdoors.
The EYFS covers the following areas of learning and development. The prime areas are communication and language development, physical development, personal social and emotional development.
The specific areas are literacy development, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design.
As part of our commitment to continuous quality improvement, we have recently adopted the Reggio Emilia approach with elements of the Montessori Method & Philosophy in conjunction with the Early years’ curriculum to ensure the children receive outstanding experiences and achievement in their full potential in Learning & Development.
Our Curriculum
The Reggio Emilia approach uses open-ended learning style and resources to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills in children amongst others. Here at Cornerstone, every child is seen as a dynamic learner, full of creative potential and in need of the maximum possible freedom to be allowed to develop as a happy, confident individual. This method of education makes our setting “learner-centred”. Hence, our curriculum underpins the Reggio Emilia Approach to learning and consists of the following activity areas:
Finger Gym
Tinkering Area
Use of Projectors (Technology)
Tapestry Table
Dramatic Play
Sensory Exploration
Beads and Wire
Writing and Messaging Centre
Nature Area
Click the Read More button to learn about our weekly activities based on our innovative Reggio Emilia inspired curriculum.