STARLINGS KINDERGARTEN
Starlings kindergarten provides a home from home environment, four mornings and four
afternoons a week for 3 to 6 year olds with a Parent and Child group, for younger ones, on
Thursday afternoons. Being a Steiner inspired kindergarten, we lovingly offer a deeply caring
and nurturing experience where the children are supported in an unhurried environment as
they partake in daily free play, baking, painting, sewing, modelling, craft activities and also
gardening in our own enclosed garden. The unique setting encourages the children to
experience Mother Nature's changing moods first-hand and provides us with the
opportunity for daily walks, den-making, splashing in puddles, collecting treasures and
playing with the leaves. As we build this bridge between home and school a firm foundation
is laid for a life-long love of learning.
"Just as nature brings about the right environment for the physical human body before birth, so after birth the educator must provide for the right physical environment". Rudolf Steiner |
The Pavilion is a large, detached building set at the top of a gently sloping bank with views towards Minchinhampton.
This idyllic setting offers so much including a children's playground, meadows, surrounding hills, an enchanting woodland
and free parking too. Much careful thought has been given to the kindergarten environment from the choice of colours and
materials used to the selection of toys and play things all aiming to evoke a harmonious, beautiful and embracing mood.
The rear garden is an ongoing project which will allow the children to play a part in shaping their environment and
so will naturally change and develop over time. This secluded space offers the opportunity for vegetable growing,
stump jumping, small woodcraft projects, flower and fruit picking and lots of fun!
History
The impulse for Starlings arose out of my love and respect for both Waldorf Steiner education and for Graeme & Sarah Whiting of The Acorn School. Seeing a need in the school community and wishing to serve all concerned prompted me into action. Before my years as a class teacher, I had been an early years practitioner and felt the time was right to come full circle and return to teaching and caring for younger children. After securing the building in early 2013, Starlings was conceived and opened its doors and heart on the 16th of September.