Our team of Bristol Early Years recruiters are often asked by candidates which is the best nursery settings approach, so we thought a blog would be useful.
Nurseries across the city follow different approaches to childcare and have different ways of helping children to learn and play.
If you are unsure which Early Years approach you'd prefer to work in, here are some essential elements to remember about the main approaches:
Reggio Emilia
This early childhood education approach views each child as strong and capable, full of wonder and knowledge.
Within a Reggio Emilia nursery in Bristol, you will find that the environment is used as 'the third teacher' which is reflected in the nursery layout and design to emphasise the use of space and light.
Children are free to explore at their own speed, with focused learning activities being planned and left for the children to carry out at their own pace.
Montessori
This is a form of education based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play.
Montessori nurseries in Bristol are peaceful, happy environments designed to meet the developmental needs of each child in every stage of life.
Outdoor environments are critical and children are given complex sensory and intellectual experiences.
High Scope
This is a quality approach to early childhood care and education shaped and developed by research carried out over four decades.
The central belief of High Scope nursery settings in Bristol is that children construct their learning by doing and being involved in working with materials, people and ideas.
The daily routine gives a secure base from which children can explore and experience their world.
Forest School
This is an educational approach to playing and learning outdoors.
Each Forest School session in Bristol is planned for and takes into account what the children were interested in or fascinated by during the previous session.
A Forest School childcare approach can be used in any type of nursery setting, depending on the outdoor space and availability of woodland.
Traditional Nursery Approach
This can be a more traditional led nursery setting in Bristol not following any of the above Early Years approaches to childcare and education.
There will usually be more routine in this type of nursery setting, and adult planned activities relating to the EYFS.
Some of the traditional nurseries across the city are more likely to keep age groups within their rooms compared to other settings where all ages are in one room.
We work closely with nursery settings in the following parts of Bristol:
Yate, Kingswood, Downend, Speedwell, Keynsham, Lyde Green, Emersons Green, Bradley Stoke, Filton, Horfield, Southmead, Clifton, Redland, Westbury, Stoke Bishop, City Centre, Southville, Bedminster, Knowle, Ashton Gate and Flax Bourton.
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We are always available to have an informal chat with new or experienced nursery job candidates and can be reached on 0117 930 4000 or by visiting here.