Our philosophy is the anchor for all we do at The Nest. We are guided by the principles of Emmi Pikler but just as important we use our own heart to guide us in our interactions with the children and our families. At The Nest we believe in the people and the partnership above the premises and the programmes.   

THE RELATIONSHIP DECIDES, IT IS ALL

We are committed to consciously growing respectful and loving relationships for all. The relationship we build with your child is the most important part of our work. When your child feels known, appreciated and secure in their relationships here with us, they are what we call ‘emotionally satisfied’. That means that your child is then ready to engage in quality play, which results in quality learning.

AN EMOTIONALLY SATISFIED CHILD WILL ENGAGE IN PLAY

We believe that the children in our care need to develop a trusting relationship with the teachers in order for them to confidently engage in play and develop social relationships with other children.

When a child is emotionally satisfied, they are not needy. They are in the right state to play alongside other children and grow their skills for getting along with others. This is the easiest age to learn social skills, and we believe that the skills for getting along with others, in all sorts of situations, will be the most valuable skills your child can learn with us.

INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN ARE FREE AND EQUAL HUMAN BEINGS

We believe it is essential for each child to have a healthy sense of who they are, to grow to see themselves as valued members of society.

Your child is a free and equal human being, and equal human beings work in partnership together. At The Nest we consciously grow the skills for working together in cooperation.

BEAUTY AND NATURE ARE OUR TEACHERS

We are committed to preparing an environment of beauty where children can explore freely, and unfold embraced in Nature. The play resources we provide have been carefully chosen to harmonise with the natural environment. Most are sourced from Nature. We are also committed to using recycled items that encourage children’s creativity and imagination, their thinking and experimenting.

THERE IS NO BAD WEATHER, ONLY BAD CLOTHING

The outdoor environment and outdoor play are pivotal to the development of a healthy body, mind and spirit. The door is never shut: children are free to play outside, at any time, in all weathers. Your child needs clothing suitable for the weather. There is also a large area of The Nest that is designed for use in all weathers so your child can be outside playing and learning in the fresh air.

CHILDREN DESERVE A PEACEFUL ENVIRONMENT

In our beautiful rural setting, children can connect with Nature in our specially landscaped outdoor play areas, with our animals, organic gardens, and trees. The children will be active participants in all the routines, rituals and regular events involved in running our ‘little slice of heaven’. We believe that Nature has a perfect plan for human beings and that the use of artificial teaching aids to ‘speed up’ development is unnecessary. 

THE WORLD IS HEALED ONE LOVING THOUGHT AT A TIME

We are committed to caring for our environment in an ecologically sound way. Along with the children, we respect and care for the natural resources in our community and wider world. Children will learn to respect and care for the natural resources in our community.

EVERY HUMAN IS BORN CREATIVE AND EVERY CHILD IS AN ARTIST

We believe it is very important that each child unfolds as the artist and creator they were born to be. We provide the best raw materials, time and peaceful spaces to support this unfolding.