At KatieB Kids, the Reggio Emilia approach is woven into every aspect of our practice. Rooted in respect for children as capable, curious individuals, this philosophy celebrates child-led learning, creativity, collaboration, and meaningful connection. Our educators observe closely, listen deeply, and use children’s interests as the starting point for projects and exploration—creating a "negotiated curriculum" that evolves alongside the children. Rather than offering immediate answers, we provoke curiosity, encouraging children to ask questions, reflect, and co-construct knowledge alongside adults in a collaborative process. Our environments are intentionally designed to inspire, using beautiful, well-organised materials that invite open-ended discovery, creativity, and cooperation. We value the many languages of children—whether through art, music, movement, or conversation—and ensure each child has the freedom and tools to express themselves in their own unique way. Careful documentation captures children’s thinking and learning, making it visible to them, to each other, and to their families. Above all, we believe in working in true partnership with parents, recognising that when families and educators collaborate, children thrive.

While KatieB Kids is rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, our approach is also enriched by the values of other respected early childhood educators—including Maria Montessori.

Montessori saw children as naturally curious, capable learners who thrive when given the freedom to explore at their own pace. At KatieB Kids, we embrace this belief by creating environments that encourage independence, concentration, and deep thinking. Our children are invited to investigate, experiment, and return to activities they love—not for a final outcome, but for the joy of the process.

We recognise children as intelligent, thoughtful, and empathetic from the very start. We support them to think deeply, solve problems, and consider the perspectives of others. Through open-ended play and hands-on learning, we help them develop confidence, creativity, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Montessori’s emphasis on mixed-age groups, outdoor experiences, and respectful social interactions aligns closely with our own ethos. At KatieB Kids, we see these elements not just as practices—but as powerful opportunities to foster belonging, kindness, and leadership.

Our approach encourages children to develop a lifelong foundation for learning by nurturing:

• A positive attitude towards challenge and discovery

• A love of order and pride in their environment

• Focus, independence, and self-discipline

• Confidence in making decisions

• A strong sense of responsibility and social awareness

Together, these principles help us raise thoughtful, confident children—ready for the world ahead.

At KatieB Kids, nature isn’t just a backdrop—it’s an essential part of how children learn and grow. Our accredited Forest School, led by a trained specialist, is woven into our curriculum to provide children with rich, meaningful learning experiences in the great outdoors.

Rooted in Scandinavian tradition, the Forest School approach values child-led exploration in natural settings. Through regular outdoor sessions, children build confidence, resilience, and a deep connection with the natural world—all while developing physical skills, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving.

Our outdoor spaces offer freedom, challenge, and wonder. Children climb, balance, build, dig, imagine, and observe—experiencing the changing seasons with all five senses. These experiences support not only physical health, but emotional wellbeing, communication, and lifelong environmental awareness.

In a world where many children are increasingly disconnected from nature, Forest School offers a vital reminder of the joy and balance found outdoors. The approach echoes the work of early education pioneers like Froebel, Isaacs, McMillan and Steiner—who championed the role of nature in healthy development.

Whether it’s a quiet moment with the trees or the thrill of making a mud pie, Forest School at KatieB Kids is about more than outdoor play—it’s about nurturing whole, happy, confident children with a lifelong love for the natural world.

At KatieB Kids, we embrace heuristic play as a powerful way for babies and toddlers to explore and make sense of the world around them. Rooted in the natural curiosity of young children, heuristic play involves offering real-life, everyday objects—rather than traditional toys—for children to handle, combine, and experiment with freely.

From shiny spoons and pinecones to fabric ribbons and cardboard tubes, these open-ended materials invite children to roll, stack, fill, dump, and discover. As they investigate what objects do and how they behave, children build essential skills in problem-solving, motor coordination, spatial awareness, and early scientific and mathematical thinking.

This approach, introduced by child psychologist Elinor Goldschmied, values slow, thoughtful learning led entirely by the child. There are no instructions, no rules—just time, space, and trust. Babies and toddlers follow their instincts, engage their senses, and learn through trial and error in a calm, meaningful way.

Our educators gently observe nearby, carefully curating and maintaining the collection of natural and found materials. These objects become familiar friends—collected together with the children, cleaned, sorted, and added to over time—creating a rich, evolving environment for discovery.

Heuristic play at KatieB Kids gives children freedom to wonder, explore, and think for themselves—building strong foundations for confidence, creativity, and lifelong learning.