The highlights/ key elements defining our preschool are:

Our concept focuses on:

1. Play-Centred Learning

Research shows that play is crucial for brain development. Our preschool integrates guided structured and unstructured play to promote creativity, problem-solving, and cognitive flexibility, which are key aspects of early brain development.

2. Targeted Sensory Activities 

The brain develops through sensory experiences. Our preschool incorporates activities like art, music, movement, and tactile play that engage multiple senses, enhancing neural connections and promoting memory and learning.

3. Social-Emotional Development 

Understanding that early emotional experiences shape the brain, this approach emphasises social-emotional learning. Children are supported in building emotional intelligence, resilience, self-regulation, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills that develop neural pathways associated with these skills.

4. Mindful Moments 

Incorporating mindfulness practices from an early age to help strengthen the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for self-control, decision-making, and emotional regulation. This includes activities like simple breathing exercises, guided relaxation, or awareness of the body and senses.

5. Neuroscience-Informed Curriculum  

Learning activities are designed based on principles of neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to change and grow). This includes providing opportunities for repetition, learning through problem-solving, and supporting curiosity-driven exploration. The curriculum is flexible, offering both structured learning and free exploration to engage different areas of the brain.

6. Optimal Environment for Learning  

The physical space is designed to support neurodevelopment, incorporating elements such as natural light, calming colours, and uncluttered spaces. Stimulating environments with diverse learning materials to encourage curiosity. While quiet spaces are set aside for relaxation as sleep is critical for neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons are created in certain areas of the brain, particularly in the hippocampus, a region associated with learning and memory. Research has shown that during deep sleep (slow-wave sleep), the brain consolidates memories related to declarative memory (facts and knowledge) and strengthens neural connections. The body is most relaxed during deep sleep. It’s the stage where muscle repair, growth, and immune system strengthening occur. The growth hormone (GH) is released during deep sleep in hypothalamus, contributing to tissue growth and repair.  Deep sleep is primarily restorative for the body and mind. It’s crucial for physical recovery, immune function, and the repair of brain tissue. 

7. Building Executive Function Skills  

Neuroscience suggests that early childhood is a critical period for developing executive functions like working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. STEM Activities in our preschool focuses on games and tasks that give early exposure to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math to spark curiosity and problem-solving skills and challenge children to use and strengthen these skills.

8. Individualised Approaches

Understanding that children’s brains develop at different rates, our neuroscience-based preschool tailor approaches to each child’s needs. Teachers observe and adjust their strategies to meet the child where they are, enhancing the likelihood of successful learning experiences.

By grounding our preschool’s approach in neuroscience, the focus is on supporting the natural development of the brain, giving children the best possible foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.