Being curious. Having fun.
We follow the revolutionary Curiosity Approach™ to promote awe and wonder in early childhood. This recognises the power of play in shaping young minds, fostering creativity, and nurturing essential social and cognitive skills.
By understanding and embracing the six stages of play, we provide powerful and rich play spaces that support children’s natural curiosity and desire for exploration. That’s why Blossom Years celebrates the magic of play and creates spaces where children can discover, connect… and flourish.
The Curiosity Approach™
Stage 1
0-3 MonthsUnoccupied Play
The concept
The awe-inspiring discovery of hands, body and surroundings encourages curiosity and the development of fine motor skills. Forget expensive toys, electronic gadgets, and gyms. Your baby simply needs the freedom and opportunity to play.
How we make it happen
We provide a safe and stimulating environment where your baby can interact with captivating objects, inspired by the work of Emmi Pikler. Emmi shows that babies need to be fed, happy and rested, then placed on the floor to enjoy the freedom to stretch, turn, and roll.
Stage 2
0-2 YearsSolitary Play
The concept
Immersed in independent play and self-directed activities, your child’s imagination blossoms. Architects of their own play, they create stories, experiment with objects, and explore their surroundings with uninhibited curiosity.
How we make it happen
We provide a variety of larger loose parts, play materials and intelligent resources to stimulate your child’s senses and offer endless possibilities for creativity. At the same time, we offer the time and space children need to explore, boosting their independence and self-confidence.
Stage 3
2 YearsOnlooker Play
The concept
Observing other children engaging in play without actively participating is crucial for developing social awareness and communication skills. As a little observer, your child absorbs valuable insights into the dynamics of play, learning from the actions and interactions .
How we make it happen
We create opportunities for your child to understand the ‘art’ of play. By encouraging conversation and gentle commentary, we help children to learn the social aspect of play. This lays the groundwork for future social interactions, empathy, and understanding.
Stage 4
2+ YearsParallel Play
The concept
Your child begins to play alongside or near others without direct interaction. Think of it as the bridge between solitary play and more socially interactive stages, with children aware of their peers, but maintaining their focus on individual activities.
How we make it happen
We provide the space where your child can play independently, but in close proximity to others. This allows them to learn from each other, spark a growing sense of camaraderie, and nurture social skills such as taking turns and respecting personal space.
Stage 5
3-4 YearsAssociate Play
The concept
As children begin to interact and play with others, they learn to interact with others, share ideas, and develop a sense of empathy and cooperation. This sharing of experiences and building relationships through play mark a significant leap in your child’s social development.
How we make it happen
We provide the materials that encourage your child to engage in cooperative play, take on different roles, and exchange thoughts and ideas. Beyond igniting the imagination, we foster communication and negotiation skills.
Stage 6
4+ YearsCooperative Play
The concept
At the pinnacle of social engagement and collaboration, your child will actively play with others. Children adhere to rules, share responsibilities, and work and play together in teams to solve problems and achieve common goals.
How we make it happen
We give your child plenty of opportunities to solve problems, listen to the ideas of their friends, and enjoy the cooperative play. This is how we help them to foster a sense of belonging, build resilience, and prepare them for future social interactions and group dynamics.
Small is beautiful
Our intimate settings, settled teams, and limited numbers of children allow us to focus on a quality, fully rounded education. We provide the high levels of care and attention that allow us to develop deeper, more personal relationships.
See why we stay small
Blossoming at home
One essential part of nursery education doesn’t happen at nursery at all. We work in partnership with parents and carers to create a seamless experience that continues your child’s learning at home and builds on their successes of the day.
Support your child at home