What is the Reggio Emilia Philosophy?
Originating in Reggio Emilia, Italy, this educational approach was conceived by a visionary local teacher aiming to rebuild the community in the aftermath of World War II. The Reggio Emilia philosophy emphasises the significance of nurturing young minds and has earned global acclaim for its innovative and holistic approach to early childhood education.
Inspired by this philosophy, Everwood Early Education embraces the belief that the child, parent, community, and environment are all integral to the early years learning journey.
The Everwood Philosophy
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At Everwood Early Education, we embrace the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which is woven into every aspect of our approach to early childhood education:
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Child-Centred Learning: We believe that each child has the right to actively participate in their own learning journey, making choices that foster a strong sense of agency, confidence, and well-being.
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The Environment as the ‘Third Teacher’: Our thoughtfully designed physical spaces are created to inspire curiosity, engagement, and exploration, recognising the critical role the environment plays in a child’s development.
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Connection to Nature and Sustainability: Our environment reflects our deep respect for nature and our commitment to sustainability, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to the world around us.
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Partnerships with Families: We value the vital role that families play in their children’s education. Building strong, collaborative relationships with families and encouraging their active involvement is central to our approach.
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Continuous Learning: Learning is a lifelong journey, and we are committed to constantly developing our own knowledge and practices to offer the richest, most meaningful experiences to the children in our care.
Bringing Our Philosophy to Life
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At Everwood Early Education, our philosophy is not just a set of guiding principles—it is embedded in every aspect of our daily practice. It shapes everything from our lesson plans to the design of our learning environments.
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Project-Based Learning: We believe that children learn best when they are engaged and curious. Our educators are experts in identifying each child’s unique interests and leveraging these to drive project-based learning, fostering deeper exploration and understanding.​
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Interactions and Relationships: Human interaction is essential for a child’s brain development, which is why relationships are at the core of our approach. We prioritise strong, supportive connections not only between children and their educators but also with parents and the broader community. Recognising the vital role of these relationships, we actively invite families and community members into our learning environments as valued partners in each child’s educational journey.
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At Everwood, our philosophy comes to life through our commitment to creating a vibrant, inclusive community where every child can thrive and grow.
