Learning through play
At Kind Hearts, we believe some of the most important learning happens when children are simply doing what they do best: playing.
Our experienced practitioners use in-the-moment planning, observing what children are interested in and looking for opportunities to extend their learning there and then.
A tower might become an opportunity to explore size and number. A pretend café can encourage conversation, turn-taking and early maths. A muddy outdoor adventure might lead to discovering insects, nature and the world around us.
Our environments are filled with opportunities for imaginative, creative, sensory and physical play, alongside real-life objects, natural materials, stories, conversation and plenty of opportunities to get moving.
There isn't one right way to learn at Kind Hearts. We give children the freedom to be curious, while our practitioners carefully introduce new ideas, language and challenges at just the right moment.
They lead the play. We help the learning go further.
A place where children can feel at home
Starting pre-school is a big milestone — for children and parents. We want Kind Hearts to feel like somewhere your child belongs, not somewhere they simply attend.
Our welcoming, homely environments and caring practitioners help children build secure relationships and settle at a pace that's right for them. We take the time to understand each child's personality, routines, interests and individual needs so they can feel safe and confident enough to explore. Clear, gentle boundaries give children security while still allowing them the freedom to make choices and develop their independence.
Above all, we recognise that every child is different. Children learn, play and communicate in different ways, and our inclusive approach means we work with the child in front of us rather than expecting them to fit into a one-size-fits-all routine.
Growing happy, confident and independent children
Being ready for the next stage of childhood is about much more than knowing letters and numbers. At our Brentwood pre-schools, children are encouraged to make choices, solve problems, communicate what they need and increasingly do things for themselves.
Through everyday play, stories, conversations and experiences, they naturally develop their communication, language and early literacy skills. Just as importantly, they learn how to share a space with others, negotiate, take turns, form friendships and become part of a community.
Our practitioners are there to encourage children when they need it, step in when support is helpful — and know when to step back and let them discover that wonderful feeling of “I did it myself.”