Nysgerrig Kindergarten and Forest School
Nysgerrig Kindergarten and Forest School opened on Monday 4th September. We are open from Monday to Friday from 0900 until 1515 during normal school term times.
Our staff have travelled far and wide, from Svalbard to Borneo, to study education systems in state schools, international schools, kindergarten, Barnehagen. We have attended Reggio Emilia training in Italy and shadowed kindergarten staff in Montessori, Steiner and forest schools all over Scandinavia. We have magpied what we think are “the best bits,” the principles and practice which enable our children to be 21st century learners and thinkers, the bits which will prepare our children for future employment in jobs which have not been created yet, the bits which enable them to acquire transferable skills for lifelong learning. We pieced all of the bits together and created our unique approach to teaching and learning; the Nysgerrig Approach. The name “Nysgerrig” means curiosity in Danish.
The Nysgerrig Approach to teaching and learning in the Early Years
The Nysgerrig Approach is our unique approach to teaching and learning; it consists of aspects of a variety of recognised approaches such as Montessori, Steiner, Forest School, Reggio Emilia, Inquiry based learning and Hygge. Music and drama is also a high priority in our approach. This approach to teaching and learning is followed through into our primary schools; Germoe School, Praa Sands and Boskenwyn School, Gweek who were recently judged “Outstanding” for personal development by Ofsted in our recent (November 2022) inspection.
The Nysgerrig approach is made up of the following:
Montessori inspired- our children explore, discover and collaborate with peers and take ownership of their own learning
Reggio Emilia Inspired – our children express themselves in over a hundred languages and use all of their senses through a variety of media (paint, technology, natural materials, drama, dance, music and more)
Steiner inspired – our children learn through experience and practical hands-on activities and self-initiated exploration
Forest School –our children learn from nature and enter into an element of risky play; they build dens, climb trees and learn how to take risks safely using their own judgements with the aid of their experienced practitioners
Beach School – our children learn about environmental issues and sustainability for future generations through games and exploration on our local beach, Praa Sands
Hygge – our indoor and outdoor setting allows for a home-from-home feeling for our children and in turn, it helps to create a sense of security and well-being that enables them to feel calm and relaxed, and to explore and investigate with confidence.
Inquiry based learning – our children develop lifelong, transferable skills such as decision making, critical thinking, reasoning, resilience etc through self and guided inquiry. These skills equip them for lifelong learning and future employment.
Music is a universal language and is therefore an important component of our Nysgerrig approach. Our on-site musician is dedicated to promoting motivation, inspiration and enjoyment of music and our drama specialist is keen to develop children’s oracy and instill their confidence through mini performances in our outdoor theatre.
As experienced practitioners and lifelong learners ourselves, we have recognised the importance of using a variety of learning approaches to meet differing learning styles of our individuals. Our own, unique approach, the Nysgerrig Approach, covers all aspects and has proven to meet the needs of all young learners.
Opening times and charges
Whole day sessions are from 0900 to 1515. Half day sessions are from either 0900 to 1200 or 1215 to 1515. Sessions need to be booked in advance to ensure space. Government funding can be used or part used. Each half day session will cost the equivalent of £15 (for 3 hours).
Please bring a packed lunch for your child if they are staying for the whole day and a snack for the morning. Fruit will be provided for their afternoon snack.
As we are based mainly outdoors, please ensure your child has clothes for all weathers. Waterproofs and wellies should be left at Kindergarten for all occasions, suncream should also be left in their bags. A change of clothes is also a good idea to have in the bag daily.
If you have any questions or would like to arrange a visit outside of the open day then please do not hesitate to call us on 01736 763310.
Paula Blackburn, Headteacher
Address: Germoe School, Germoe Lane, Germoe, Cornwall TR20 9QY. Tel: 01736 763310
