Our Approach

At Tiddlypeeps, our approach is nature-led, child-centred and relationship-driven. We believe children are capable, curious individuals who learn best through play, movement, exploration and meaningful connection — with themselves, with others, and with the natural world.

By spending regular time in the same natural environment, children develop familiarity, confidence and strong relationships. Children spend meaningful time with us across the week and over the year, allowing them to build strong relationships, feel secure in their surroundings, and develop a deep sense of belonging. Learning is never rushed or forced; instead, it unfolds naturally through children’s interests, questions and lived experiences.

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Nature as the Classroom

We spend the majority of our time outdoors in all seasons, using nature not as a backdrop but as an active part of the learning process. The changing weather, textures, sounds and rhythms of the natural world provide rich opportunities for physical development, problem-solving, emotional regulation and resilience.

Children are given time and space — to observe, experiment, move their bodies, take risks, and develop confidence at their own pace.

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Child-Led Play and Exploration

Our practice is rooted in the belief that play is the most powerful way children learn. Children are free to:

• follow their interests and ideas

• explore through unstructured, open-ended play

• create, imagine, test and adapt

• investigate their surroundings with curiosity and wonder

Adults act as attentive guides, not directors — supporting learning through thoughtful observation, sensitive questioning and gentle scaffolding rather than instruction.

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Supported Risk and Confidence Building

We believe risk is an essential part of healthy development. Within a safe and thoughtfully managed environment, children are encouraged to:

• climb, balance, build and explore

• assess challenges for themselves

• develop physical confidence and self-trust

By allowing children to experience manageable risk, they learn resilience, problem-solving, self-awareness and respect for their own capabilities.

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Learning Through Relationships

Strong, trusting relationships sit at the heart of everything we do. Children learn best when they feel emotionally secure, respected and understood.

We foster:

• warm, responsive relationships between children and adults

• positive peer interactions and collaboration

• a strong sense of community and belonging

Families are viewed as partners in children’s learning, and we value

open communication, shared experiences and mutual respect.

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Natural Materials and Meaningful Resources

We intentionally choose natural, open-ended materials such as

wood, stone, fabric, clay and loose parts. These resources invite

imagination, creativity and deep engagement, offering far richer

learning opportunities than fixed, plastic toys.

Natural materials support sensory exploration, emotional regulation

and problem-solving, allowing children to play in ways that are calm,

purposeful and deeply satisfying.

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Inspired by Thoughtful Pedagogy

Our approach is inspired by:

• Forest School principles – long-term outdoor learning, learner-led experiences, supported risk-taking and connection to nature

• Reggio Emilia – a strong image of the child as capable, curious and creative, learning through exploration and relationships

• Te Whāriki (New Zealand) – a holistic framework that values empowerment, wellbeing, belonging, contribution, communication and exploration

These influences guide our practice, helping us create a learning environment that honours the whole child and respects each family’s unique journey.

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