Our journey so far
The Willow Tree Kindergarten was set up in 2010 by a group of Parents and Teachers to meet a growing demand in Bristol for Steiner Waldorf Early Years Education. We also set up a Parent and Child Group for children under 3 to attend with their parent/carer. We are registered as a member of Waldorf UK.
After setting the plans for a kindergarten in motion, the search for a venue led us to the Jack Brimble Centre in St. Werburghs. The hall has a wooden floor and white walls. The hall is quirky and not perfect, the environment that is created transcends the 4 walls that surround us.
The Kindergarten is equipped with toys made from natural materials, many of which have been made by staff and parents over the years. We also have a garden with space for the children to develop their gross motor skills. This outdoor space has evolved and has seen the addition of swings, climbing frame and mud kitchen, built by one of our parents. The children have developed areas of it themselves, in particular a large mud pit for digging in!
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After many successful years the kindergarten has grown and has a class of up to 18 children per day from the ages of 2½ to 4. Most children join as three year olds and some then leave when they have turned four to join other schools.
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We also provide a warm and supportive setting for parents and their children aged 0-3 years at weekly Parent & Child sessions (Mondays and Wednesdays.)
This is the perfect place to explore Waldorf Education from the roots up, within the safe space of a community of other families.
It is a place to enjoy play with your child, take part in creative activities, celebrate festivals, share song and story.
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