Beechtree Steiner Initiative
| Published: 14th October 2007 20:11 |
Who are we?
Since 1999, a group of parents and teachers have worked together to develop Steiner Waldorf education in Leeds. We started as a Parent & Child group and then became a playgroup, which was based in Headingley. In September 2001 we started a Kindergarten and Parent & Toddler group at Stainbeck Community Hall. We now run the Kindergarten 5 mornings a week and 3 Parent & Child groups. Our future aim is to find suitable premises to house all groups permanently. We are a small group, but feel committed to creating an unpressured, unhurried learning environment for our children. Our long-term aim is to maintain the Early Years provision, as well as found a school for 7-14 year olds.
About the Kindergarten
Children are admitted at 3 or "rising 3" (e.g. the term they turn 3) and may stay in the Kindergarten until Class 1 entrance (6½ -7) or until primary school age.
In our Kindergarten the children grow in a secure caring homely environment, surrounded by quality natural toys and materials which allows the children to develop physical and social skills and creative impulses, together with imagination and fantasy which all help to form a foundation for a healthy adult life.
We are fully registered with Ofsted and are registered as a Steiner Kindergarten with the Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship.
The Kindergarten is run by Francesca Meynell, who qualified in Steiner Early Years Education through the University of Plymouth. Cristina Martinez Conde-Gomez is the second Kindergarten Teacher who completed her teacher training in Spain and has also qualified in Steiner Early Years Education through the University of Plymouth. Cristina is on maternity leave this year, so her post is filled by 2 teaching-assistants, Samantha and Ester. We also have an Afternoon-Care Assistant, Suna and a Learning Support Assistant, Peter. This year we are hosting a volunteer placement from Germany - in previous years we have had successful volunteer placements from Germany, Spain and Leeds.
About the Parent & Child Groups
The Parent & Child groups meet weekly at Stainbeck Community Hall LS7 in term-times. Children aged between 0-3 are welcome with their parents or carers. We follow a structure similar to a Kindergarten session, enabling the children to become familiar with the rhythm of the morning and to feel secure within it. We begin with a craft or baking activity and allow the children time to play, explore and be with each other. We then tidy up, eat snack together, sing songs and finish by listening to a story. It is a chance for parents and children to meet in a gentle, welcoming atmosphere. We ask each family to bring a piece of fruit to share.
For further information about the application and registration process, please email beechtreeparentandtoddler@yahoo.co.uk. You will then be sent details of the groups and a Registration form. Once we have received your Registration form, you will be added to the waiting list and offered a time to visit a session. If you enjoy the session and wish to have a place on the Register, you will be contacted when a place becomes available. Once on the Register, we will ask for the full termly fees at the start of each term (£4.00 per session).
For further information about the Steiner Initiaitve call 0113 226 5689 or email at enquiries@leeds-steiner.org.uk or you can visit their website at www.leeds-steiner.org.uk
