The Maples Day Nursery is accredited by the Curiosity Approach

It’s official! The Maples Day Nursery at the University of Birmingham has been awarded Curiosity Approach accreditation.

What does that mean?

The Maples has always followed the values of the Curiosity Approach.

To be accredited, however, means providing a 12-month portfolio of evidence to show how the nursery embodies those values.

What is the Curiosity Approach?

It’s an approach to early years childcare and learning that places the child’s own interests and natural curiosity at the centre of every day.

Instead of pre-planned, prescribed activities, practitioners plan ‘in the moment’, responding to the child.

The approach draws on a range progressive pedagogical theories, and developed from two practitioners’ own experiences in childcare.

Read more about the Curiosity Approach in this interview with the founders, Lyndsey and Stephanie.

A team effort

Nursery Manager Heather Bench is thrilled by the accreditation news.

‘I’m so proud of the whole team, our families, and the special place we’ve created together. When we opened the doors, I had a very clear idea of how the Maples should be, but it’s like buying a new house: it takes living in it to turn it into a home.

‘We’ve kept a lot of the early ideas: that ‘hygge’ feel of cosy comfort, and the Reggio-style environment with calm natural resources and lots of plants.

‘But we’ve learned from our families, and what they need. That means we’ve incorporated more of New Zealand’s Te Whariki curriculum. It’s focused on whole-family inclusion, welcome, cultural sharing and listening.’

Three nurseries

Looking for childcare? The Maples is one of three nurseries at the University of Birmingham, which are open to all: staff, students and members of the local community.

The Elms Day Nursery is also on the University’s Edgbaston campus. Set in a beautiful Grade II-listed building, it’s surrounded by extensive gardens with a Forest School.

The Oaks Day Nursery is in Selly Oak. This purpose-built nursery offers free-flow access to the outdoors from all playrooms, Forest School and a separate pre-school to help children get used to transitioning.

Places are available now, and there’s plenty of support available to find out about what funding is available to you. To enquire about availability, just click the button below or give us a call – scroll down to see the phone numbers for all three nurseries.

Enquire now