👣 Programs at Earthside
At Earthside Early School, we offer nurturing, play-based programs for children from birth to five years. Each stage is thoughtfully designed to honour the rhythm of early childhood, with a strong focus on nature, connection, and care that feels like home.
👶 Little Beginnings (0–2 years)
Gentle beginnings with loving, responsive care.
Our infant environment is calm, peaceful, and designed to help your baby feel secure and deeply known. Educators build strong attachments through consistent routines, one-on-one care, and sensory-rich experiences that support development at each child’s natural pace.
🐛 Curious Explorers (2–3 years)
Busy little explorers discovering the world around them.
As toddlers grow in independence and confidence, our educators provide warm guidance through new friendships, big emotions, and everyday discoveries. Open-ended play, movement, language, and hands-on exploration are at the heart of this stage.
🦋 Pathfinders (3–5 years)
Confident learners, curious about themselves and the world.
Children in this stage are encouraged to investigate their interests, collaborate with friends, and express their ideas through creative projects and meaningful play. Educators support social-emotional growth while gently building the foundations for a confident transition to school.
👣 Growing Together
At Earthside, relationships extend beyond the room walls.
Just like at home, we believe there is something special about siblings sharing moments of their day together. Where possible, we create opportunities for brothers and sisters to connect - whether through shared play, visits between rooms, or sitting together during parts of the day.
We also value the simple joy of gathering for meals, where children come together to slow down, connect, and enjoy food as a community.
✨ Our Program Includes
Our programs are designed to nurture curiosity, creativity, and independence in a safe and welcoming environment. Each experience is carefully crafted to support your child’s growth across all areas of learning while reflecting the natural, home-away-from-home philosophy at Earthside Early School.
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Children explore their creativity through hands-on art projects, music, dance, and movement activities. These experiences help develop fine and gross motor skills, self-expression, and confidence while encouraging collaboration and imagination.
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We embed early literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills into everyday play and routines. Children develop problem-solving, independence, and communication skills naturally, preparing them for a smooth transition to school.
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Our nature-based program invites children to connect with the outdoors, fostering curiosity, resilience, and environmental awareness. Through guided adventures and play in natural settings, children learn about plants, wildlife, and the world around them in a safe, hands-on way.
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Children join small groups to explore local parks, libraries, and community spaces. These excursions promote independence, social skills, and a sense of belonging while exposing children to new experiences beyond the classroom.
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Our language program supports communication, literacy, and cultural awareness. Children engage in storytelling, songs, rhymes, and interactive experiences that build vocabulary, listening skills, and confidence in expressing themselves.
🕊 A Day at Earthside
Our daily rhythm balances structure and flexibility to nurture wellbeing and security:
8:00 – Arrival & Welcome
9:00 – Morning Tea & Outdoor Exploration
10:30 – Group Time & Learning Experiences
12:00 – Lunch & Rest
2:00 – Afternoon Play & Farewells
Each day is flexible and responsive to the needs of the children in our care.
🌟 Our Approach to Transitions
Transitions are an important part of a child’s day. From a warm morning welcome to calm rest periods, we ensure each child feels supported and secure. Consistent routines, attentive educators, and gentle guidance help children move smoothly between activities while building independence and confidence.
🍽️ Meals & Nutrition
We provide wholesome, organic meals prepared fresh on-site. Mealtimes are relaxed and social, encouraging children to develop self-help skills, try new foods, and enjoy the company of friends.
Typical offerings might include:
Seasonal fruit and vegetables
Warm, home-style lunches
Allergy-aware alternatives
🧠 Learning Through Play
At Earthside Early School, we believe children learn best through play. Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework and inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, our curriculum nurtures curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving in everyday moments.
Children are encouraged to explore, experiment, and express themselves, with educators supporting their ideas, questions, and discoveries. Our carefully designed environments act as the “third teacher,” offering open-ended materials, natural spaces, and opportunities for meaningful interactions.
💬 Family Communication
Partnership with families is at the heart of everything we do. We keep parents connected through daily updates, shared reflections, and open communication with our educators.
Throughout the year, we offer Family Partnership Meetings for each age group. These dedicated meetings provide an opportunity for families and educators to come together, reflect on a child’s development, celebrate milestones, and discuss goals for future learning.
Whether it’s a quick conversation at drop-off or a scheduled meeting, we value building strong relationships with families and working together to support every child’s learning journey.
🌞 Outdoor Time
At Earthside Early School, the outdoors is an extension of our classroom. Children spend large portions of the day outside, engaging in active play, creative exploration, and nature-based learning that builds confidence, resilience, and physical skills.
Our outdoor spaces encourage climbing, digging, building, running, and imaginative play. We also incorporate Wild Wonders and small-group Discovery Days, giving children opportunities to explore nearby parks, walking tracks, and local community spaces.