Pedagogy & Practice
We embrace a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach,
Learning Across Time
The Heart Behind How We Teach Our Pedagogy and Practice
We embrace a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, where children are viewed as strong, capable, and active participants in their own learning. Our environments act as the ‘third teacher,’ sparking curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
At Start Smart Early Education Group, our approach to teaching and learning is intentional, child-led, inspired, and deeply reflective of the diverse ways children learn and grow. Our pedagogy is shaped by a blend of respected early childhood theories and frameworks, including the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), the Reggio Emilia approach, and contemporary research in child development.
At the heart of everything we do is our unwavering commitment to quality care and education. We believe that high-quality early learning begins with strong, nurturing relationships and environments where children feel safe, seen, and valued. This foundation of care supports every aspect of a child’s development and enriches their learning experiences.
We see children as capable, curious learners and create environments that encourage exploration, discovery, and collaboration through play. Our play-based curriculum is the foundation of meaningful learning, promoting creativity, critical thinking, and social-emotional growth from the earliest years.
School readiness is woven into our daily practice, ensuring children develop the skills, confidence, and independence needed for a successful transition to school. Our educators thoughtfully incorporate literacy, numeracy, self-regulation, and social development in ways that are engaging and age-appropriate.
To further enrich each child’s journey, we offer a wide range of learning experiences, including STEAM programs, extra-curricular activities, and nature-based exploration, ensuring every child is empowered to reach their full potential in a supportive, vibrant learning community.
A Journey of Learning
Our Story, Our Learning Journey Through the Ages
Nurturing Beginnings
6 Weeks to 1.5 Years
In our infant rooms, learning starts with connection. We nurture secure attachments by responding to each baby’s unique cues and rhythms. Through sensory exploration, gentle interactions, and a calm, caring environment, we support early development in communication, movement, and emotional wellbeing. Every moment is guided by the child, fostering trust and curiosity from the very beginning.
Curious Explorers
1.5 Years to 3 Years
Toddlers are naturally eager to explore, create, and assert their independence. During this stage, we follow each child’s lead, providing open-ended play, thoughtful provocations, and real-world experiences that develop critical thinking, language, and social confidence. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, our educators observe attentively, scaffold learning, and support toddlers as they discover their world through hands-on experiences.
Confident Learners
3 Years to School Going Age
For our kindergarten-aged children, learning becomes collaborative, creative, and meaningful. Children engage deeply in inquiry-based projects, STEAM activities, and expressive arts, all rooted in their interests. Our strong focus on school readiness is seamlessly integrated into play and exploration, empowering children to develop the skills, resilience, and confidence needed for a smooth transition to formal schooling.
The Start Smart Learning Lens
Exploring, Creating, Becoming Together
Inspired by Reggio Emilia
At Start Smart Early Education Group, we are deeply inspired by the principles of the Reggio Emilia approach, a philosophy that views children as capable, curious, and full of potential. We see each child as an active participant in their own learning journey, rich with ideas, creativity, and insight. Our environments are carefully designed to act as the “third teacher,” encouraging exploration, collaboration, and critical thinking. By following children’s interests, posing thoughtful questions, and documenting learning experiences, our educators create meaningful learning opportunities that foster independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of discovery.
Serious Learning, Joyfully Delivered
Play-Based Learning
Play is the foundation of all meaningful learning. Through intentional, purposeful play experiences, children develop critical cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills essential for life. At Start Smart, our play-based curriculum encourages exploration, imagination, problem-solving, and resilience. We believe that when children are given the time, space, and support to play, they naturally engage in deep learning, building skills and understandings that extend far beyond the early years. Our educators skillfully extend children’s play, providing rich opportunities for investigation, collaboration, and communication, ensuring that every child experiences challenge, success, and joy in learning.
Curiosity
Engineered Daily
STEAM Learning
We believe young children are natural scientists and innovators. Our educators create engaging opportunities for experimentation, questioning, and discovery, laying the foundations for future learning in a fun and meaningful way. Through STEAM, children gain not only academic skills but also confidence, perseverance, and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
Collective Belonging
Connecting With Community
At our group of Start Smart Early Education Centres, our community engagement programs go beyond the classroom to help develop the whole child. Through local partnerships, cultural celebrations, and real-world experiences, children build confidence, empathy, and a strong sense of belonging.
These connections support emotional wellbeing, social development, and identity, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and community-minded living.
Health & Wellbeing
Nutrtion
Healthy bodies fuel healthy minds. Our nutrition program promotes balanced meals, whole foods, and positive eating habits from the very start. We support children in exploring a variety of tastes and textures, building lifelong habits that support physical development, concentration, and overall wellbeing.
Mindfullness
Mindfulness is woven into our daily routines to help children feel centred, calm, and in control. Through breathing exercises, quiet reflection, and intentional transitions, we teach children to recognise their emotions and respond with kindness. This supports emotional wellbeing, self-awareness, and focus skills they’ll carry with them for life.
Resillience
We believe resilience is a key life skill. Through safe challenges, guided problem-solving, and supportive relationships, children learn to bounce back, try again, and grow through every experience. We nurture confidence, perseverance, and emotional strength, helping every child become brave, adaptable, and ready for the future.
Prepared to Learn, Empowered to Thrive
School Readiness
Preparing children for school and for life is at the heart of our approach. Our comprehensive school readiness programs build the essential foundations for a smooth, confident transition into formal schooling.
Through targeted focus on language and literacy, numeracy concepts, self-help skills, emotional regulation, independence, and social confidence, we ensure every child leaves our centres equipped with the tools they need to thrive in the next stage of their educational journey. At Start Smart, school readiness is more than academic preparation; it is about developing confident, capable, and resilient learners who approach new experiences with curiosity, courage, and a strong sense of self.
