At the edge of the forest, surrounded by nature, lies a purpose built Kindergarden designed for an international clientele who want something more for their children.

Due to the beautiful setting, the Kindergarden has adopted some aspects of the Forest Schools concept which originated in Sweden and became established in the UK in the 1950s. Using a woodland setting and the resources that nature freely provides, children are allowed to explore and experiment. They are given time to pause and wonder. Research shows that this kind of education inspires children to become enquiring learners and helps them grow in confidence. Nature then acts as a backdrop as the learning continues in the vibrant classrooms where a challenging curriculum promotes all aspects of the child’s development: social, emotional, physical as well as academic.

The school takes children from Rising 2 to 6 years old and English is the only language spoken throughout the school. The curriculum is based on the UK curriculum but adapted for an international clientele with an approach where children learn by doing.

This interactive, hands on, approach ensures that children do not need to know any English when they start. The wide range of practical and creative activities, based on planned learning objectives, ensures that children can access learning from the minute they walk through the door. These learning objectives are shared with parents on a weekly basis so that concepts learned at school can also be reinforced in the home language/s.

The adult/child ratio of 1:5 for the very young children and 1:7 for the older children means that children get individual attention and personal support in their learning journey.
The Kindergarden is the International branch of the Ioanid group of schools and the headteacher, Ela Robinson has been an advocate for Early Years Education for many years. Consequently, training is an important element of the school. Continuous professional development for staff and raising awareness with parents is a strong feature.

Understanding that a Kindergarden is often a parent’s first experience of taking their child to school, Ioanid offers support and information for parents in a variety of formats: from offering the box of tisssues (the first time they leave their child), to informative displays on the ‘Terrible 2s’ to powerpoint presentations on Child Development, and more.

The facebook page (Ioanid Preschool International Education) gives an insight into the magic world of childhood at Stejarii with the photographs reflecting the joy that children share at their school in the forest.

For more information on www.internationalkindergarden.ro or contact the headteacher at head@internationalkindergarden.ro

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