Early Childhood
The willing phase
The first seven years in a child’s life are vital for laying the foundations for their future physical, intellectual, social and emotional development.
In our kindergartens at Tarremah, we recognise the primary way of learning in the early years is through movement, doing and most importantly, through imitation. Children enjoy a warm, safe, beautiful, and nurturing environment, where the sanctity of childhood is honoured. Care of the developing senses is fundamental to all we do in the early years.
Play is the important work of early childhood. It is through play the young child comes to know themselves in relation to the world and others. The children begin each day with self-initiated play. Other activities include painting, modelling, drawing, cooking, simple craft, gardening and outside play, polishing and cleaning, bush walks, Eurythmy, Morning Circle and a told story.
The domestic arts also fill the day with purposeful activity. The children have the opportunity to observe their teachers engaging in creative, social and domestic tasks. Children are always most welcome to participate in these tasks. The teachers strive to be purposely active and worthy of imitation in all they do.
Children are held and supported by the daily & weekly rhythms of the kindergarten. Their connection to the natural world is enhanced through the celebration of the yearly cycle of the seasons and Festival, which provide the inspiration for many of the activities of the kindergarten. Honouring such rhythms speaks to the child’s innate sense of wonder and oneness with the world.
Stories, verse, poetry, song and conversations around the meal table weave a rich oral tapestry throughout the day. In the same sense as the seeds of number, weight, measurement, and natural observation are sown through authentic activities throughout the day.
Life in the kindergarten is unhurried, and children are given the time to develop in a healthy way.
At Tarremah we have three kindergartens.
Silvereye
Silvereye is our little kinder for children three to four year olds who attend one or two days per week.
Sessions are held Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Pipit and Fantail
Pipit and Fantail are mixed age kindergartens for four to six year olds. Children turning six ( Prep children) attend five days per week and children turning five ( Kinder children) attend a minimum of two days per week.
To enrol in kindergarten, complete a School Enrolment Form here.
Tarremah Steiner School acknowledges the importance of the foundational years of early childhood by offering Playgroups for parents with children from birth up to 5 years. Each Playgroup is held once a week with children accompanied by a parent or caregiver. We currently offer two distinct Playgroups: Fairy Wren – held inside our lovely Silvereye Cottage; and Blossoms in the Orchard – based in our beautiful orchard, (except during Winter, when we move inside). Blossoms in the Orchard offer a mixed age session, whilst Fairy Wren offers three sessions determined by age group.
Our playgroups offer a respectful and nurturing environment where each family is valued. Steiner philosophy we understand that the young child responds well to rhythm, and so the activities in playgroup flow from one to the next in a gentle, consistent rhythm. Through songs and stories, we acknowledge the unfolding seasons of the year. We encourage age appropriate, imaginative play opportunities for children by providing open-ended natural play resources in an unhurried setting. The Playgroup Leader guides each group, working collaboratively with parents to ensure an inclusive and nurturing experience for all who attend.
Fairy Wren Playgroup
Baby and Toddler sessions
Thursday 9 am – 11:30 am (2 – 3 years)
Fridays 9 am – 11:30 am (birth – 2 years)
Toddler groups are for parents with children from birth to two years. They offer a calm, nurturing environment where parents can meet and share their experiences. Parents and babies are held in a space of warmth, respect, and acceptance.
Playgroup session
Fridays 12.40 pm – 2.40 pm (3 – 4 year)
Playgroups bring a welcoming, play-based program to parents and children. They cover a child’s journey from birth to school readiness. Join us for a relaxed, joyful time to connect with your child and with each other.
Blossoms in the Orchard
Birth to 5 years
Tuesdays 9:00am – 11:30am
Blossoms offers the opportunity for families with one or more children to attend one session together, with continuity from birth to 5 years. Our Orchard is a wonderful place to explore the seasons. You will join a morning rhythm of shared songs, stories, imaginative play and friendship. When King Winter is working hard, we move to the hall foyer to escape the cold (approximately June-August inclusive).
To Apply for one of our Playgroup sessions please click here.
