Our Philosophy

Rain Trees follows an international topic based curriculum that focuses on the development of the whole child using a multi-sensory approach. Our children learn through hands on, exploration and play. Our highly qualified teachers ensure that all our children reach developmental milestones through a fun and interactive approach to learning. Group and individual activities are blended to provide a balance of skills and experience for your child.

Our approach is to foster a love of learning, problem solving, experimentation and inquisitiveness to provide a solid foundation for your child’s future. The emphasis is on learning through play in an environment planned to stimulate discovery, independence and social interaction. Children are encouraged to help themselves, take initiative and become increasingly independent in order to develop self-esteem and social competence. It is important that children develop a sense of trust and are comfortable in their environment.

The learning and development of the children is not just confined to the internal setting of the kindergarten but is extended to the large and safe outdoor play area. We view the external environment as another classroom. This allows the children to explore their surroundings and exercise their imagination.

The curriculum used at the school is based on the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and has seven learning areas:

  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development
  • Communication
  • Language and Literacy
  • Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
  • Knowledge and Understanding of the World
  • Physical Development
  • Creative Development

Testimonials

Rain Trees is a fantastic kindergarten with dedicated teachers and a great philosophy on learning through hands on experience. The teachers and staff have created a great environment for education and our son was always excited to be at school. We would recommend Rain Trees to anyone looking for a warm, welcoming kindergarten that is focused on learning whilst having fun.

My daughter joined Rain Trees in January and shows tremendous enthusiasm when telling me about her day at school. More importantly, my daughter feels happy going to school and she feels comfortable with the teachers and teaching assistants and that to me is a testament to the school.

Rain Trees has been wonderful. Penelope loves Rain Trees and her teachers, and points out her school with delight when we drive past. She settled very quickly which is a clear sign to me, as a parent who can’t be in school to see for myself, that she is happy there. I love that fact that she gets to do water play and use the garden play area each day. Whenever she brings home her art work she is very proud if her achievements and enjoys sharing them with us. Our helper drops Penelope off and picks up each day and she is made to feel as welcome as any parent.

Rain Trees has provided a wonderful introduction to school for our son. Rain Trees provides a caring and fun environment for our child and it is now his home from home. It has been lovely to see his enthusiasm grow over the term and hear all about his day when he gets home.

I would definitely recommend you (and do) as I think you create a very nurturing environment for children to flourish.

In his own words, “My school is amazing”.

A great education is the best gift parents can give a child. We feel that the 3 years Eleonore has spent at Rain Trees has equipped her with great skills and she is ready to become a confident and blooming child in primary school.

 

Rain Trees Kindergarten is the best nest for little ones age 2-6 years old. School might not be huge, but they have the best teachers and staffs to take care of your child(ren). Two thumbs up!!!!

Rain Trees is a very small, friendly, caring, local kindergarten. The children are engaged and stimulated and produce a lot of very creative things as our walls and shelves can attest to. I couldn’t recommend it more highly.

A summary of the feedback is contained in this short report

 
2013 Parents Survey Summary

Family Focused

At Rain Trees we value the close involvement of parents in school life. We work hard to develop strong relationships with our families and believe communication between home and school is the key to achieving this.

Parents are welcome to gather in class before the bell rings each morning. This offers an informal opportunity to chat with teachers and get to know not only other parents, but also your child’s peers. Throughout the course of the year, usually at the end of terms one and three, we hold parent–teacher conferences for more formal updates on each child’s progress and general well-being. An extensive written report will be sent home at the end of the year.
 
There are many well-documented advantages to parents playing an active role in the educational process of their children. So, if parents are able and have the time, we strongly urge them to get involved in any way they can; reading to the children, organising a craft activity, accompany a class trip, baking for a charity cake sale, or making costumes for a play or concert. There is always plenty going on, so keep an eye on class notice boards for updates. This should be fun and beneficial not only for the pupils, but also their parents!

School Life - A typical day for our butterflies

9.00 – 9.10Arrival of ChildrenFree play at various stations e.g. sand tray, water tray, playdough table, painting, large/small scale
construction toys and imaginative play in the home/shop corner.
9.10 – 9.20Circle time, welcome children and discuss activities of the day 
9.20 – 10.20The children work in small groups at adult directed activitiesDirected activities will vary according to current Themes but will include maths,
pre-reading/writing, science, art and craft and/or cooking.
10.20 – 10.30Tidy up timeChildren are encouraged to help with the general tidying away of toys and materials.
10.30 – 10.45Toilet and Snack. Children use the toilet and wash their hands.Two children a day will take it in turns to set the tables and serve the snack which offers opportunities for language development, maths, social interaction etc. Sometimes the children will eat a snack they have prepared earlier.
10.45 – 11.15Mandarin/ Activity CirclesWhilst the children are engaging in activities our mandarin teacher will in the classroom for 30 minutes exposing the children to Mandarin “in situ” in a fun and engaging manner
11.15 – 11.30Outside PlayThe children may choose from climbing frames, sand pit, ride-on toys, balls, hoops, stilts etc.
11.30 – 11.45Library TimeChildren choose a book to take home.
11.45 – 12.00Story / DramaStory and good-bye song.