The benefits of a home away from home environment in early years education (written by our very own Head of Early Years, and Nursery teacher, Hannah Langdon)
In the formative years of a child’s life, finding the right early years setting is crucial. A nurturing environment that feels like a home away from home can play a significant role in a child’s development, laying the foundation for lifelong learning, social skills, and emotional well-being. An early-years setting that prioritises a warm, inclusive, and child-centred approach can make all the difference in how a child perceives learning and interacts with the world around them.
At Unicorn School, where children start in our nursery in the September after their 3rd birthday, we believe that the best learning happens when children feel safe, valued, and understood. Since our founding in 1970, we’ve embraced a philosophy that places each child’s unique needs and personality at the heart of our approach. Our nursery provides a space where children are free to explore, express themselves, and grow at their own pace. From the moment a child joins, they are welcomed into a close-knit community that supports their journey, not just academically but emotionally and socially as well.
One of the key benefits of a home-like early years setting is the sense of security it provides. Children thrive when they feel secure, and at Unicorn, we take pride in creating an environment where children are encouraged to be themselves. Whether it’s accommodating a child’s unique interests, such as dressing up as a cat every day, or supporting bilingual children as they navigate a new language, our experienced staff are dedicated to meeting each child’s individual needs. This personalised care helps children build confidence, which is essential as they begin to navigate the wider world.
Moreover, a home-like environment fosters strong relationships between children, staff, and parents. At Unicorn, we view parents as partners in their child’s education, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure that we are working with both the child and the family. This partnership is integral to creating a consistent, supportive atmosphere where children can thrive.
The benefits of this approach extend beyond emotional well-being. In a setting where children feel at home, they are more likely to engage with learning activities that are seamlessly integrated into their daily routine. At Unicorn’s nursery, we incorporate early literacy and maths into play, allowing children to develop foundational skills in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. As children grow, we gradually introduce more structure, but always with the understanding that each child is unique and will progress at their own pace.
A home away from home also provides a safe space for children to develop social skills. In small, supportive groups, children learn to communicate, share, and collaborate with their peers. These early social interactions are vital for developing empathy, respect, and the ability to work as part of a team – skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. And best of all, because our children are happy, their academic potential can be fully realised.
As children move through our nursery up to Year 6, they continue to benefit from the strong foundation laid in those early years. The sense of belonging and the joy of learning they experience at Unicorn stay with them as they progress through their education, helping them to become confident, kind, and curious individuals, enthusiastic to try new things.
We take great pride in our long-standing ethos, which has been recognized by educational experts and inspectors alike. The Good Schools Guide, in its review of our school, noted that “a sense of kindness is all-pervasive” and praised our ability to nurture “free-thinking, decent, and kind members of society.” These values are at the core of what we do, and they begin from the very first day a child joins our nursery.
Choosing the right early years setting is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. If you’re looking for a place where your child can feel at home while receiving the highest standard of care and education, we invite you to learn more about Unicorn School. Visit our website to explore our ethos and achievements or arrange a visit to experience first-hand the warm, welcoming environment that makes our nursery truly unique.
