27 June 2025

At Scallywags, we know that something truly magical happens between the ages of three and four. It’s a time when children begin to stretch into their independence, discover their voice, and navigate the complex world of friendships, feelings, and exploration. These years are bursting with potential—and our team understands just how crucial this period is for setting children up not just for school, but for life.

That’s why our practice with 3+ children is intentional, responsive, and deeply rooted in holistic early childhood theory.

🧡𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗰𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

Our approach is grounded in the pioneering work of the McMillan sisters, who recognised over a century ago what modern research continues to affirm: children learn best when they are loved, nurtured, and free to explore the world with all their senses.

You’ll see this every day at Scallywags—whether it’s a child stirring soup in the mud kitchen, climbing a tree with quiet determination, or simply sitting close to their Key Worker, processing big emotions in a calm voice and safe arms. These moments matter. They’re not just play—they’re purposeful, powerful learning experiences.

Our environments are thoughtfully prepared with open-ended materials, natural resources, and space to wonder. Our language is warm and respectful. And our days are full of outdoor adventures, meaningful conversations, and chances for children to lead their learning.

🌲𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀

Our Forest School ethos is more than just getting outside—it’s a way of being. Whether it’s raining, shining, or somewhere in between, our preschoolers head outdoors every day, because we know nature supports every area of development.

Children are encouraged to take appropriate risks, ask their own questions, and connect with the changing world around them. They learn resilience when a log is slippery, cooperation when they build dens together, and mindfulness when they stop to watch a beetle crawl across the forest floor.

And yes, sometimes they get muddy. Sometimes they get frustrated. But they also gain confidence, independence, and joy—skills they will carry with them far beyond our preschool walls.

👩‍👧‍👦𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝘁 𝗔𝗹𝗹: 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀

Every child at Scallywags is known deeply by someone. That’s the power of our Key Worker system. These nurturing, observant, and highly skilled practitioners are the anchors in a child’s day. They are the people who notice the small shifts in mood, the subtle progress in play, and the moments when a child is ready to take a brave step forward.

Key Workers build trusting relationships not just with children, but with families too. From supporting toileting routines to easing anxieties about school transitions, they walk alongside you as partners in your child’s learning journey.

🎒𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 “𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆” 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹

When we talk about school readiness, we’re not just thinking about whether a child can count to ten or recognise letters. We’re thinking about:

• • Can they ask for help?

• • Do they feel confident saying goodbye in the morning?

• • Can they navigate a disagreement with a friend?

• • Are they curious? Capable? Comfortable in their skin?

At Scallywags, school readiness is holistic. We focus on emotional regulation, independence, communication, social confidence, and the spark of curiosity that makes children want to learn. Our curriculum weaves these skills into every day—through songs, stories, conversations, problem-solving, and play.

🏡𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿: 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿

We don’t just welcome parents—we need you. You are your child’s first teacher, and your insight is vital. That’s why we offer daily handovers, share regular observations, and provide suggestions for home that mirror our values—like nature walks, independence routines, and lots of reading and talking.

When families and practitioners work together, children flourish. We are proud of the community we’ve built at Scallywags—one where children are seen, heard, and celebrated.

Thank you to our incredible staff team who bring this vision to life each day. Your patience, creativity, and care are the foundation of everything we do. And thank you to our families, for trusting us with this precious stage of your child’s life.

Together, we’re not just preparing children for school—we’re preparing them for life.

Working with 3 years + blog written by Demi Eastment