The Early Years
For children aged 2–6 — a gentle beginning to a lifelong journey of learning and discovery
We are now open for applications
Please go to our admissions page for more information and to apply Click HereThe Early Years at South Devon Steiner School (Ages 2–6)
The Early Years at South Devon Steiner School supports children through two carefully designed stages, offering a warm, engaging, and developmentally appropriate journey from ages 2 to 6.
Set within beautiful, extensive gardens, our Early Years environment provides space for children to explore, imagine, and grow in a natural and nurturing setting.
🌿 Rosebuds Kindergarten (Ages 2–4)
A gentle, play-based beginning to school life.
In Rosebuds Kindergarten, children are welcomed into a warm, home-like environment where they feel secure and cared for. Through play, imitation, and storytelling, children develop confidence, language, and social skills at their own pace.
Daily rhythms provide reassurance and structure, helping children settle, explore, and begin to understand the world around them.
- Skilled and experienced Waldorf teacher and assistant
- Play-based, imaginative learning
- Strong focus on social and emotional development
- Government-funded hours available
We welcome children from age 2 who will turn 3 during their first term (“rising 3s”).
🌳 Oak Class (Ages 4–6)
Building strong foundations that will underpin the “learning journey”.
Oak Class offers a purposeful and engaging environment where children expand their learning and develop the skills needed for the next step in their education.
Through practical work, creative activities, storytelling, and early literacy and numeracy experiences, children build independence, focus, and confidence.
- Purposeful, hands-on learning
- Early literacy and numeracy embedded in the daily Class rhythm and life
- Development of focus, resilience, and independence
- Preparation for Lower School
Children are well supported and prepared for the transition to Lower School, developing the confidence and readiness needed for the next stage.
A Typical Day
🌿Rosebuds Kindergarten (Ages 2–4)
The day runs from 8:30am to 1:00pm.
🌳Oak Class (Ages 4–6)
The day runs from 8:25am to 2:55pm.
- For Moon children (ages 4–5), an optional earlier collection time of 1:00pm is available.
- For Sun children (ages 5–6), there is the option of 12:55pm collection on selected afternoons.
- Oak Class children attend a minimum of two afternoons per week, with the option to attend more.
Each day is held through a strong, predictable rhythm, including:
- Outdoor play in our beautiful gardens
- Circle time with songs, movement, and seasonal verses
- A shared snack prepared with the children
- Creative indoor play and practical activities
- Daily storytelling or puppet shows
Our curriculum is rooted in the seasons and festivals, helping children feel connected to the natural world, community, and the passage of time.
Extended Day Options
Afternoon sessions are led by our teachers and assistants and run until 2:55pm, including dedicated time for older children in Oak Class.
After-school care is available until 3:45pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays for families who need it.
For more information please see our Parent Handbook:
Hedgerow Children’s Garden Parent Handbook 2025/26
Frequently asked questions:
What age can my child start?
Children can join from age 2 in our Rosebuds Kindergarten, provided they will turn 3 during their first
term (often referred to as “rising 3s”).
How are the children grouped?
Children are supported through two stages:
● Rosebuds Kindergarten (Ages 2–4)
● Oak Class (Ages 4–6)
This allows us to meet children’s developmental needs at each stage while supporting a smooth
progression towards Lower School.
What are Star, Moon and Sun children?
In Steiner education, these terms are sometimes used to describe stages of early childhood
development.
● Nova children (age 2 at the beginning of the school year) are the youngest children in the
Kindergarten. These are typically children who will turn 3 during their first term (“rising 3s”).
● Star children (age 3 at the beginning of the school year) are beginning their Early Years
journey and settling into the rhythms and routines of Kindergarten life.
● Moon children (age 4 at the beginning of the school year) are growing in confidence,
independence, and social awareness.
● Sun children (age 5 at the beginning of the school year) are the oldest children in the group
and are gently supported as they prepare for the transition into Lower School.
These are gentle, developmental descriptions that help guide our approach to supporting each child’s
growth.
What are the school hours & do you offer extended day options?
Rosebuds Kindergarten (Ages 2–4)
- 8:30am – 1:00pm
- Option of 3–5 sessions per week
- All fees include 15 government-funded hours which is organised by the school
- Option for afternoons until 2:55pm
Oak Class (Ages 4–6)
- 8:25am – 2:55pm
- Minimum of 5 mornings per week for all children
- Afternoon structure varies by stage:
- Moon Children (ages 4–5): optional early collection at 1pm
- Sun Children (ages 5–6): stay until 2:55pm with option of early collection at 12:55pm
on up to three selected afternoons per week
- Minimum attendance of 2 afternoons per week for Sun children (with flexibility to attend more)
- Wraparound care available until 3:45pm on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
Do you offer government-funded hours?
Yes, 15 hours of government-funded hours are available for children aged 2-4 in Rosebuds
Kindergarten. This is all handled by the school and the fees include all funding.
How do you prepare children for school?
In Oak Class, children are gently prepared for the transition to Lower School through purposeful play,
practical activities, and early literacy and numeracy experiences. This supports the development of
independence, concentration, and confidence.
Is the environment suitable for children with additional needs?
We aim to provide an inclusive and supportive environment that can suit children with additional
needs very well. We are open to exploring this with parents and carers of children with additional
needs. Children with English as an additional language integrate with ease into our language rich
environment. We work strongly with gestures that accompany the spoken word. In this way, children
are able to pick up the English language in a natural way.
Do children need to be toilet trained?
We understand that children develop at different rates, and we support each child with care and
sensitivity.
While we encourage children to be on the journey towards toilet independence, please get in touch to
discuss your child’s individual needs.
What should my child bring each day? (including food and drink)
Each day we ask children to bring:
● A water bottle
● A comfortable rucksack that they can carry independently
● A healthy lunch for those staying for the afternoon
We also ask families to send one piece of fruit or vegetable each day your child attends. Where
possible, we encourage this to be organic and locally grown, helping children connect with the value
of sharing and care.
As children may go on walks and spend time outdoors, it is important that rucksacks are secure and
easy for them to carry.
What should I pack for lunch if my child stays for afternoon sessions?
If your child attends afternoon sessions, please provide a healthy, wholesome lunch.
Good examples include:
● Sandwiches
● Homemade quiches, pizzas or pasties
● Soups in a thermos flask
● Salads, smoothies, and fruit
We ask that highly processed foods are avoided, and please note that nuts, chocolate, sweets, and
crisps are not permitted.
Please also include an ice pack, as we do not have refrigeration for lunch boxes.
For full details, please refer to our Food and Nutrition Policy.
What are the fees?
Oak Class (Ages 4–6)
A fixed termly fee:
● Eldest sibling rate: £3,365 per term
● Younger sibling rate: £2,901 per term
This includes the full daily session provision (8:25am–2:55pm). Flexible collection options are
available for Oak Class children depending on age and stage, but this does not alter the fixed fees.
Rosebuds Kindergarten (Ages 2–4)
Core morning sessions (per term):
● 3 sessions per week: £486
● 4 sessions per week: £648
● 5 sessions per week: £810
Optional afternoon sessions (1pm–2:55pm). Available daily for families who require extended care:
● £342 per selected day (per term)
Fees for Rosebuds include the 15 hours of government-funded childcare available to all families, with
all funding handled directly by the school.
What is the admissions process?
We aim to make the admissions process as warm and straightforward as possible.
1. Enquiry or tour – Families are invited to visit the school and meet the team
2. Application – If you feel the setting is right for your child, you complete a short application form and pay the £180 application fee
3. Visit or settling-in conversation – Once you have applied for a place you will be invited to attend an admissions meeting with your child. This will be an opportunity for us to meet you and your child and find out about your child’s needs and interests.
4. Offer of place – Following your visit, our admissions team will be in touch. If we feel the school is a good fit for your child, and you feel the same, a place will be offered within two weeks.
We are always happy to answer questions at any stage of the process.
How can I find out more or arrange a visit?
We warmly invite you to visit and experience The Early Years in action.
Book a tour to see childhood come to life at South Devon Steiner School.