Silicon Valley chain opens hi-tech nursery in UK
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
An international nursery chain, founded in the Silicon Valley, is launching a hi-tech nursery in London.
Safari Kid, which has 40 settings in seven countries, is launching in a specially-converted church hall in Clerkenwell, which will have smartboards (interactive whiteboards) and a focus on science and technology.
UK managing director Gabrielle Oh said the early years programme has been developed by a British global head of training and curriculum, and is based on the EYFS with other ‘integrated’ elements. She said, ‘We see the curriculum as EYFS ++.
‘We have a proprietary STEAM program (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics integrated with Arts) developed in Silicon Valley. Integrating creative arts into scientific experiences allows children to learn things in a more open-ended way and makes them applicable to real life. Arts and creativity are crucial to the sciences, technology and maths. Activities are student-focused experiences through hands-on exploration.
‘Our "Legotronics" program introduces robotics to children by combining lego building and basic programming via the use of Lego WeDo [introduction to primary-age computing] kits.
‘We are integrating activities such as drama and public speaking because we want to foster self-esteem and confidence.’
The setting will also offer Mandarin, and there are plans to offer French or Spanish in the afternoons, subject to parental demand.
Ms Oh said the setting also incorporates the Reggio Emilia approach.
Safari Kid was founded by Shy Mudakavi, who has a background in education, law and commerce. It was born from a need identified by professionals 'who had lived in different countries around the world and who were frustrated at the lack of high quality provision’, said Ms Oh.
The chain grew from three settings in California in 2011 to 30 settings across the United States, with plans to open a further 10 in the country this year. Between 2012 and 2015 the brand expanded into Canada, Hong Kong, Dubai and Malaysia, also using an EYFS-based curriculum. Last year marked the group's first foray into India, while the London site is its first entry into the UK.
Ms Oh has recruited a manager and a deputy. The manager advert specified a degree and at least eight years experience in early years education. Initially a key part of the role is setting up the school, and supporting the Ms Oh in completing the Ofsted registration process.
She said the next stage was to 'recruit senior and junior teachers – we are looking for about 12-15 staff.
‘We had a lot of high-calibre applicants with extensive experience teaching at levels 3 to 7.
‘None had international experience but they came from many different European countries with different language skills.’
She added the company intended to expand in the UK but had ‘no immediate plans’ to do so.
She said, ‘Because of the EYFS link and the fact we are an international company we have had the privilege to see best practice in different markets. We are quite confident that we can add value to the market and bring that international view.’
The 60-place nursery, which will open on 1 June, will take children from 3 months old. It will be open from 7.30am to 7pm.
Parents will be able to look around from April.
