At Inspirations, our practice is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. A key part of our approach is providing real objects and real experiences, rather than plastic imitations or pre-set activities. We believe children learn best when they can explore the world authentically and meaningfully.

Real Objects for Real Learning

At Inspirations, you will notice carefully chosen, authentic materials such as:

• Real crockery in role play
• Fresh flowers and natural materials
• Wooden loose parts
• Real gardening tools outdoors
• Clay and high-quality art materials

These resources provide richer sensory experiences. A real object has weight, texture, temperature and even smell — all of which deepen understanding and support development. When children are trusted with real materials, they also learn responsibility, independence and respect for their environment.

We follow children’s interests closely and bring learning to life. If children become fascinated by fish, we might:

• Bring in a real fish for close observation
• Visit a local fishmonger
• Explore textures, scales and movement
• Create detailed observational drawings
• Introduce our own fish for pets

Seeing and studying a real fish provides a completely different level of understanding compared to looking at pictures or plastic models. Children ask deeper questions, use richer vocabulary and engage in hands on learning.

If children show interest in dogs, we may:

• Invite a calm, well-trained dog to nursery
• Discuss how to approach animals safely
• Observe behaviour and movement
• Learn about their senses
• Ask questions about care and responsibility

Meeting a real dog supports learning about empathy, safety, biology and communication. It transforms curiosity into a meaningful, memorable experience.

Providing real experiences is also part of how we build Cultural Capital — the essential knowledge, vocabulary and experiences children need to thrive in wider society.

Through authentic experiences, children:

• Expand their language and understanding
• Encounter new ideas and environments
• Learn how to behave in different situations
• Build knowledge of the wider world

For some children, nursery may be their first opportunity to:

• Visit a shop with a real purpose
• Observe real tools in use
• Meet animals up close
• Engage in rich, meaningful investigations

These opportunities broaden horizons and create strong foundations for future learning. We believe every child deserves access to experiences that widen their understanding beyond their immediate environment.

We encourage children to express their thinking in many different ways — referred to as the “hundred languages” of children.

After observing a real fish or meeting a dog, children might:

• Sketch detailed drawings
• Sculpt models from clay
• Create large collaborative paintings
• Build habitats using recycled materials
• Dictate stories or create fact books

Their ideas are documented and displayed with care, showing that their thinking is valued and respected.

We believe childhood should be real, rich and full of wonder. By providing authentic materials and meaningful experiences, we create learning that truly lasts.

-Deborah