Willows Pre-School Wins Small Business Elite Award 2024 for Most Nurturing Pre-School in London!
We are proud and excited to announce that Willows Preschool has been recognised with the Small Business Elite Award 2024 for being the Most Nurturing Preschool in London! This achievement celebrates our unique approach to early years education, centred on nurturing each child’s growth in a way that supports both their body and mind.
The Willowsway: The Anti-Inflammatory Approach to Learning
The Willowsway is at the heart of everything we do at Willows Preschool. It is a holistic, anti-inflammatory approach designed to foster resilience, adaptability, and joy in learning. Our philosophy is rooted in cutting-edge research, and the Willowsway lays the foundation for acquiring the Characteristics of Effective Learning.
Here’s how our approach is uniquely implemented:
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Nutrition: The 30 Plants Initiative
Our nutrition program centres around the 30 Plants Initiative, which encourages children to enjoy a diverse and balanced diet by consuming 30 plants weekly. This diversity helps cultivate a rich and healthy gut microbiome, which is critical in reducing inflammation, supporting immunity, and promoting overall well-being. Mealtime at Willows isn’t just about eating—it’s a joyful journey into flavours, textures, and health.
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Movement: Outdoor Play Through the Seasons
At Willows, movement is more than just exercise—it’s about connecting with nature and experiencing the seasons. Our outdoor play programs encourage children to explore rain, sun, cold, and warmth, building not only their physical strength but also their mental resilience. Whether it’s splashing in puddles, feeling the warmth of the sun, or marveling at a frosty morning, every outdoor adventure fosters a sense of wonder and connection to the world around them.
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Gratitude and Love: Emotional Nourishment
We embed gratitude and love into daily interactions, creating a safe, nurturing environment where every child feels valued. By modelling gratitude, we teach children to appreciate the small joys in life, which have been shown to lower stress levels and contribute to emotional well-being.
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Autonomic Flexibility: The Science Behind Nurturing Minds
One key component of the Willowsway is fostering autonomic flexibility, a measure of the body’s ability to seamlessly shift between stress and relaxation. Autonomic flexibility is essential for effective learning, as it helps children stay in the "sweet spot" for growth: challenged but not overwhelmed. Through our carefully crafted activities, children experience manageable challenges—micro-stress—followed by the joy of success, a micro-reward. This cycle builds resilience and adaptability, allowing children to navigate life’s ups and downs easily. When your child’s face lights up after solving a problem or mastering a new skill, it’s a visible expression of autonomic flexibility in action.
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Gratitude for Our Community
This award is a testament to the entire Willows Preschool community—our passionate educators, supportive parents, and, most importantly, the incredible children who inspire us daily. We couldn’t have achieved this without your trust and collaboration, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of your children’s lives.
At Willows Pre-School, we believe in nurturing the whole child through practices that promote emotional, physical, and cognitive health. If you’re looking for an award-winning preschool that blends innovative research with a love for nature and community, we invite you to discover the Willowsway™.