Location – No 19, Jalan Kilang Barat, #05-02/03, Acetech Centre, Singapore 159361
Website – sdmgroup.sg
Contact – +65 6339 1788
Nestled in the peaceful surroundings of Clementi Woods Park, Chatsworth Preschool has created a unique environment that fosters the growth and development of young children. With a spacious center spanning 25,000 square feet, it accommodates up to 230 children, including infants as young as two months old. The school’s design, featuring a glasshouse that allows natural sunlight to flood in, harmonizes with the lush green surroundings, providing a nurturing backdrop for learning and exploration. Chatsworth Preschool’s mission is clear: to offer a progressive, child-centric, and nature-based education that helps children thrive in all aspects of their early development.
A Curriculum Inspired by Nature
Chatsworth Preschool stands out for its innovative approach to early childhood education, which is deeply rooted in nature-based learning. Recognizing the importance of the outdoors for young children’s physical and cognitive growth, the school incorporates daily outdoor play as a fundamental aspect of its curriculum. From Monday to Thursday, children spend 1.5 hours outdoors, engaged in activities that stimulate their curiosity, promote physical health, and build essential life skills. This outdoor time is not merely recess but a structured opportunity for children to learn through hands-on exploration of the natural world.
In addition to outdoor play, Chatsworth Preschool’s mornings are dedicated to structured learning, where children are introduced to a variety of subjects through age-appropriate methods. In the afternoons, the focus shifts to project-based learning, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. This balance between structured learning and free exploration ensures that each child has the opportunity to develop in a well-rounded manner, at their own pace.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Chatsworth Preschool’s facilities further enhance its educational philosophy. The indoor playground, with its glass roof, provides a sunlit space for children to play and explore even when the weather is not conducive to outdoor activities. A cozy library nook offers children a quiet space to foster a love for reading, while the dedicated recycling area and roof garden provide opportunities for environmental education. The school also boasts a play atelier where children can engage in sensory activities, including planting, water play, and even wood and mud workshops.
One of the most exciting features of the school is its water play area, which offers children the chance to enjoy playful, sensory-rich experiences. Whether it’s splashing in the water or building with mud, these activities help children develop their motor skills, foster creativity, and enhance their understanding of the physical world.
A Child-Centered Approach
At Chatsworth Preschool, respect is at the core of everything they do. The school prides itself on creating a respectful, nurturing environment where every child feels valued. From the leadership team to the teaching staff, there is a commitment to understanding each child’s unique background and needs. The educators at Chatsworth are trained to meet children where they are developmentally, providing the right level of support and challenge to help them grow.
The school’s approach is informed by the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) theory, which emphasizes providing children with tasks that are just beyond their current abilities but can be achieved with guidance. This methodology encourages children to stretch their skills and knowledge while feeling supported and safe in their learning environment.
A Balanced Approach to Technology
While Chatsworth Preschool places a strong emphasis on outdoor and nature-based learning, it also recognizes the importance of integrating technology in a balanced manner. The school takes a thoughtful approach to introducing technology into the curriculum, ensuring that it enhances, rather than detracts from, traditional learning experiences.
One of the ways technology is introduced to children is through “Cody,” a robotic mouse that teaches basic coding concepts in a playful, age-appropriate manner. While tablets and laptops are not yet a regular part of the daily routine, Chatsworth Preschool has plans to gradually incorporate them in the future, allowing children to engage in interactive learning experiences such as questionnaires and presentations. The school is mindful of maintaining a balance between technological exposure and traditional learning to ensure that children develop a wide range of skills.
Outdoor Play and Emotional Development
Outdoor play is not just about physical activity at Chatsworth Preschool; it is also a crucial component of the school’s approach to social and emotional learning. On Fridays, the school hosts “Fun Fridays,” where educators organize intentional play sessions in the park. These sessions are designed to promote emotional resilience, empathy, and interpersonal skills, helping children navigate social situations and build strong, healthy relationships.
Fun Fridays provide children with real-world experiences that foster emotional intelligence and prepare them for the challenges of growing up. Whether it’s learning to share, taking turns, or simply enjoying unstructured playtime with friends, these sessions play a vital role in the holistic development of each child.
Parental Involvement and Community Engagement
Recognizing that parents are a child’s first and most important educators, Chatsworth Preschool places a high value on parent involvement. The school actively collaborates with parents to support each child’s learning journey, beginning with a welcoming tea session at the start of the year and continuing with workshops, events, and exhibitions throughout the school terms.
Parents are invited to lead unique programs, share their expertise, and participate in their children’s projects. Some memorable parent-led activities have included yoga sessions, Japanese cooking classes, and storytelling workshops. The school also hosts term-end exhibitions where parents can view their children’s work and participate in interactive learning experiences. These exhibitions, such as the Solar Space project or the Sunset Market focused on financial literacy, provide a window into the learning process and highlight the children’s achievements.
Sustainability and Special Programs
Chatsworth Preschool is committed to teaching children about sustainability and responsibility. One of the school’s standout initiatives is the use of “Cara,” a food compost machine that turns leftover food into compost for the school’s garden. Children learn about the importance of reducing waste, growing their own food, and sharing the produce within the school community through the Chatsworth Benches Café. This hands-on approach to sustainability not only teaches valuable environmental lessons but also fosters a sense of community and responsibility.
In addition to the regular curriculum, Chatsworth offers a range of special paid programs, including art enrichment, sports, speech and drama, and swimming. These programs provide children with opportunities to explore their interests and talents in a supportive environment.
Looking Ahead
With over 14 years of experience in early childhood education, Chatsworth Preschool’s senior principal has witnessed the evolution of teaching practices and pedagogical methods. The school remains committed to staying at the forefront of early childhood education, continuously adapting to new trends while maintaining its core values of respect, inclusivity, and holistic development.
As Chatsworth Preschool looks to the future, it aims to continue providing a nurturing, innovative environment where children can develop into confident, capable learners who are prepared for the next stages of their education.