Anna K.

Our daughter is welcomed each morning by the same teacher. In the 1,5 years our daughter has been a part of this kindergarten, we have not once experienced that she doesn't want to wave goodbye. I attribute this to the prevailing atmosphere and focus on the children's well-being, manners and firm but loving teachers. The head teacher asserts her leadership over the group, is closely involved throughout the day and knows each child and their families well. It is a safe environment in which to explore, learn boundaries and grow. There are lots of rules, for children and parents alike, which means the introduction can be a steep learning curve, but once children are settled it is easy to see that these are put in place for a reason. Teachers will not shy away from discussions of the less comfortable variety, always putting children's well-being first. It is unfortunately rare to find this kind of streamlined, and executed, pedagogy in Danish kindergartens where no child is left to linger outside the group. Over school holidays, staffing is planned so that either the head teacher or her deputy is present, even though the group of children may be very small. In fact, I have not once met a substitute teacher I didn't already know and leave for work each morning knowing our daughter is well cared for. In short; if our community operated according to the values taught at Strandkvarterets Børnehave, we would live in a better world indeed.