About Tinker
A small kindergarten with a big respect for childhood
Tinker began with one room, eight toddlers and a simple belief: young children learn the most when they feel at home, play freely and are taken seriously.
Our story
From one sunny room to a neighbourhood kindergarten
Tinker opened as a small parent-led playgroup in a former bakery on Garden Lane. The ovens left, the light stayed. Families kept asking for more days and more places, and over the years the bakery became four rooms, a kitchen and a garden that children help to plant every spring.
We are still small on purpose. With around fifty children in total, every teacher knows every child, and every family knows who to talk to. That closeness shapes everything we do.
4
age groups
52
children in total
11
teachers and staff
How we work
An approach shaped by play, nature and patient adults
We borrow good ideas from Montessori, Reggio Emilia and forest schools, then keep what works for our children and our neighbourhood.
01
Prepared rooms
Low shelves, real tools and fewer, better materials. Children can see what is available, choose it themselves and put it back.
02
Outdoors every day
Our garden is a second classroom. We go out in sun, rain and snow, so please pack boots and a spare set of clothes.
03
Projects that grow
A question about snails can turn into drawings, a snail house and a visit to the pond. Teachers follow interest and extend it.
04
Observation, not tests
We watch, listen and write down what children do and say. Twice a year you receive a learning story about your child.
What we value
Three promises we make to every family
These are the ideas we return to when we plan a room, hire a teacher or answer a parent's question.
Kindness first
We speak to children the way we would like to be spoken to: calmly, honestly and with time to listen.
Room to grow
Children take small risks, try again and discover what they can do. We help, but we do not rush to rescue.
Families as partners
You know your child best. We share what we see each day and plan the next steps together with you.
Our team
Teachers who stay, so children can settle
Our eleven teachers and staff hold early childhood qualifications and spend time each month on further training. Most have been with Tinker for many years, which means your child sees the same familiar faces as they grow.
- Every group has two key teachers
- First aid training renewed every year
- Our own cook prepares meals on site
Come and see
Visit on a normal morning and watch the joy of learning up close
Tours run Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30. Bring your child, stay for snack time, and ask us anything.