A Holistic Approach to Early Childhood Education

Seeing the Whole Child

When I reflect on my 34-year journey in early childhood education, one truth has guided me time and again: children thrive when we nurture them as whole beings—mind, body, and spirit. This belief is not just a personal philosophy but the foundation of my practice and the way I support families and fellow educators. In a world that often focuses solely on academic achievement, a holistic approach is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Childhood Through a Child’s Eyes

Too often, we view childhood through the lens of adulthood. We rush children through structured learning before their brains are developmentally ready. We focus on literacy and numeracy benchmarks while undervaluing play—the very thing that drives natural development.

Childhood isn’t a race to the next milestone. It’s a season of discovery, imagination, and deep emotional growth. A holistic approach respects this, acknowledging that learning happens not just at tables and in books, but through relationships, sensory exploration, movement, and meaningful experiences.

The Power of Play and Outdoor Learning

Growing up in the 1970s, I experienced a childhood free of screens—one filled with mud pies, tree climbing, and endless outdoor adventures. That freedom taught me independence, resilience, and creativity. Today, I see many children missing out on these essential experiences.

Outdoor play offers rich opportunities for development. It fosters gross motor skills, cooperation, risk-taking, and a lifelong love of nature. In my setting, we embrace puddle jumping, den building, and even outdoor naps. We honour the seasons, follow the children’s curiosity, and encourage them to connect with the natural world.

Rethinking Technology in Early Childhood

There’s no denying that technology is now part of modern childhood—but it’s also contributing to issues we can’t ignore. I’ve witnessed the impact of excessive screen time on children’s behaviour, focus, and relationships.

Children don’t need devices to learn. They need sensory-rich environments, responsive adults, and the freedom to move, talk, and explore. As a parent, I’ve had to confront my own regrets around screen use. As an educator, I’m passionate about helping others strike a healthier balance.

A Holistic Approach to Early Childhood Education

A holistic approach to early childhood education means nurturing the whole child. That’s why our nursery includes a commercial kitchen to ensure children enjoy healthy, freshly cooked meals. It’s why our routines are filled with movement—because sitting still for long periods goes against everything we know about early development.

We also prioritise emotional well-being. Children need to feel safe, seen, and supported. They need emotionally available adults who can model self-regulation and help them navigate big feelings. Our role isn’t to “fix” their emotions—it’s to walk alongside them.

Supporting Parents and Practitioners

As my career has evolved, so has my mission. Today, I work not only with children but with parents, carers, practitioners, and nursery leaders. My goal is to bring early years education back to what children really need. I challenge outdated methods and offer training, workshops, and conversations that reframe childhood from the child’s perspective.

If we can better understand the world through their eyes, we can create spaces that are calmer, more joyful, and more respectful of how young children truly grow.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a holistic path wasn’t just a professional choice—it was a deeply personal one. I believe in raising children who are not only capable learners but also confident, kind, and connected.

Childhood should be full of wonder, not pressure. Connection, not comparison. Presence, not performance.

If we want to give children the best start in life, we must stop rushing them forward—and instead, meet them where they are. That is the heart of my work, and the mission I continue to champion every day.

Let’s build a childhood worth having.

Mienna Jones, Championing Childhood

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