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  • How Cypress Hillside School prioritizes academic readiness, creativity and socio-emotional development — Dr. Sefunmi James-Ogbe
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How Cypress Hillside School prioritizes academic readiness, creativity and socio-emotional development — Dr. Sefunmi James-Ogbe

In an exclusive interview with Allaboutschools correspondent, Akeem Alao, the Director and Head of School at Cypress Hillside School, Dr. Sefunmi James-Ogbe, shares her expertise on leadership, curriculum development, and the importance of quality early education.
With a focus on providing a holistic learning experience, Cypress Hillside School prioritizes academic readiness, creativity, and socio-emotional development.

The school director discusses the challenges of running an early-years institution, the importance of parent engagement, and the role of technology in early learning.

Cypress Hillside School Building

The interview also delves into the school’s approach to safety and well-being, extracurricular activities, and its goals and aspirations for the future. With a commitment to continuous improvement and a passion for empowering young minds, Cypress Hillside School is dedicated to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for its students.

Could you please tell us about the vision and core philosophy behind Cypress Hillside School, and how it shapes the way you approach early childhood education?

At Cypress Hillside School, our vision is to educate leading learner’s as role models while leading early education in the private sector with our innovative approach to quality education.

We nurture each child using our progressive approach, which offers a unique quality education from the crèche arm through the preschool as well as primary levels.

Our main goal is to be progressive in what we offer by adopting the best early childhood education practices. From the evolving, adaptable research into child development to educating our leading learners as role models as they grow into successful learners through their secondary school education and tertiary institutions journey.

The foundation of every quality education is laid at the core beginning of educational development of children of which early years education is the most basic but most fundamentally valuable.

The role of early years education cannot be overstated and our unique approach to Early Years education is that no part of any child should be left unattended to, as it has been scientifically proven that the preschool years are the ‘most important’ as they lay the foundation for future learning and success. We have adopted a renowned approach to the growth of a whole child in relation to early childhood development to enable children flourish academically, personally, socially and emotionally.

Cypress Hillside School aims to continue to create a caring and inclusive atmosphere for young children’s education. We will continue our vision of focusing on helping all children at the school become leading learners by providing necessities to develop in all areas as expected mentally, emotionally, socially, and physically ensuring that they feel safe in our custody and appreciated by the team.

The main idea behind our teaching is in the best practices for early years we adopted

  • Play-based learning
  • Individualized learning
  • Positive relationships
  • Engaging environment
  • Effective communication
  • Independence promotion
  • Family involvement
  • Professional development

We have seen that the strong collaboration with the families enrolled at the school is very important, as strong connections make learning even better for the learner. Our teaching supports age-appropriate connective curriculum that acknowledges different learning styles

This approach for us ensures that children at our early years progressively flourish in our supportive learning environment gaining life skills with our teaching methodology that infuses the best hands-on approach that supports the early years curriculum for a solid foundation.

The focus on solid social skills with play and overall development makes early education at Cypress Hillside School more enriching, beneficial and rewarding to every learner.

What are some of the key challenges you face in running an early-years school, and how do you address them to ensure high-quality education?

I work in the private sector of our educational system. I must say 100% of all is on the owner of the school. Running an early-years school comes with several challenges especially with how education is supported in our dear country

The challenge of support within Nigeria’s educational system extends beyond just early years education; it is a fundamental issue affecting the entire system. Ongoing and structured government support is crucial for the sustainability of education as a whole. Addressing this concern is vital not only for early childhood education but for the entire framework of education in Nigeria.

Every responsible educational system in Nigeria adheres to statutory compliance, contributing financially to the government. Yet, these systems receive little to no support in return, which is incredibly frustrating.

How can our Government support?

Nigerian government can support the private educational system in Nigeria through providing financial incentives that gives tax breaks, grants, or even providing subsidies to private educational schools to reduce overbearing operational costs.

Staffing is another major factor that challenges the system of education.

This on its own is another major challenge as the available trained and highly experienced EYFS educators are looking to improve their life’s outside of the shores of our country.

Recruiting qualified teachers who are truly committed and innately passionate about early childhood education is quite difficult.

Ongoing professional development and regular training sessions has been helping our qualified and employed staff members stay updated on best practices, ensuring high-quality education.

Ensuring high-quality education in early years for us involves more than implementing the best practices that supports the total development of children aged 0-5, it is having the right hands to manage the best practices. At CHS, we ensure that children’s learning experiences are matching their developmental stages, interests, and capabilities. At CHS, we use play-based learning method to encourage exploration and creativity.

We address social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development issues as an ongoing process while incorporating activities that foster emotional regulation, communication skills, and physical coordination.

We daily create inviting and safe environment in our stimulating environments for all our learners. We use flexible spaces that encourage exploration, and purposeful play.

We always foster trusting, caring relationships between our teaching managers and the children. We know that responsive interactions help children feel secure enhancing their willingness to learn.

At Cypress Hillside School, we involve families as our dearest partners in the educational process of our learners. We provide appropriate resources to support learning at home and encourage open communication in the area of learning in the classroom.

At Cypress Hillside School Early childhood, we provide ongoing assessments to monitor children’s progress. Regularly observing and documenting children’s progress with experiences and interventions accordingly as observed.

At Cypress Hillside School, it is first a necessity for all employees to keep up with personal developments while the school provides them with continuous training to keep them informed

We always encourage collaborative learning and knowledge sharing of the best practices among staff members.

We ensure that all children, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities have access to qualitative education fitting for their level. We ensure all our teaching methods are appropriate and materials in use meets diverse learning needs of our early learners.

At Cypress Hillside School, we do not just teach the academic core but also integrate SEL into every day activities to teach children skills like empathy, self-awareness, and relationship-building.

Early childhood education is foundational. How do you design a curriculum that balances academic readiness, creativity, and socio-emotional development?

Quality early childhood education is truly foundational as it prepares children for formal schooling by introducing foundational literacy and numeracy skills.

The experiences and learning opportunities encountered during this time lay the groundwork for lifelong trajectories in every aspect of life.

Early years see rapid brain development, with neural connections forming at an astonishing rate. Around 90% of a child’s brain develops by age five. Stimulating experiences from early childhood education promote cognitive growth, enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving, and language skills.

The School Proprietress, Dr. Sefunmi James-Ogbe,

Early childhood education promotes social skills through interactions with peers and educators. Children learn to share, collaborate, and communicate effectively, building a foundation for healthy relationships essential for navigating social contexts in life.

Young children begin to understand and manage their emotions. A supportive educational environment allows them to express feelings appropriately, develop empathy, and learn conflict resolution skills, contributing to their future social interactions.

Early education encourages creativity through play-based and hands-on learning experiences. Activities like art, music, and storytelling stimulate children’s imaginations, aiding innovative thinking and self-expression.

Early education fosters independence and self-confidence by encouraging children to take risks and make choices. Learning through exploration helps develop agency and responsibility for their learning.

Research shows that high-quality early childhood education leads to long lasting benefits. Children in effective environments are more likely to pursue education stability till adulthood.

At Cypress Hillside School, designing a curriculum that effectively balances academic readiness, creativity, and socio-emotional development involves a thoughtful and comprehensive approach. The goal is to foster a holistic educational experience that nurtures the whole child in respect to their cognitive, emotional, and creative needs.

1. At the heart of our curriculum is a child-centred philosophy. We prioritise the unique interests and developmental stages of each student, ensuring that learning activities are tailored to engage and inspire them. By observing their preferences and curiosities, we create a dynamic learning environment that motivates children to explore and discover.

2. Our curriculum incorporates the interconnected domains of learning in cognitive, emotional, and creative development. Putting together key areas such as Language and Communication, Physical Development, Personal, Social, and Emotional Growth, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, and Expressive Arts, we provide a multifaceted approach that promotes comprehensive learning.

3. Emphasising the vital role of play in childhood education, we adopt a play-based learning model. Through both structured and unstructured play experiences, children engage in exploration, problem-solving, and critical thinking, all while having fun. This approach encourages independence, creativity, and collaboration.

4. Creativity is deliberately integrated into our curriculum through diverse activities such as art, music and storytelling. We provide ample opportunities for children to express themselves artistically, stimulating imaginative thinking and fostering a love for exploration. Creativity is seen not only as a skill but as a vital part of a child’s development.

5. We cultivate a strong sense of community within Cypress Hillside School. By emphasising social interaction, cooperation, and teamwork through group activities and collaborative games, we help children develop essential social skills. They learn empathy and emotional regulation within a supportive environment.

6. Our approach at Cypress Hillside School supports academic readiness through introducing early literacy and numeracy skills in engaging and enjoyable ways. Through storytelling, rhymes, number games, and hands-on activities, we create a solid foundation for future learning while ensuring that children are excited about reading and maths.

7. Understanding emotions and developing emotional resilience is critical for children’s socio-emotional growth. We incorporate activities that promote emotional literacy, enabling children to recognise, understand, and express their feelings. Techniques such as mindfulness and reflection help them build self-awareness and self-regulation skills.

8. In promoting a sense of responsibility towards the world, we incorporate lessons on cultures, and global citizenship. Hands-on experiences like cultural explorations encourage curiosity about the world

9. Regular observation and assessment are essential part to understanding children’s progress and identifying their needs. We continually adapt our curriculum based on these insights, ensuring that every child receives the support and required for their growth.

10. We recognise the vital role families play in a child’s education , we actively engage parents through open communication and involvement in school activities. Through our partnerships with families, we create a support system that enhances the learning experience for each child.

At Cypress Hillside School, we are committed to creating a rich, balanced curriculum that not only prepares academically but also nurtures creativity and socio-emotional development of all our learners, This holistic approach ensures that our learners flourish as well-rounded individuals, ready to with confidence to face their world.

In your opinion, what qualities make an effective early-years teacher, and how do you support your staff to meet these expectations?

A genuine love for working with young children inspires and this is core to the success of an effective early years teacher. We support staff by providing ongoing opportunities for professional growth.

An effective teacher at Cypress Hillside School
Preschool must be a very protective and a very creative thinker at heart and this early-years teacher must possess qualities that enhance the ability to foster a positive learning environment.

Having a balance understanding that young children develop at their own pace is crucial.

Effective teachers often use innovative methods to engage young learners. We encourage our staff to promote imaginative lessons.

A great teacher connects with children emotionally and understands their individual needs. We encourage staff members at Cypress Hillside School to practice active listening and emotional support.

Being adaptable to changes and children’s needs is important in early education. We foster a culture where staff feels comfortable adjusting plans to suite each child’s need while working to achieve the central objective of each lesson.

Collaboration is key to us at Cypress Hillside School, we organize regular team meetings and collaborative planning sessions to encourage ideas and experiences also fostering a supportive staff environment.

Parent engagement is crucial at this stage of education. How do you foster strong relationships and effective communication with parents?

Fostering strong relationships and effective communication with parents in early childhood education is essential for creating a supportive learning environment.

We schedule activities that bring parents to visit the classroom, observe activities, and engage with staff members on the go. This approach fosters enable parents as partners to see how they children learn in the child education setting.

We utilise various communication channels like newsletters, emails, and digital platforms to keep parents informed about classroom activities, important dates, and their child’s progress. Consistent updates are provided o children’s activities to help parents feel involved and informed.

Our termly Parent-Teacher Conferences is a regular meeting to discuss each child’s development, strengths, and areas for growth. These conferences facilitate personalised conversations and help build trust and rapport between teachers and parents.

We provide opportunities for parents to share their thoughts and feedback through surveys, or even informal chats. We listen to our parents’ concerns and opinions while incorporating their ideas that are most valued for advancement.

At Cypress Hillside School, we acknowledge and celebrate children’s milestones with parents, such as birthdays or progress in learning. This creates positive moments that strengthens our home-school connection.

We also recognise the unique circumstances of each family and tailor communication to their needs, we understand that personalising interactions do make our parents feel more connected and understood.

Technology is increasingly integrated into education. How do you incorporate it into early learning while ensuring it supports developmental needs?

We know that that even a small effort and passion can create an amazing snowball effect

As much as we know the importance of technology, we also balance screen time to a reasonable duration, focusing on quality over quantity. We have thoughtfully incorporated technology into our early learning environments, we create a rich, engaging, and supportive educational experience that prepares children for a technology-driven world.

At Cypress Hillside School Preschool, all teaching and learning use technology. Learners explore interactive software, educational apps, and videos that make lessons fun and engaging.

Cypress Hillside School focuses on a modern way of learning, helping children develop creativity and problem-solving skills. This technology-driven approach prepares them for future success while making learning exciting and enjoyable.

We have a balanced routine that includes hands-on activities, outdoor play, and direct social interactions alongside technology use where required.
We will continue to adopt technology use as children grow and their abilities change.

Safety and well-being are top priorities for young children. What measures do you have in place to maintain a secure and nurturing environment?

Ensuring the safety and well-being of young children is more than important in any educational setting.

At Cypress Hillside School, we have implemented controlled access to the school facility, including locked doors and secure entry points. We monitor visitors through identification checks and visitor logs to ensure unauthorized individuals cannot enter.

We maintain appropriate child-to-staff ratios to ensure that each child receives adequate supervision and attention, which helps to identify and respond to potential safety concerns quickly.

We daily inspect and maintain play areas, classrooms, and facilities to ensure they are free from all forms of hazards. We also use age-appropriate furniture, toys, and materials in use to minimize injury risk.

We promote a nurturing environment through our early character development approach that reinforces positive behaviour management strategies.

We train young learners on social-emotional learning and conflict resolution skills to help children steer positive interactions safely and respectfully.

At Cypress Hillside School, we prioritise the health and well-being of all learners and have implemented
robust procedures for monitoring children’s health. This includes vigilant checks for early signs of illnesses or distress. We have established clear policies for reporting illnesses and approving sick days to prevent the spread of germs. From the moment children are dropped off by parents or picked up by our transportation system, they undergo a virtual screening at the entry point. If a child exhibits symptoms of a contagious illness, parents are promptly notified and asked to collect them to ensure the safety and health of all others.
We have transparent communication with parents about safety policies and procedures.

Early education is constantly evolving. How do you stay informed about new research and trends, and how do you implement these into your school’s practices?

Staying informed about evolving trends in early education is crucial for maintaining high standards in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Our team engages in continuous professional development through workshops, online courses. We subscribe to reputable educational journals and participate in networks that focus on early years education.

Additionally, we regularly collaborate with other schools to share best practices.

And,when new trends emerge, we evaluate how they align with our EYFS standards, check our gaps and we implement relevant findings suitable for the gap available and into our curriculum as well as our teaching methods.

Sometimes adopting these research based innovative approaches requires updating our resources, providing staff training to ensure effective integration while the academic assurance unit monitors.

At Cypress Hillside School, we will continue to foster a culture of lifelong learning, we will ensure that our practices remain current and beneficial for our children’s development, effectively supporting their learning and well-being.

What role do extracurricular activities play in your early-years program, and how do they contribute to holistic development?

Extracurricular activities play a vital role in CHS early-years by enriching children’s learning experiences and contributing to their holistic development in several key areas:

Extracurricular activities are important in our early years programme and help children develop in many ways.

These activities let children explore things they enjoy, like sports, art, music, creative and dance. This helps them become more creative and learn diverse ways of expression.

Extracurricular activities help with physical development. When children spend time outdoors, they improve their coordination.

Extracurricular activities also encourage social skills that help children to learn how to work together, communicate, and solve problems when they play together.

Emotional development is another key benefit that extracurricular activities provide to children who are trying new things outside the classroom which in turn helps them build confidence and learn how to deal with their emotions in little success and challenges within a safe space.

Extracurricular activities help kids make friends and feel like they belong to a community. This is important for building strong relationships and a positive self-image.

At Cypress Hillside School Preschool activities like art, and music encourage kids to express themselves in different ways.Through this, we help children grow in many ways complimenting classroom learning and supporting learner’s overall development, making them well-rounded individuals.

Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for Cypress Hillside School, and how do you plan to achieve them in the coming years?

Looking ahead, the goals and aspirations of Cypress Hillside School are on distinctive enrichment of young learners
with age-appropriate academic learning and social skills

Our aspirations for Cypress Hillside School in the coming years are grounded in our vision for a quality education.

We will continuously improve our curriculum by incorporating the latest research and best practices in early years education, ensuring alignment with educational standards.

We hope to strengthen communication and involvement with parents through more educational workshops, fostering a supportive home-school partnership.

We will create more outdoor learning experiences that encourage hands-on exploration and play, promoting children’s physical and social development.

We will provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities for our staff to ensure they are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge in early years education.

We are committed to enhancing our efforts to create an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and meets the needs of all children, regardless of their abilities.

We will continue to forge partnerships with local organizations and diverse educational groups to enrich our educational offerings.

In our aim to nurture early positive character development, we will implement programs that develop leadership skills and character in children, helping them grow into responsible, confident individuals.

Our plan is to continue to implement differentiated instructions within a supportive atmosphere where emotional intelligence is key

We will continue to integrate innovative practices in teaching making educational sector of our institutions a top priority in our school.

At Cypress Hillside School, we will continue to offer proactive counseling services to the child and the family where needed, promote physical activity through sports, and create awareness around mental health issues.

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