Africa’s first officially accredited Curiosity Approach preschool is in Bryanston.

Curro Bryanston received its accreditation in July, seven years after it began changing the way its preschool spaces, teaching practice and daily learning experiences were designed.

The process started in 2019 and wasn’t simply ‘a classroom refresh’. The school redesigned and revamped its learning environment, trained all staff members in the Curiosity Approach philosophy and methodology, embedded the approach into daily teaching practice, and submitted a detailed Portfolio of Evidence for assessment.

For Bianca Robbetze, Operational Head from Curro Bryanston, the accreditation recognises a long, deliberate shift in the school’s approach to early learning.

‘Curro Bryanston achieved official Curiosity Approach accreditation after completing a comprehensive transformation process that included redesigning and revamping the learning environment, training all staff members in the Curiosity Approach philosophy and methodology, embedding the approach into daily teaching practice, and compiling and submitting a detailed Portfolio of Evidence demonstrating successful implementation and adherence to the Curiosity Approach standards. This process started in 2019 and accreditation was received 1 July 2026,’ she elaborates proudly.

What changed in the classrooms

The Curiosity Approach began in the United Kingdom and places children’s natural curiosity at the centre of early learning. It draws on ideas associated with approaches such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia and Steiner education.

At classroom level, the philosophy changes the environment and the teacher’s role. Spaces use natural materials, everyday objects and open-ended resources that children can investigate in different ways. Teachers observe closely, ask questions and extend learning when children’s interests create an opening.

At Curro Bryanston, the physical work behind that shift was substantial. During renovations, classrooms temporarily moved into staffrooms, reception areas and other available spaces while the preschool reworked its learning environment.

The Curiosity Approach works alongside the Curro preschool curriculum, which continues to provide the academic structure and learning outcomes. The difference lies in how children reach those outcomes, ie through exploration, purposeful play and real-life experiences.

Children leading more of their learning

Bianca continues, ‘Since introducing the Curiosity Approach in 2019, we've seen children become more confident, independent, and engaged in their learning. They're asking more questions, exploring their own ideas, and spending longer periods focused on activities.’

Those longer periods of focus matter in early childhood learning. When children build with loose materials, explore objects or develop an idea through play, they practise problem-solving, communication, spatial reasoning and collaboration in ways that feel natural to them.

‘Children spend longer periods immersed in meaningful activities, collaborate more naturally with their friends, and demonstrate improved problem-solving and critical-thinking skills,’ adds Bianca.

Teachers had to rethink practice

The school’s accreditation also depended on how teachers changed their practice.

Creating new learning spaces formed one part of the work. Staff also had to learn how to observe differently, ask better questions and ultimately respond to children’s interests in ways that deepen learning.

Bianca says the shift became clear when teachers fully took ownership of the philosophy. The school saw calmer classrooms, more engaged learners and greater independence as staff became more confident in the approach.

Families also had to understand that meaningful learning in preschool can look different from traditional expectations. The approach values conversation, investigation, creativity and play as serious parts of a child’s development.

A first for Africa

For Curro Bryanston, the accreditation places the preschool in a new position within early childhood education on the continent, which is a tremendous source of pride.

Says Bianca, ‘Becoming the first officially accredited Curiosity Approach preschool in Africa is an incredible achievement for our staff and school . More importantly, it confirms that we are preparing children for the future, not the past.’

She adds that children are growing up in a world that requires creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and adaptability, which is precisely what the Curiosity Approach nurtures.

‘For our team, the accreditation is recognition of the hard work, training, and commitment that went into transforming our environment and teaching practices. It is a proud milestone, but it is also a reminder that this is the future of early childhood education,’ she concludes.