‘We must teach our children to smell the earth, to taste the rain, to touch the wind, to see things grow, to see the sun rise and the night fall – to care.’
John Cleal
At Little Earth, we embrace the fact that little is great, which we believe is a great start for every little human being.
During 2017, a dynamic mother and daughter team felt the urge to claim a little piece of earth and to transform it into a space that could offer exceptional care for children between 3 months and 5 years of age. Together they developed a fresh new pre-school model of holistic learning that interprets the good of nature and mankind. They proudly named their school Little Earth, which opened its doors in January 2018.
Both founders, Esmé van Heerden and Nandi Anderson, have B-Ed qualifications and a wealth of pre-school experience between them. Nandi has five years’ experience as an au pair, three years as a teacher and seven years in the managerial position alongside Esmé. Little Earth, however, is the culmination of Esmé‘s 40-year career, which must count as one of the richest in pre-schooling in South Africa. Esmé has built, owned and managed five Pre-Schools over a period of 40 years in the Northern suburbs of Cape Town. During this period, she visited several pre-schools in various countries to broaden her vision of quality education as well as nurturing her love for the curiosity, creativity and precious inner world of the young child. Recently semi-retired, the owners Esmé together with husband Kobus, is almost daily seen at Little Earth where she keeps a close relationship with the Little Earth Family of teachers and Children.
As co-founders Esmé and Nandi believe that every newborn arrives on earth innocent, full of expectation and armed with loads of potential. Little Earth considers it the duty of both parent and educator to empower every child through compassion and patience in order to better understand themselves, those around them, as well as the deep connection they have with nature.
Our mission is to provide young children, aged 3 months to 5 years, the best learning experience in a loveable, well designed and peaceful environment that welcomes and stimulates growth and creativity.
Learning through play should be an everyday story. We therefore encourage a spirit of fun exploration and purposeful play. It is our goal that each child who one day moves on from Little Earth should have a deep love for learning.
towards myself, others and nature
towards myself, others and nature
to create an eagerness at a young age to know and explore more
to take responsibility for my actions and to look out for others
A warm welcome I can say, My first day at this place has been phenomenal and I'm out of words. Most Definitely this is a place that every parent will want to be part of.
Absolutely love this school! My two kids look forward to seeing their friends and teachers everyday and I know they are shown so much love and support. There is always someone there with a big smile welcoming you and Esme and Nandi are fantastic owners that have a built an incredible school. Thank you to all the staff!
It is difficult to express how truly grateful we are that our little one is receiving the best pre-school education and care at Little Earth. The school's reputation precedes it. The teachers are loving and kind. As parents we have complete peace of mind that our daughter is in the best hands.
It provides you with a peace of mind knowing your child is getting the best care and education.
Love this place, would send my grandson there in a ♥ beat.
