Early Excellence Podcast Transforming Two-Year-Old Education with Dulwich College in Shanghai
Sep 5, 2025
Gemma Stanton and Kate Kelly from Dulwich College Shanghai share their insights into early years education for toddlers. They discuss the importance of creating nurturing and child-centered environments that cater to the unique needs of two-year-olds. The conversation emphasizes the role of parents in education and the impact of schematic play on learning. They also reflect on their experiences navigating cultural diversity and the need for evolving resources to enhance the educational experience for young children.
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First Impression Of The Toddler Space
- Kate described arriving to a sparse, COVID-affected toddler space with harsh lighting and plastic toys.
- The team saw potential in the physical space but felt the environment lacked warmth and open-ended resources.
Wait, Observe, Then Change
- Take time to observe and question existing routines before making changes.
- Build relationships with your existing team first so changes are collaborative and sustainable.
Toddlers Aren't Mini Year Groups
- Gemma noticed the two-year class had been treated like a smaller version of other year groups.
- That mismatch revealed the need to design age-specific pedagogy rather than a watered-down curriculum.