A Living Philosophy

Together, these twelve pillars guide everything we do at Laureum. They reflect our belief that high-quality early childhood education is relational, intentional and deeply human — honouring childhood while preparing children thoughtfully for the world they are growing into.

Learning Without Walls

Singapore’s parks, gardens and natural spaces become living environments for learning — places where children observe, inquire, collaborate and connect with the real world. Nature invites wonder, movement, risk-taking and deep engagement in ways no classroom alone can.

Children as Capable, Curious Learners

We believe children are competent, curious and full of potential. Learning begins with children’s questions, ideas and interests, and deepens when they are trusted to explore, think and construct meaning for themselves. At Laureum, children are active participants in their own learning journeys.

Inquiry as the Heart of Learning

We value inquiry over instruction. Children learn best when they are intrinsically motivated to investigate, ask questions, test ideas and revisit their thinking. Educators design thoughtful inquiry journeys that invite sustained exploration, allowing learning to unfold meaningfully and authentically.

Play with Purpose

Play is not the opposite of learning — it is learning. Through well-designed, purposeful play, children develop conceptual understanding, language, numeracy, social competence and self-regulation. At Laureum, play is joyful, intentional and deeply connected to learning goals.

Future-Readiness Keenly Interwoven

We honour the realities of our local context (cultural demands and formal education expectations) while protecting the essence of childhood. Children are supported in developing strong foundations in early literacy and numeracy through integration in developmentally appropriate, play-based and inquiry-led journeys. Alongside academic readiness, we nurture independence, adaptability, critical thinking and confident communication. (academics & life skills)

Intentional Educators, Skilled Scaffolding

Bilingualism as a Way of Life

Language is central to thinking, connection and identity. Through meaningful immersion in English and Mandarin, children build confidence in communication across languages. Bilingual learning is woven naturally into daily experiences, conversations, stories and play.

Risky Play, Thoughtfully Supported

Children grow through challenge. Meaningfully supported risky play, outdoor exploration and real responsibilities help children develop confidence, body awareness, judgement and resilience. We believe in allowing children to test limits safely, learn from mistakes and build trust in their own assessments and capabilities.

Educators at Laureum are deeply intentional in their practice. Drawing on strong knowledge of child development and the expectations of our society, teachers observe closely, listen deeply and scaffold learning with care and precision. Knowing when to step in, when to step back, and how to extend thinking is central to our role.

Relationships as the Foundation of Learning

A Collective Surrounding the Child

Learning thrives in the presence of secure, trusting relationships. At Laureum, we prioritise strong bonds between children, educators and families. Through a relationship-based approach, educators attune to each child’s emotional world, interests and needs, creating a safe connection where children feel confident to explore, express themselves and take risks in learning.

We believe that a child’s development is shaped by a rich network of relationships. Inspired by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory and the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we view learning as a shared responsibility between children, families, educators, the community, our society and the wider world. At Laureum, children are supported by a collective that values connection, collaboration and shared purpose.

Caring for Educators is Caring for Children

Educators as Researchers and Changemakers

We collaborate and grow with educators who see teaching as a reflective, evolving practice. The Laureum team is not only committed to caring for children, but also to advancing the field of early childhood education through action research, continuous professional learning and thoughtful innovation. We believe meaningful change begins from within classrooms, through every simple learning journey.

We champion that the wellbeing of educators directly impacts the quality of children’s experiences. At Laureum, teachers are upheld with respect, trust and professionalism. We prioritise fair remuneration, supportive working conditions and a culture of care, so educators feel valued, grounded and inspired — enabling them to show up fully for the children and families we serve.