Surrey

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-133.jpg" alt="St Christopher's School and Nursery in Epsom" class="wp-image-65397" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-133.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-133-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-133-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-133-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-133-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



If you’ve ever wrestled a coat onto a determined three-year-old who insists on doing it themselves, you’ll know this already &#8211; independence starts early (and rarely at a convenient moment).



The early years &#8211; from birth to five &#8211; are a period of extraordinary growth. It’s when children begin to figure out who they are, how the world works and what they’re capable of. And one of the most valuable skills they develop along the way? Independence.



This goes far beyond putting on shoes or pouring a drink (though, yes, those daily wins do count). Independence underpins confidence, emotional wellbeing, creativity and a child’s ability to learn, adapt and bounce back.



In nurseries and pre-prep schools with a child-centred approach, independence isn’t a standalone lesson &#8211; it’s woven into everyday life. It shows up in routines, play, friendships and self-care. When children are trusted with small, manageable responsibilities, they tend to grow into more confident, curious learners who are ready to have a go.



At <a href="https://www.st-christophers.surrey.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Christopher’s Nursery</a> in Epsom, this starts early. Even at nursery age, children are encouraged to initiate their own activities, with a thoughtful balance of teacher-led and child-initiated learning. The result? Plenty of space to explore, think critically and get those creative juices flowing.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-independence-matters">Why independence matters</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-300.jpg" alt="St Christopher's School and Nursery in Epsom" class="wp-image-65400" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-300.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-300-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-300-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-300-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-300-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



It’s easy to think of independence as simply “doing things for themselves” &#8211; but it runs deeper than that.



Giving children small responsibilities helps build confidence because they begin to see that their choices matter and that they are capable. Tasks that might feel slow, messy or mildly frustrating at first are actually teaching patience and resilience (even if you’re watching the clock).



Having the freedom to choose activities, explore and try things out supports social, emotional and academic development. Children who are encouraged to think for themselves tend to become active, curious learners &#8211; not ones waiting to be told what to do next.



And just to be clear, independence isn’t about expecting children to manage everything solo. It’s about helping them feel secure, capable and ready to take on new challenges.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-an-independence-friendly-environment-looks-like">What an independence-friendly environment looks like</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/09/St-Christophers-Epsom-11.jpg" alt="Children at St Christopher's School and Nursery in Epsom, Surrey" class="wp-image-61832" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/09/St-Christophers-Epsom-11.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/09/St-Christophers-Epsom-11-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/09/St-Christophers-Epsom-11-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/09/St-Christophers-Epsom-11-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/09/St-Christophers-Epsom-11-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



The best early years settings &#8211; like at St Christopher&#8217;s Nursery &#8211; make independence feel easy and natural.



Toys and materials are within reach, shelves are clearly organised, and activities are set up so children can confidently choose what interests them.



Teachers will typically break tasks down into simple steps and demonstrate first &#8211; whether that’s early mark-making, tidying up or navigating a new activity &#8211; and then step back to let children have a go.



There’s also a strong focus on small decisions. Choosing a story, selecting materials, deciding what to play with next &#8211; these moments might seem minor, but they help children feel heard and trusted. Alongside this, they learn to collaborate, ask for help and take responsibility for shared spaces, from hanging up coats to putting toys away.



It’s all about balance &#8211; freedom to explore, with support for when it’s genuinely needed.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-strategies-that-nurture-independence">Practical strategies that nurture independence</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-218.jpg" alt="St Christopher's School and Nursery in Epsom" class="wp-image-65399" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-218.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-218-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-218-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-218-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-218-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Simple routines can make a surprisingly big difference.



When children know what to expect &#8211; unpacking a bag, hanging up a coat, washing their hands &#8211; they naturally begin to take more responsibility. It might take longer at first, but consistency turns these moments into habits.



Offering small choices is another easy win. Picking between two snacks, choosing a jumper or deciding what to play with gives children manageable opportunities to make decisions and trust their own judgement.



The environment matters too. Low hooks, reachable shelves and clearly labelled storage all make it easier for children to find and put away their things independently.



At St Christopher&#8217;s teachers often “show and step back” &#8211; model the task, offer gentle guidance, then give children the space to try.



Unstructured, child-led play is another key piece of the puzzle. When children build, imagine, explore and negotiate with others, they’re developing decision-making and problem-solving skills in a way that feels completely natural.



At St Christopher’s, this is especially evident in Forest School sessions &#8211; where outdoor, hands-on learning encourages exploration, physical play and independent thinking, all under the guidance of specialist teachers.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-parents-can-support-independence-at-home">How parents can support independence at home</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-182.jpg" alt="St Christopher's School and Nursery in Epsom" class="wp-image-65398" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-182.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-182-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-182-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-182-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-182-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Children make the fastest progress when home and school work together.



Parents can support independence through simple daily habits. Involving children in small routines such as unpacking bags, hanging coats or collecting a snack helps them take responsibility. Offering choices between two outfits, snacks or bedtime stories gives them safe opportunities to make decisions. Encouraging them to look after toys, books and clothes builds a sense of ownership.



Supporting early self-care skills, such as brushing teeth, also helps children gain confidence. Allowing periods of uninterrupted play, while staying close by if needed, creates space for exploration. Praising effort and persistence shows children that their attempts matter, even when things are not perfect.



At St Christopher’s Nursery, independence is also nurtured through practical, hands-on experiences. A child-sized kitchen in the nursery gives children the opportunity to cook in some way every day &#8211; from grating and cutting to baking apple crumble, bread rolls and birthday cakes to celebrate together.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-support-with-freedom">Balancing support with freedom</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-465.jpg" alt="St Christopher's School and Nursery in Epsom" class="wp-image-65402" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-465.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-465-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-465-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-465-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-465-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Of course, there’s a fine line.



Too much freedom can feel overwhelming, while too much control can hold children back. The aim is to strike a balance &#8211; being present and supportive, while still allowing space for children to take small steps forward.



Emotional support plays a role here too. Talking things through, modelling kindness and helping children navigate social situations all contribute to their growing sense of independence.



As children get older, this naturally evolves into greater responsibility and leadership. At St Christopher’s, initiatives like the house system and pupil roles give children opportunities to develop communication, collaboration and decision-making skills across school life.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-lasting-gift">A lasting gift</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-443.jpg" alt="St Christopher's School and Nursery in Epsom" class="wp-image-65401" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-443.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-443-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-443-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-443-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/St-Christophers-Day-2-443-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Here’s the thing &#8211; independence isn’t really about mastering zips and shoelaces (they’ll get there).



It’s about raising children who think, “I can try this.”



Those small, everyday moments &#8211; choosing a book, pouring a drink, solving a disagreement or building something from scratch &#8211; quietly stack up into something much bigger: confidence, resilience and a willingness to have a go.



Give them the space, back them up, and resist the urge to swoop in too quickly &#8211; and you’re not just getting through the morning routine. You’re raising a child who feels ready for the world.



<a href="https://www.st-christophers.surrey.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Christopher’s School &amp; Nursery</a>, 6 Downs Road, Epsom, Surrey KT18 5HE. Tel:&nbsp;<a href="tel:01372 721807">01372 721807</a> 



See the St Christopher&#8217;s in action at the Nursery Open House on Sat 16 May. There will be plenty of activities on offer including Forest School, crafts, music and more, all carefully designed to entertain little ones whilst you chat to the school&#8217;s specialist staff. <a href="https://www.st-christophers.surrey.sch.uk/admissions/visit-st-christophers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Book here.</a>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discover-more">DISCOVER MORE</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/national-school-reviews/st-christophers-school-nursery-epsom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Review: St Christopher&#8217;s School &amp; Nursery</a></li>
</ul>

Encouraging independence in the Early Years

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