Minihaus: we’re all back!

From 1 July, Minihaus nurseries are running restricted regular sessions again after some 15 weeks’ emergency childcare arrangements. “Restricted”, because in contrast to the semi-open operation which characterizes the Minihaus model in normal circumstances, the children now have to remain in their groups and are not allowed to go and play with next-door groups. “This allows us to keep better track of chains of contact” explains Silvia Wick, one of the heads of education at Minihaus München.

“We are absolutely delighted that we are now able to welcome all children back to our Minihaus nurseries”, says Wick. Pre-schoolers, in particular, are looking forward to the final push in kindergarten, as they are off to “big school” in just a few weeks. To try and make the time during lockdown pass more quickly, Minihaus teachers have been staying in touch with parents and children by phone and e-mail and have prepared little workshops, for example.

Minihaus München also had some ideas for staying in touch with younger Minihaus children. From as early as 1 April, there was a livestream two to three days a week to which all children and their parents were invited. “This enabled us to celebrate our morning circles together with the children at home, joining in with singing songs, doing yoga or making things” explains Silvia Wick. Parents were grateful for the service. “A lot of parents wrote to thank us for a ‘bit of normality’”, she reports.

Starting back at the Minihaus nurseries together after the coronavirus lockdown will be another step towards normality – though of course, there will be certain rules governing hygiene and behaviour. When parents enter Minihaus facilities, for example, they will have to wear a face covering and maintain social distance. Education staff will be supporting parents in order to ensure that this happens, especially at drop-off and pick-up times, organizing access to the Minihaus nursery. Once the children have arrived at the nursery, staff will take them straight to wash their hands. There will also be sanitizer stations on every floor of Minihaus nurseries.

However, face coverings and distancing will not be possible in the daily round of teaching the children. “After all, proximity to the children is our work,” explains Silvia Wick. The teacher is also convinced that it is impossible to control children’s proximity to one another: “We must let the children get back to their friends.” This will be yet another piece of normality for the children – and for their parents too.