What sets Heartfield Kindergarten apart from other preschools?
It starts with how we care, how we plan, and how we stay present with each child and family. These values guide everything we teach and do.
Since its inception back in 1995, Heartfield has remained independent and educator-led for nearly three decades. Our decisions are formed by decades of hands-on experience, not corporate policies.
Our classrooms reflect the children in them. And our teachers stay for years, many drawn by the same values that brought families to enrol their children here.
In this article, we’ll share what sets Heartfield apart. From our teacher-led curriculum and daily outdoor learning, to our Christian values and strong parent partnerships, you’ll see how our approach creates space for each child to grow with confidence and purpose.
Boutique, Independent Kindergarten—Not a Big Chain
Heartfield Kindergarten is not run by a franchise operator or investor group. It has always been independently run since its founding in 1995, when Sherlyn Lee Lim began the school in her own home. Today, it continues to be led by educators who know the children, families, and classrooms personally.
Key leaders like Curriculum Head Karen Ponniah and Principal Valerie Lee have remained closely tied to the school for many years. Together, they shape decisions based on direct classroom experience, not external templates or corporate mandates.
Our leadership team knows each child not just by name, but by their personality, progress, and unique traits. Indeed, Heartfield runs more like a family than a business—one where relationships are strong and every child is seen and valued.
Parental Loyalty and Staff Longevity
Relationships run deep here at Heartfield Kindergarten. Many of the families we serve stay connected with the school long after their children graduate, often returning with younger siblings or simply staying in touch.
This sense of continuity is mirrored in our teaching team. Our teachers and other staff tend to stay for years, supported by strong peer relationships and a shared commitment to the children in their care. One reason for this longevity is that they feel valued, empowered, and inspired in their work.
Each class is led by a team that includes both English and Mandarin teachers, as well as a teaching assistant. These teams have the autonomy to plan their lessons based on the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) framework, our school’s curriculum, and the needs of their specific group of children.
With that trust comes growth. Teachers develop professionally and take pride in crafting meaningful, engaging experiences. This is akin to growing bean sprouts and cooking them for lunch—to borrow a metaphor from a vegetable theme!
Thoughtfully Designed Around Each Child
Did you know that we don’t use pre-packaged lesson kits? Our curriculum is thoughtfully crafted in-house by a team with decades of hands-on experience.
Every plan is shaped by what we notice in our children, what excites them, what challenges them, and how they grow. We offer multiple pathways for each child to connect meaningfully with a topic.
Each week, our teachers reflect on their class and adjust the learning journey to match the developmental needs and interests of their group. A concept like “growth” might be explored through planting seeds, drawing life cycles, building stories, or singing songs.
Our approach stays fluid and open-ended. Some tasks invite imagination and discovery. Others—like mathematics—require clear answers. In those moments, your child is guided patiently through the process, encouraged to think things through, and supported until it makes sense.
We honour your child’s voice. Their questions, preferences, and choices are part of each day. And when they need more time, there’s always space to pause, revisit, or try a new approach.
More Than an Hour of Outdoor Play Daily
Outdoor play is an important component of Heartfield’s hands-on learning experience. It is built into our timetable, just like any other subject. It happens every single day, rain or shine (with plenty of shade and shelter, of course).
Our children water the garden, race on bikes, splash in water trays, or listen to stories beneath the trees. They conduct outdoor science experiments, build forts, and invent their own games.
Some of this time is gently guided. Much of it is open-ended. In both, your child learns to lead, follow, compromise, and cooperate. These provide rich opportunities for kids to practise communication, negotiation, and social problem-solving.
As they move, climb, run, and stretch, children develop strength, balance, and confidence not just in their bodies, but in themselves. There’s space to take safe risks, and time to slow down and breathe.
Emphasis on Christian Values
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
– Psalm 139: 14
Christian principles shape how we view and nurture our children at Heartfield. Every child is a unique creation, endowed with gifts and strengths that are theirs alone.
Our role as stewards is to help those qualities take root and flourish, enabling each child to grow into who they were meant to be. This also means guiding them through weaker areas, helping them develop new skills, overcome challenges, and strengthen character.
Lessons in kindness, humility, and empathy are woven into everyday moments. These are not delivered as lectures or sermons, but modelled through how we speak, act, and respond.
Here, children learn to take responsibility, listen well, and treat others with respect. Our teachers guide with calm and clarity, offering gentle correction, extending forgiveness, and even apologising when needed. By doing so, we demonstrate to children that grace and truth can go hand in hand.
In group conversations, we help children name their feelings, consider the impact of their actions, and find better ways forward. They may include emotional literacy, with questions like “How did that make you feel?” or “What could we do differently next time?” The goal is to guide behaviour while nurturing inner character and foundational skills.
Strong Parent Communication and Transparency
As a Heartfield parent, you’ll always know what your child is experiencing, learning, and feeling in class. This is because we believe in open, thoughtful communication with all our parents.
Our weekly reflections give you a clear view into classroom life, highlighting not just what your child did, but why it mattered for their growth.
Here, we avoid using vague phrases, jargon or buzzwords in our reports. We also make it a point to share helpful updates focused on child development insights that are shaped by your child’s progress.
When concerns arise, as they sometimes do, we reach out early to our parents and work through these challenges with them. Collectively, we work as a team to find the best path forward.
Education is a parent-teacher partnership. One where we work on setting goals together, adjusting when needed, and celebrating each step your child takes.
Visit Us to Learn More
We’d love to welcome you for a visit. Observe our classrooms in action, meet our teachers, and experience the warmth and rhythm of daily life at Heartfield. It’s the best way to see whether your child will thrive in our community!
To arrange a visit, call us at +65 6835 2354, email info@HeartfieldKindergarten.com, or visit our website.
