Reggio Emilia approach
An approach to early education from the Italian city of Reggio Emilia that treats children as capable researchers who learn through projects
By The Toddly editorial team · Last updated 11 November 2026
Reggio-inspired nurseries follow children’s interests into long projects, explored through art, building, light, nature and conversation. Adults observe, listen and document children’s thinking with photos, transcripts and displays, which parents are invited to see. The environment, often light, natural materials and an art studio, is seen as a teacher in its own right. It is a philosophy rather than a set method, so practice varies a great deal between nurseries. In England these settings still follow the EYFS. Read our Reggio Emilia guide.