Happy Hippos

Curious Learners, Building Strong Foundations

Age: 4-5 years
Grade: 00

Happy Hippos is our Grade 00 class, designed for children who are confident, inquisitive, and eager to understand the world around them. At this stage, children are full of questions, ideas, and imagination, and they are ready for learning to become more intentional – while still remaining playful and joyful.

In Happy Hippos, learning starts with the child. We follow their curiosity, listen to their ideas, and create learning experiences that grow from what genuinely interests them.

What Matters Most at This Stage

Grade 00 is a vital foundational year. Before children are ready for more formal learning, they need strong developmental foundations in place.

In Happy Hippos, our focus is on:

  • Nurturing curiosity and a love of learning
  • Strengthening attention, language, and communication
  • Supporting emotional regulation and confidence
  • Developing independence and responsibility in age-appropriate ways

These foundations support both current learning and readiness for the years ahead.

Learning Through Play

Learning in Happy Hippos remains play-based, but with greater depth and intention. Children engage in extended play, exploration, and inquiry, supported by teachers who carefully guide and extend learning.

Teachers create purposeful learning invitations that:

  • build early thinking and problem-solving skills
  • encourage collaboration and communication
  • support emerging independence

Play continues to be the vehicle for learning, ensuring children remain motivated, confident, and engaged.

Building Strong Foundations for Learning

The Happy Hippos programme is informed by neuroscience and early childhood research, recognising the importance of strong brain–body connections before formal learning and higher executive functioning can take place.

Through purposeful play and thoughtful teaching, we support:

  • Emotional regulation and resilience
  • Language and communication
  • Physical coordination and body awareness
  • Social confidence and independence

These foundations allow learning to flourish naturally and meaningfully.

Our Environment

Happy Hippos learn in welcoming indoor spaces and enjoy a dedicated, developmentally appropriate outdoor playground designed for their age group.

Children have daily opportunities to explore, create, and move freely, both indoors and outdoors. The environment supports growing independence while remaining calm, familiar, and nurturing.

Specialist Experiences

As part of the wider Uplands community, Happy Hippos enjoy enriching specialist experiences that gently broaden their learning:

Sport with specialist coaches

A Learn-to-Swim programme during school time

Weekly music lessons

Library visits fostering a love of reading

Afrikaans and isiZulu language experiences

Our Caring and Qualified Team

Happy Hippos are guided by a team of qualified, experienced teachers and nurturing assistants who understand both the developmental needs and growing capabilities of this age group.

Educators carefully balance guidance and independence, supporting children to take ownership of their learning while feeling secure and supported.

A Strong Bridge Forward

The Happy Hippos year lays strong foundations for the transition into Leaping Leopards (Grade 0). Children leave Grade 00 confident, curious, and comfortable within the school environment, ready to take the next step in their learning journey.

Why Parents Choose Uplands Happy Hippos

  • A child-centred, curiosity-led approach to learning
  • Play-based learning with increasing depth and intention
  • Strong focus on developmental foundations
  • Dedicated, caring, and qualified teachers and assistants
  • Age-appropriate indoor and outdoor learning spaces
  • Sport, swimming, music, library, and language exposure included
  • A nurturing environment that builds confidence and independence
  • A thoughtful bridge between early learning and Grade 0
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Final Reassurance

Happy Hippos is a place where children feel safe, curious, and confident — building strong foundations for learning through play, connection, and care.

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