Are Reggio Emilia nurseries any good?

[Justkeepswimming321]

Hello,
I'm relocating later this year and we've found a lovely nursery we are keen to put out son into. It's full time (which is what we need) and has loads of outdoor stuff, including outdoor classrooms. However, it calls itself a Reggio Emilia nursery. I'd never heard of that so I Googled it and it's making me have second thoughts. The toys all look dull (all brown and look kind of the same?) and it says it's led by child choice. Would this sort of nursery make for a really difficult transition to a more structured, traditional mainstream primary school? In terms of having to follow instructions and follow a more rigid routine? The nursery looked amazing until I read Reggio Emilia... I just want a nice normal outdoorsy nursery that looks after the kids well and whose preschool prepares them with the skills they will need for primary school!

If anyone with any knowledge and experience can help I'd be grateful! The issue is obviously compounded by the fact that we can't actually go and visit the nurseries in person due to Covid yet have to decide very soon as they get booked up 😭

Sorry I should add that my little boy is 2 years old and quite a handful! He is absolutely full of energy and is a real character. He is very willful and likes to get his own way, but his current nursery have got him behaving beautifully and following instructions and the nursery's structure and expectations brilliantly. It's not ideal having to leave his current nursery but we have to relocate for my new job. In some ways I feel Reggio Emilia might suit his personality well... But I'm worried a too child led approach might mean he'll struggle to adapt to primary school and not pick up the skills and behaviours he'll need for Reception? He could definitely be wild if allowed, and I'm especially concerned about making the right choice as it's full time so the nursery will see him far far more than I will...!

Most Early Years providers and even the actual EYFS curriculum have aspects of Reggio approach because it is so highly thought of. Absolutely would recommend - you are lucky to have a proper Reggio approach nursery near you, even more so if the staff have actually trained in Italy! A child centred approach is always the right approach, he does not need to behave like a reception child at 2. Hope he enjoys his new nursery.

Brilliant, think you. Very reassuring! :)