Rensje Annandale
Founder & Principal
Heinrich Annandale
General Manager, Rensje's PA and Jack of all trades
I've always had a heart for young children. While studying educational psychology, I became fascinated by how little minds learn, develop and experience the world. I knew early on that working with children was where I belonged.
In 2013, Heinrich and I moved from Pretoria to Cape Town. I started presenting educational development classes for young children and quickly realised that I wanted to be part of their growth on a daily basis. I dreamed of creating a place where children could feel safe and loved, learn through play and grow into their God-given potential.
I also wanted Jesus to be at the heart of it, a place where children would learn about God and where kindness, honesty, respect and love for others would simply be part of everyday life.
Heinrich was also ready for something new after many years in corporate marketing and shopping centre management. We have been members of the Doxa-Deo Church family for many years and one evening, around a braai with the Pastor, we started talking about the church facilities at Doxa Deo Langeberg that stood quiet during the week. We imagined those rooms filled with children, laughter and learning.
And so, in 2015, Speel-Speel Slim was born, with just eleven children and two teachers. As the school grew, so did our family. Our son was born in 2019 and joined Speel-Speel Slim at seven months old after the COVID lockdown. Our daughter arrived in 2023 and is still part of the school today. Having our own children here has given us an even deeper understanding of how much trust it takes for a parent to place their child in someone else's care.
Today, our little School has grown into a large family of children with 18 wonderful staff members. Heinrich always says that I am the heart of Speel-Speel Slim and he is the head. I focus on the children, their development and learning, while he keeps everything behind the scenes running smoothly. Together with our amazing team, we get to live the dream that started all those years ago.
Through all the growth and change, what we want for our children has stayed simple: that they feel safe and loved. That they have the freedom to play, learn and grow, and, above all, that they know how deeply they are loved by God.
Rensje Annandale, Founder & Principal
Christian values at the heart of everything we do.
Every child is safe and cared for.
Little ones learn best through play.
Helping each child grow at their own pace.
We nurture every child through play based learning rooted in Christian values. In a caring, bilingual environment, our qualified team partners with parents to prepare each child for big school with confidence and joy.
A place where every child grows into a confident, kind and curious little person, ready to embrace the future with joy.
Real stories from the families who have walked this journey with us.
“As our children move on to the next chapter of their academic journey, they take with them not only the knowledge that you've imparted, but also the values and lessons that have shaped them under your guidance. Your dedication and passion have left an incredible mark on their hearts, and for that, we are eternally grateful.”
“We have walked this road with Speel-Speel Slim for 6 years and are so grateful for the love, care and teaching our children have received over the years. The staff have truly become like family, and our children are being excellently prepared for the next chapter. I recommend Speel-Speel Slim wholeheartedly!”
“Our little boy Riley has been at Speel-Speel Slim since he was 10 months old. The development and growth we have experienced over the years is immeasurable. The love of every staff member from the Uiltjie class to the Leeutjie class we will always cherish. Speel-Speel Slim is definitely the best foundation for any child.”
“We said goodbye to SSS after 5 years in 2022. As a parent, one often reflects after each chapter ends and wonders whether you made the right decision on behalf of your children. In retrospect we would have done a few things differently, but SSS is definitely not one of them. You made the long days shorter and helped create memories that will last forever. Our daughters have since found their feet well in primary school, but SSS will always remain one of the safe harbours on their life's journey. Forever proud SSS Alumni!”
