Diary

Hello, we've received new stock of this most useful book. Here below is a detailed review by a network member.The bookshop link is at tthe bottom of the article.

"This is an inspirational book which clearly documents different stories, projects, challenges and ideas by educators, from both Reggio Emilia and North America, on the prominence of the atelier space within the schools. Examples are given from American schools inspired by the unique and creative philosophies and practices of the Reggio Emilia preschools, alongside articles and quotes from renowned creative thinkers such as Vea Vecchi, Carla Rinaldi and Loris Malaguzzi who have been key figures in the growth of the Reggio Emilia approach. In the Spirit of the Studio: Learning from the Atelier of Reggio Emilia is beautifully illustrated making visible the learning processes from both children and adults."

Is the UK government intending to push early childhood education in Egland to the wire, or just being careless?

Here is an extract from today's BBC report (link): 

"Ministers provided extra money for Nursery Schools from 2017 after a shake-up of funding left some nurseries worried they would close. But the funding supplement agreed then runs out in 2020. The government has given no assurances about what will happen after this date.

Education select committee chairman Robert Halfon told the Today programme Treasury "bean-counters" would store up huge problems if the schools were not protected.

Conservative ministerial aide Craig Tracey and Chichester MP Gillian Keegan said they had raised the issue with ministers.

England has 400 maintained nursery schools, which are owned and directly paid-for by the state. They have to hire better-qualified staff than private nurseries, and often teach and care for children with disabilities and special education needs. The majority are based in disadvantaged areas. A majority of the schools expect to run deficit budgets next year, according to a survey from an All Party Parliamentary Group supporting nurseries.

The Education Secretary Damian Hinds has identified programmes run in state-run nurseries as assets in improving social mobility - staging a media event in a Luton school in April - but some are already struggling to stay open.  Carole Jacques, who runs a nursery in Norwich, said they had to phone print companies begging for paper for children to draw on after money ran out. Ms Jacques said her school would definitely close without the funding, as did Amanda King who runs two nursery schools in Warwickshire. She said her schools were already losing £60 a week for every child with special needs they accepted.  Her MP Craig Tracey said there would be "huge consequences" if the schools closed, and he didn't know what would happen to children there with special educational needs as private nurseries had no obligation to take them.

You can also listen to BBC Radio 4 report here (link).

What is your MP's position?  Some MPs such as mny in the Education Sub-Committee are highly informed and committed. to early childhood education. Many though, including cabinet ministers, are not. Some may be confused and distracted; some may not care. 

Now is the time to help your MP become informed if they aren't, and to support them in championing education if they are.

 "Reflections Nursery & Forest School is a 170-place day nursery operating a forest and beach school programme and running a small independent infant school. The nursery won UK nursery of the Year in 2009/10 and has been awarded Outstanding by OFSTED at the last three inspections. The setting is well-known for drawing inspiration from the pre-schools of Reggio Emilia and runs Professional Development Days each year for visiting educators from the UK and around the world.

You will ideally be a graduate with substantial experience of leadership in the early years and an understanding of the Reggio approach. Applications from individuals with a Level 3 Early Years qualification intending to achieve graduate status will be considered.

We are offering a package including a salary of £23,000 - £27,000pa and a professional development programme which will include a study visit to Reggio Emilia to develop your understanding of the Reggio approach.