The Fascination of Enquiry

"honing early childhood education from the principles of relationship, encounter, enquiry, exchange and expression"

Introducing Sightlines Initiative pedagogical principles which have been articulated in close relationship with the experiences and practices of our colleagues in Reggio Emilia.

Our principles have been developed over many years in the UK context. How can Reggio-related pedagogical principles be practiced in the UK? The session will introduce the Sightlines Initiative principles and illustrate them with experiences from Early Years and Primary School contexts.

The construction of this relationship-rooted education expects educators to be listeners, researchers, co-constructors and proactive. Internationally speaking, UK early childhood educators are comparatively under-supported, under-qualified and under-paid. But all staff groups are able to become wonderful, researchful teams – we have seen this transformation as staff prioritise the setting as a place of relationships and find the courage and energy to ask good questions:

  • What are ways in which we can resource and support children in enlivening their curiosity, confidence, daringness, absorption, questioning, exhilaration? 
  • What are  ways we can find to bring these children together to discuss, agree and disagree? To engage in significant learning groups, delving into important ideas, experience and construction of knowledge? 
  • What are ways in which we can enable their sociable autonomy and rightful importance as citizens?

Sightlines Initiative: principles & characteristics for a relational pedagogyOur pre-schools, centres, schools can all be places of delight and research for children, for educators, families, communities. The aspirational journey can have a sound beginning in the fundamental enquiry – 'How do we learn to live well together?

Dates, Details & Booking

Date Thursday 11th December 2025
Cut off date Wednesday 10th December 2025
Price £40
Member Discount £10
Presenters Dr Chris Merrick Catherine Reding Robin Duckett
Please Note: NEU members also qualify for special discounts - see registration form.
Times 4 - 5.30pm
Location/Map online
Download info SI Autumn 2025-Spring 2026 Events.pdf

Speakers

  • Dr Christine Merrick

    I have worked in Early Years education for over forty years, from playgroup supervisor to primary headteacher. During that time I worked as Assistant Principal of Zurich International School with responsibility for Early Childhood which introduced me to a whole new world of international education and inquiry based practice. I chaired the European Council of International Schools Early Childhood committee helping to organize, and running workshops at their Early Childhood conferences. Since returning to the UK I have been lucky enough to continue to work with International Schools around the world. I have also worked in UK local authority Advisory & Inspection Services as an early years specialist and as an additional Inspector leading OFSTED inspections with SERCO as well as doing freelance consultancy and training in the UK and abroad.

    I have been associated with Sightlines Initiative for many years and have enjoyed numerous study weeks in Reggio Emilia including ones focusing on environments with the Domus Academy in Milan and celebrations of the work of Remida. These visits sustain my enthusiasm and feed my belief in the capabilities of young children. Alongside colleagues I have delivered 'Introduction to Reggio Emilia' sessions  and worked as part of the Developing Environments of Inquiry programme. In my free time I am the Chair of Governors of a nursery school and work with school governors on a range of issues. 

  • Catherine Reding

    I am a trained primary/early years teacher with a background in music and a love of being in nature. Over the last ten years I have worked in primary and nursery settings in the north of England variously as a teacher, music specialist and education consultant.

    I have led on many Sightlines Initiative action-research projects, and am currently a teacher at Kirkoswald Primary School, Cumbria.