Beginnings
– How I view my practice at the start of my current training –
This practitioner has not chosen to share this information at this time.
I enjoy being able to observe and support children throughout their learning journey. I love to watch them grow and develop into their own self and see a sense of belonging and self-worth. I also enjoy seeing and supporting this in parents and wider families.
I enjoy spending time with children and getting to know them as individuals.
Working with young children gives me a sense of pride and a place of work to go to that I enjoy being at and look forward to what each day will bring.
It is a fantastic, rewarding role. An absolute honour and blessing to be able to share a child's journey through their early years of life and learning.
I love working outdoors and the feeling that the fresh air and nature brings to me. I love to observe what this does for children and how confident and engaged they are in their own selves and their choices of learning approaches. It is when my practice is most child-centred and taking the children's lead on heir interests and supporting their learning becomes most natural to me.
The environment in my setting lends itself to free-flow outdoor play for all children. Children can access outdoor play following a soft start and welcome in the morning through double doors which lead out into our fantastic garden and outdoor areas from each room. The outdoor area is well planned and includes materials and resources which encourage children to explore their natural environment, and promote curiosity. It allows children to take part in risky play, but in a safe environment. It allows opportunities for provocations and appropriate interactions in how the staff support and plan areas within the centre. There are areas for rest and opportunities for reflection both indoors and outdoors. Staff use highly skilled observations to support children's learning.
Children's voice is captured in individual learner journals and chat books throughout the nursery to allow children to celebrate their achievements and take ownership of their learning. Staff's observations inform materials and experiences within the environment which link to, and extend children's interests, thoughts and ideas. Children are involved in policy making through their voice being captured both in observations and through dialogue.
There are opportunities for children to participate in book bug sessions, yoga, sports development programmes, and experiences throughout the local community.
Froebelian thinking inspires my practice as it echos and confirms my own beliefs and principles of love, nurture and support when working with children. It encompasses my love around outdoor learning and the benefits of this to the children for their over all well-being.
Working in partnership with multi-agencies ensures a holistic approach to working with children and families within my setting. My awareness of this allows me to support children and families from all backgrounds and origins. Acknowledging the role that parents have in their child's learning and development and involving them in the community allows us to work together for the best outcomes for children.
I hope to learn in depth about Froebelian principles and practice and to allow these to influence our practice and environment within the centre. I hope to share practice and ideas with other centres.
The support of my leadership team and very importantly, my colleagues within the centre.