'IT IS CRUCIAL THAT WE GET EDUCATION RIGHT EARLY ON'

This is a sentence that stood out for me! Why? Because it is a fact that is so often not acknowledged. Not only that, this was a comment made in recognition of an outdoor nursery's great achievement and well earned award as Overall School of the Year in the UK!

On a recent trip to the UK I was extremely privileged to spend a day at Boldon Outdoor Nursery School where I met up with Sue Stokoe and the dedicated team who had recently won not only Early Years Setting of the Year but also Overall School of the Year. 

What does 'getting it right' look like?

An indoor space full of natural, real life opportunities.

Permanently OPEN DOORS to the outside

A playground with 'spirit', culturally relevant. The Beach.

Appropriate clothing and open ended opportunities.

Adults who value and protect TIME. Unhurried and without unnecessary adult agendas

Opportunities for children to challenge themselves with sensitive adult interaction

A close connection to animals, respectful and caring.

A Wild Space, full of adventurous opportunities

A gathering space to rest, to have conversations, to keep warm and to have a snack

A place to be hidden, out of sight of the adult

A warm, cosy shelter outdoors to snuggle up and BE

A place where friendships and connections are naturally formed

Where families feel valued

These are just a few of my observations of a beautiful centre that is getting it right early on.....Thank you and CONGRATULATIONS on the well deserved acknowledgment of what is important in children's lives.