Explore award winning Forest Schools and Nature Kindergartens in the UK This is an opportunity to really experience nature-based pedagogy with our highly experienced Educational Consultant and international study tour facilitator, Niki Buchan.
OPTION A - SCOTLAND: 25th September - 2nd October 2018 We have planned an exciting itinerary, using Niki’s expertise and personal contacts, visiting a selection of award winning high quality early childhood settings. Numbers are limited to maintain a personalised experience and to show respect for the children and settings we visit. The focus will be on the respectful relationships in nature-based practice both indoors and outdoors, visiting spaces where children are trusted as self risk assessors and are supported by sensitive adults in challenging themselves appropriately. You will be able to immerse yourself in the environments, to spend unhurried time with the children and educators and really explore what respectful relationships between all stakeholders looks and feels like.
Niki lived and worked in the UK for many years where she helped to set up and act as Head of Nature Kindergartens. She currently lives in Australia and has extensive knowledge of curricula and regulations in both countries. She is the author of “Children in Wild Nature” a practical Australian book on how to work with children in nature and a UK version "A Practical Approach to Nature-based Practice". Niki will offer professional development sessions during the tour to support delegates wanting to implement or develop Nature-based practice into their settings.
We are in the process of finalizing our itinerary allowing a wide range of experiences to be packed into the time allowed, however we can confirm the following:
Study Tour starts in Glasgow on the morning of the 25th September Finishes in Glasgow after breakfast on the 2nd October We have adapted the Scotland tour to offer a reduced price and time option as well as offering 2 add-ons for those who would like to extend their experiences in the UK. We have also made the prices inclusive of all meals and single occupancy rooms as I believe we need time to reflect and have some time on our own.
The sites we will visit are all very different offering a variety of perspectives on working with children and adults in very naturalistic spaces indoors and outdoors as well as ‘wild’ nature. We have planned this study tour to allow you the time to really BE in the different centres, to spend the days with the children and educators, experiencing, reflecting, photographing, discussing and asking questions. Niki has selected 4 of her favourite centres (all have been confirmed) with the possibility of a few other experiences. Delegates will be kept fully informed with a detailed itinerary. There will be plenty of time to immerse yourself in the ‘Scottishness’ of Scotland with most evenings free as well as a free weekend in Dunblane to go off exploring.
COST SCOTLAND STUDY TOUR 2018 OPTIONS
Option A: dates 25 September – 2 October 2018 $5000 (includes GST) 7 day tour includes 2 days recreation and reflection weekend visiting at least 5 high quality early childhood settings. Includes all meals, single occupancy accommodation, site visits, travel during the tour. Excludes travel to Scotland, alcohol and personal purchases.
Option B – dates 2 – 3rd October 2018 $400 (includes GST) 1 ½ day add on option: travel to Milton Keynes, England. There is then the option of joining the International Play Iceland Tour add on tours. We will be visiting another exceptional award winning outdoor nursery school. Includes all meals, single occupancy accommodation, site visit and travel to Milton Keynes, England. Excludes alcohol and personal purchases.
Option C: TBC $750 (includes GST) 3 day add on option: travel to Aberdeen to experience the innovative Nature Nurture Early Intervention Program for children suffering from Trauma and stress, children with high anxiety, behavioural issues in school etc. Includes all meals, single occupancy accommodation, site visits, travel during the tour. Excludes travel to Scotland, alcohol and personal purchases.
Payment Plan Travel/Flights to our meeting point in Glasgow/Edinburgh are the responsibility of the delegate and are not included in the pricing. Taking advantage of some of the early booking options often means a considerable savings on the flights. We offer the opportunity to ‘save forwards’ through a payment plan. A $1000 non refundable deposit to confirm your space on the tour will be required on booking. You may then choose to pay the remainder off weekly, fortnightly or monthly so that the full payment is received by the 21st August 2018.
Interested? Please contact Niki with your expressions of interest at [email protected]
Numbers are strictly limited to allow us to spend quality time in settings with minimal disruption to the children.
THEN Join Niki and Tom Shea in ICELAND - an exciting optional extra! either 4th or 7th October to the 12th October
The Play Iceland Tour is organised by the awesome Tom Shea and his team of International Play Iceland. If you are interested in this tour we will connect you directly with Tom, Linda and Ollie to make the necessary arrangements as we are working collaboratively. If you are connecting through us please let them know too!
Would you like to join us for any or all the options? For more information please contact Niki with your expressions of interest at [email protected]
Cedarsong Nature School's Forest Kindergarten Seattle Study Tour and Nature Pedagogy Conference May 2019 with Erin Kenny, Jan White and Niki Buchan
Venue: Seattle area and Cedar Song Nature School, Vashon Island, Puget Sound, US. Dates: 20th – 25th May 2019 (TBC) Number of spaces: 5 Cost: TBC Expression of Interest: [email protected]