Visited a setting today that is completely outdoors and completely child-led. The highly skilled adults are facilitators and do not interfere in play and learning. They focus on letting children 'be'. It was refreshing to see, but I realised I felt sad that this approach is quite rare #EarlyYearsSky - ThreadSky

claireknight.bsky.social • 99 days ago

Visited a setting today that is completely outdoors and completely child-led. The highly skilled adults are facilitators and do not interfere in play and learning. They focus on letting children 'be'. It was refreshing to see, but I realised I felt sad that this approach is quite rare #EarlyYearsSky

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claireknight.bsky.social•99 days ago

I found it so interesting. I was there to discuss a child about to start. When observing him there and talking to the staff I realised that his 'needs' and 'barriers' didn't present in the environment, as it was so enabling and 'low-demand'.

specialsciteach.bsky.social•99 days ago

We need more of this type of provision, but the planning for how that then progresses at 5+ needs to be done carefully too.

claireknight.bsky.social•99 days ago

Yes, absolutely. Interestingly, this setting have developed a 5-12 provision for families electively home educating. For those going/returning to typical mainstream schools, it could be a huge transition. The challenge is finding a common ground I suppose!

learnwhatyoulive.bsky.social•99 days ago

I was thinking this sounds like a very home ed approach!

specialsciteach.bsky.social•99 days ago

Fascinating. Agree as well, expectations of reception and KS1 children in the UK can be ridiculous - let them be little!
(She says, in "ownership" of her own Y2 child...so vested interest)

claireknight.bsky.social•99 days ago

I have a son in year 2 too. I definitely had a shift in perspective today realising my own son was learning times tables whilst I was investigating icy puddles and painting fallen leaves with no pressure to meet prescribed expectations 🤣

specialsciteach.bsky.social•99 days ago

My background is secondary education so every day is a bit of an adventure when it comes to his learning!

debfielden.bsky.social•99 days ago

It’s very sad because it is such a fantastic approach.

phoebegriffiths.bsky.social•99 days ago

My daughter attends a forest school that’s exactly like this, as part of our home education curriculum. The first time I took her I cried, it felt so magical. Exactly the type of place for learning to occur. I also felt sad that the majority don’t get to experience it.

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