How the team at an early years setting has adopted a Froebelian approach and the difference it's made to their staff, children and families.
"Since starting the Froebel Short Courses... we've slowed our practice right down so that we can see what the children are bringing in terms of their strengths and their ideas. And we're having a lot more reflective discussions as a team as well..."
Ely and Caerau Children's Centre in Wales is bringing a Froebelian approach to their work with young children and families. The team of educators based at the centre has been taking part in the Froebel Short Courses (completing Element One of the courses in 2023).
This short film tells their story; staff at the centre share their experiences and explain the difference Froebelian practice has made to them and the children they work with.
A Froebelian approach recognises the importance of play, learning through nature, practical hands-on learning and nurturing a child’s connection to their community.
About Ely and Cearau Children's Centre
Ely and Caerau Children’s Centre is Cardiff’s only Integrated Children's Centre. The centre welcomes babies from eight weeks old, has a toddler room for daycare (open from 8am till 6pm), has two nursery school classes on site for three and four year olds - and offers a wealth of services and groups for local families. The centre aims to improve the health, education and emotional development of young children through an integrated approach. The centre is located on the edge of one of Europe's largest council estates and is in an area which is listed within the 10% most deprived in terms of Income, Education and Community Safety (Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2019).
"...something that the Froebelian approach has done for us is help us to make those connections between all the services that we provide in the Integrated Children's Centre, and it's made us more connected. It's lovely that the approach can start from babies and it can involve the parents too..." Annamaria Bevan, Head of Centre, Ely and Caerau Children’s Centre
Estyn (Inspectorate for Wales) visited Ely and Caerau Children’s Centre in November 2023 and published a glowing evaluation report about the way the centre supports young children's learning. Inspectors commended the centre as "....(an) inspiring place where young children can explore and learn through play..." and commented on how "... a team of skilled, experienced practitioners provide many exciting experiences and activities that encourage young children to develop their skills and build their knowledge and understanding of the world. The head and deputy head of centre are passionate about, and have a strong understanding of, early childhood education."
Be inspired
You can learn more about Ely and Caerau Children’s Centre in Episode 9 of the Froebel Trust podcast - featuring Head of Centre, Annamaria Bevan. Guests in this episode discuss - "Can a Froebelian approach work in any kind of school or early years setting?"
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