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"I've had a rubbish day"
"You won't believe how I was treated today..."
"I've had enough of working there now."
"As if I have to stay till 6pm for that meeting tonight on wellbeing."
"She told me that my practice makes up the filling of the s**t sandwich in this school!" (Yep this one really was said by a headteacher...)
"I'm dreading work tomorrow"
"I actually can't face being there anymore- I've had enough"

 Igniting Curiosity Outdoors 

I’m currently working with an early years setting on transforming their outdoor area to maximise levels of intrigue, curiosity and engagement.

The area currently has many resources that are duplicated from inside like sand and water trays. Some of the areas are quite over stimulating with brightly coloured laminated signs and posters. Asking for instance if the bucket is full? When really this comes from high quality interaction with an adult and children often see these types of signs as wallpaper. 

The area is mainly concrete and we are working at bringing in more nature. Allowing children to have the opportunities to freely explore and have ideas yet also learn to self manage risk. 

I thought it might be useful to share our ideas and some of the inspiration from our discussions. 

-Constructing raised beds where children can grow their own plants, fruit and vegetables. 

-Zoning off a large beach area for sand...

28th February 2020

Are you ready for International Hygge Day? 

Around the world Early Educators will be taking inspiration on Hygge and doing lots of cosy activities for themselves and children and sharing them using my #hyggeintheearlyyears

Why not have a coffee and cake break in the afternoon, wear your comfy clothes to work or have a family story time event?

If you're look for some ideas or inspiration then why not download my free guide here

This week on our Hygge blog we're joining my our members Sarah and Carly. The home based childcare team and recently completed the Hygge in the Early Years Accreditation. 

"My journey on the Hygge Accreditation has been life changing. Yes, I know it sounds corny but honestly it changed every except of my life.

This February I’ve been a childminder for 16 years and the changes and support childminders get has virtually disappeared. Training is now left to us to source as well as the cost. With no support from our local authority we collect a lot of information from support groups like early years teachers, childcare groups and other settings on social media. One night I stumbled upon the Hygge Accreditation and Kimberly and I was hooked.  I soon signed up and honestly, I have never in my life been so enthusiastic to do any kind of training and learning. The Hygge Accreditation is perfectly put together and so easy to understand with a wealth of teachers with...

What is the real point in working harder and living less? Why have all the money but lack in happiness?

Take a step back and consider what means the most to you.

1. Working every hour of the day, chasing the next promotion, having ‘things’ but lacking in moments.

In this weeks blog post hear from my lovely member Karolina on how she felt before she started on the Hygge in the Early Years Accreditation™ (find out more here!) and how it's changed all aspects of her life for better!

When I started developing my childcare setting I had no knowledge about Early Years at all. I struggled every day by getting stressed and my mind was racing which stopped me from enjoying running the setting, as I was working on my own I didn’t have anyone to speak to reflect on my practice and continuously thought that I am not doing enough. However, I was very passionate about teaching children independence through real life play situations using natural toys and equipment.  I very much struggled to understand how to observe children, plan in accordance of children’s interests and next steps. In general, I needed help with everything.  When I came across Hygge course I knew that this was exactly what I needed to help me...

"How do you resource your provision Laura?," I asked.

"Basically anything that children can't do at home I do here." Laura- Stone Hen Childcare

This is how the learning happens and Laura brings in the teaching around risk, the curiosity and enchantment. 

Find out more about Laura's practice here https://www.facebook.com/stonehenchildcare/

My Christmas gift to you…

I could give you a present, or an advent calendar full of daily treats…but ‘things won’t give you moments of joy this Christmas. I’ve thought long and hard about this one and I want to give you 2 gifts this year; love and time.

So here is my letter to you doing just that

Dear Educator,

I know you care greatly about your job and work long hours doing everything you can possible do to give the children in your care the very best start in life.

I get that as I do too!

In the process of doing the ‘best we can’ we risk neglecting our loving family and friends that are around us.

But in our job…the saddest thing is that if we leave tomorrow, we will be replaced in a flash.

Yet then it’s too late…you’ve already missed so many precious moments you won’t ever get back. Think of all the giggles at bath time, seeing an elderly relative face light up when you spend time spend time...

This week we are joined by Hygge in the Early Years Member Amanda Fisher who is sharing with you her journey on approaching Hygge in a Children's Centre. 

I have worked in Children Centres for 9 years, prior to that working within a preschool setting whilst my own children were little, I am currently privileged to manage a Children’s Centre in a deprived area with a wonderful community spirit.

I always strived to create a warm, welcoming and homely environment; indeed it is the one thing the centre is congratulated on frequently by visitors.  I wanted to extend this feeling throughout the centre which is what lead me to explore The Hygge Accreditation, the ethos is one which I feel most relates to what I want to create and offer to families, a sense of warmth, joy and belonging. 

The centre is a hive of activity throughout the week and one of the highlights is the Stay and Play session we offer weekly. We welcome families with children from birth and are...