There is a growing demand, across the UK, many other parts of Europe and the United States, for a reform in the education system. With a growing demand, from industry, society and parents, for a more child centered approach. We are seeing a higher drop rate for young people, more disengaged children and a massive growth in mental health issues. Home education is on the rise because parents are starting to see that "mainstream" education isn't the right place for their child. These parents are looking for a system that promotes dynamic thinking, creativity, independence, emotional intelligence and non-conformist behaviour. All of which are highly valued within the majority of mainstream Early Years settings but quickly "stamped out" in place of training, conformity, a narrow academic priority and test readiness, by the time children reach Year One. We aim to provide an alternative provision which encompasses a child centered pedagogy.
The following information, taken from gb.education.com, outlines what "child centered" means:
All children have a right to an education that helps them grow and develop to their fullest; this basic premise is at the heart of our understanding of child-centered education. Therefore, daily interactions with children should be based on the fundamental question, Am I teaching and supporting all children in their growth and development across all domains—social, emotional, physical, linguistic, and intellectual? Such teaching is at the heart of developmentally appropriate practise.
Every child is a unique and special individual. Consequently, we have to teach individual children and be respectful of and account for their individual uniqueness of age, gender, culture, temperament, and learning style.
Children are active participants in their own education and development. This means that they should be mentally involved and physically active in learning what they need to know and do.
Children's ideas, preferences, learning styles, and interests are considered in the planning for and implementation of instructional practices.
We need your signature in order to demonstrate parental need/support to the Department For Education.
