Nursery World - EYFS Best Practice: A short history of ... Early education

Consultant Wendy Scott OBE was one of the leading figures within
the early years sector to be recognised in the New Years Honours List
for services to education. Here, she provides a brief history of nursery
education in the UK as a celebration of the principled reflection,
determined action and thoughtful provision that has led to innovative
early years care and education across the nation and which has been
acknowledged worldwide.

The approach to early childhood education in Britain is centred on the individual learner, in contrast to traditional subject-centred and teacher-directed approaches. The key underlying principles of early years pedagogy are based on a respect for the individual nature of each child, and the family and culture from which they come. Children's physical development and their personal, emotional and social development along with their communication skills are seen as crucial interacting elements supporting their intellectual development. Education in the early years is about sharing engaging, worthwhile experiences with children, linked to their interests and what they already know, thus building on their fascination and wonder at the world around them.

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