The Curiosity & Imagination network, led by Kids' Clubs Network (KCN), the independent think-tank Demos and the Campaign for Learning, will support the development of learning opportunities across the UK that encourage children's creativity and sense of discovery.
The network aims to foster the sharing of information and expertise between practitioners in a range of settings, exploring new ways of working.
The national network was launched last week at the Horniman Museum's Hands On Base, a learning centre packed with ethnographic, musical and natural history objects in south London. The Hands On Base is a trailblazer member of the Curiosity & Imagination network and offers children and their carers opportunities to explore engaging interactive exhibits, such as a puppet theatre and discovery boxes containing sets of objects which are linked in intriguing ways.
Speaking at the launch, Anne Longfield, chief executive of KCN, said, 'This initiative will help children to develop their most creative tools - their natural curiosity and imagination.'
Campaign for Learning policy and information director Toby Greany said, 'Curiosity & Imagination represents the best way children can learn - purposeful, playful, hands-on fun.'
The Curiosity & Imagination network has grown out of a KCN project to support the development of centres that use playful, hands-on experience as a tool for children's learning, inspired by the worldwide children's museum movement.
To find out more visit the website www.curiosityandimagination.org.uk.
