Nursery World - Time to grow

Early years consultant Marie Charlton recently returned from a study tour of Denmark's pre-schools - and wished she could bring their principles and practice home too Picture the scene. A low white thatched-roof cottage at the end of a stony track in a forest clearing. Children sitting outside at pine benches, despite intermittent drizzle, eating packed lunches. As they finish, they move off in a relaxed way to pursue their own interests. A few go inside the cottage to sleep.

Picture the scene. A low white thatched-roof cottage at the end of a stony track in a forest clearing. Children sitting outside at pine benches, despite intermittent drizzle, eating packed lunches. As they finish, they move off in a relaxed way to pursue their own interests. A few go inside the cottage to sleep.

Inside, the cottage is homely, with a big wood-burning stove where bread is baked daily. Lighted candles give a welcoming glow. Furniture is adult- sized and made from attractive wood. Many natural materials and a few commercial games and toys stand on the open shelves. A cat stretches in her basket on a top shelf, safe from the children's caresses as she sleeps. The love of nature is apparent in this room and a glass cabinet houses the treasures that the children have found, including a bird's wing, a dead butterfly and a beautifully shaped stone.

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