As a nursery with a high percentage of level 3 and higher qualified staff, and one that provides staff with regular training, we wanted to make the most of the Transformation Fund.
Following a detailed proposal and discussion with Calderdale's Family Services team, we agreed to send two members of staff on an exchange to Play English, a bilingual day nursery and school in northern Italy. We felt that an international exchange would provide a unique opportunity to observe different practitioners and learn about work in different countries.
Play English draws extensively on the High Scope and Reggio Emilia philosophies. We were keen to look at their use of an art specialist, or 'atelierista', someone who works with children both in the classroom and in the art studio or 'atelier' to develop and extend children's creativity as a language or expression.
Interested staff were asked to submit a written summary of why they should take part. We then had the difficult task of choosing the right pair. Clare Dean, head of pre-school and Claire Fahey, head of big toddlers, were chosen.
They set off in January with a project to complete. They were asked to describe the impact of the exchange, highlight cultural differences and explain how they might implement suitable practices to our own setting. They were excited and a little nervous as they left, but the trip turned out to be a great success. Clare Dean reported that they learned a lot about Italian culture and early years education, and were able to bring back lots of new activities to try in the nursery.
In February we welcomed Laura Fumagalli and Alessandra Cattaneo to Eureka! Nursery. Both spent time in each unit, giving all our staff the opportunity to share ideas. Laura used her skills as an atelierista, leading a fantastic creative activity that kept children engaged for almost an hour.
As our nursery is part of the Eureka! museum, the Italian staff were able to experience something truly unique. They spent time with nursery children on their weekly visit to the museum, and Laura shared her Atelier portfolio with museum staff.
Our Foundation Stage consultant from Calderdale council also met Laura and Alessandra, who in turn visited Calderdale's demonstration classroom. The visit ended with an evening out in Halifax, accompanied by Susan Waltham, lecturer in childhood studies at Leeds Metropolitan University.
So what next? In April the head of our nursery will visit Italy to support training at Play English. Here in England, we have been inspired to develop the museum's early years room into a Reggio-style atelier that nursery children will access regularly. I have no doubt this experience will have a positive impact on our nursery and, in particular, our children.
Overall, the exchange has provided new perspectives on childcare, a wealth of new knowledge and a lot of fun.
Rebecca Johnson is play and early years director of Eureka! The Museum for Children and Eureka! Nursery, in Halifax, West Yorkshire; www.eureka.org.uk.
