Teacher training around the campfire
15 February 2010
Students from the School of Education Studies and Primary Education recently took part in a 'Forest School' skills session at Everton Children and Family Centre.
The undergraduate teacher training (Early Years route) students attended the Everton Centre as part of their final year specialist Early Years module, and it was an invaluable opportunity to gain first hand experience of the high standard of care and education provided in this setting.
Initially, the students enjoyed a campfire session with nursery children who attend Everton Early Childhood Centre to observe the protocol for enabling creative but safe activities with young children. Later, the students were given a talk which outlined the Forest School initiatives and Everton's own environmental programme for environmental issues, citizenship and health.
The programme was organized by Diane Boyd, a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at LJMU, and facilitated by Everton-based Forest School consultant, Lesley Donahue, who is well regarded for her views on enhancing outdoor experiences for young children.
Diahann Gallard (Early Years lecturer and route leader) who attended alongside the students said: "This was an excellent opportunity to work closely with one of our partnership Early Years settings. We value the example that this 'Outstanding' setting can provide for our students, with their specialist knowledge in addressing local need".
This activity was arranged as part of the initiative to work closely with high achieving schools for initial teacher education.
