Our Outward Facing Work
At Shefford Lower it is our aim to work in collaboration with the wider professional community sharing practices, networking and collaborating to ensure strong pedagogical approaches to learning. For the past 2 years, the school has been running a network called The Joy of Learning.
The aim of this network was
- To reduce transition between phases and create seamless pedagogical approaches across key stages
- To support children to engage with writing
- To reduce PP and SEND gaps in EYFS and KS1
- To reduce behaviour incidents through increasing engagement
- To raise staff wellbeing
- To enhance childhood experiences
The peagogoical approaches were designed to support the development of 21st Century skills relevant to children’s future lives:
Testimonies from the experts involved:
Loni Bergqvist:
"It is such a pleasure to be involved in the Joy of Learning Network! Each time, I am met with curious and eager educators who are searching for ways to help bring the inner light of children to life. Their desire to make changes so that all children can be seen and valued is so inspiring! Schools and day-cares are not always spaces built on love and acceptance but through the Network, I am confident that the educators are getting the tools and reassurance they need to create the space for children to explore, play and learn deeply. What is more important than that?"
Greg Bottrill:
"What does childhood want? The answers to this question may vary, but whatever we respond, the follow up question would be 'and how are you ensuring childhood gets it?'. It's here that this project steps in, exploring a host of ways to illuminate childhood and its abundant possibilities. All too often education is done to children, yet here we have a project that shows a different, yet more powerful pathway: education done with children. Adventure, joy, wonderment and companionship don't just have to belong in story books - children can live in one, and this project is like the turning of the pages in that living story book."
Feedback from the network:
“Excellent knowledge from experts on the project and great CPD into new areas as well as areas to strengthen early foundations within the school. There have already been so many sessions with great take aways that have created a huge buzz with staff.”
“I have enjoyed all of the sessions and found them all to be well related and relevant.”
“The in-person event at Shefford Lower School was fantastic, it has been a long time since I enjoyed training so much. Both Jamel and Greg's passion and knowledge was outstanding.”
“The events have been an encouragement to me. It has been wonderful to learn and reflect with like-minded practitioners. All strategies shared can be implemented straight away into my setting. If I have been able to make a virtual event the notes have been shared immediately. I have appreciated this kindness.”
“Really motivating! Great to see so many people involved as well.”
“Great learning and inspiration so far!”
“Great ease of access, motivating, positivity, supportive people.”
“They have been insightful, interesting and informative. I have enjoyed them.”
“Great experience to connect with such inspiring practitioners with a wealth of differing experiences to share.”
“Brilliant! Lots of fab practical ideas that I have already been implementing. It genuinely feels joyous!”
“It has given us lots of things to reflect upon and how we can enhance the opportunities that we are providing for our children. The face to face training was amazing and we took a lot from it.”
“We have found the support for continuous provision has been inspiring and has helped us plan for next year.”
“I really enjoyed the face to face session with Jamel and Gregg. I found Greggs talk around children from disadvantage backgrounds and how they interpret things very informative.”
“Creating opportunities for more engaging and project-based learning. A deeper understanding of Drawing Club and Story Dough to support staff into developing and embedding more in own as well as whole school practice.”
“Inner child led practice, the story of adventure, time together, magic mirror work have all been amazing”
Happy children and happy staff. Staff are excited to plan these opportunities in to their curriculums.
