Froebel in childhood practice course
This course is designed for professionals working in Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) with a desire to learn about Friedrich Froebel (1782-1852), one of the most significant of the early years pioneers, and how Froebelian methods are extremely relevant today.
The Froebel in Childhood Practice course considers how a contemporary analysis of Froebel’s work can provide early years practitioners (and others interested in ELC) with insights into how they can observe, support and extend children’s learning. Participants will learn about the Froebelian kindergarten where children can grow and develop at their own pace, nurtured by knowledgeable and supportive adults. Participants will be encouraged and challenged to consider how this knowledge can enhance their professional practice.
We run courses for local authorities and 2 open courses each year.
The Edinburgh Froebel course is one of only two courses in the UK endorsed by the Froebel Trust.
Course content
- An Introduction to Froebel’s Historic Heritage
- Froebel’s Principles: Practice Today
- Play, Anti-Discrimination, Diversity and Equity
- Professional Visit – Cowgate Under 5s Centre
- Froebel and Inclusive Education
- Froebel and Symbolic Representation
- Play Outdoors, Adventure and Challenge: A Froebelian Perspective on the Nursery Garden Today
Learning objectives
- To develop a critical understanding of Froebelian principles and compare them to contemporary research and policy on pedagogy, curriculum and assessment.
- Demonstrate knowledge of a variety of contrasting academic writings on childhood including Scottish & International ideas.
- Identify, analyse and synthesise opposing topical and historical representations of childhood.
- To consider contemporary ideas concerning, social justice, diversity, anti-discrimination and equity in education.
- To develop an embedded / located approach to policy, practice and material provision.
- Critically consider concrete everyday settings (eg, your workplace) particularly in relation to social divisions, life experience, academic achievement and formalised approaches to child development
Please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for further information about the course.
Froebel in Childhood Practice Course Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Course tutors
| Course Tutors include | Current posts |
|---|---|
| Dr Lynn. J. McNair OBE | Course Director (Froebel in Childhood Practice Course) and Teaching Fellow at the University of Edinburgh; Head of the Cowgate Under 5’s Centre and |
| Professor Tina Bruce CBE |
Previously External Examiner for the Froebel-based in-service course at Moray House in Edinburgh (face-to-face courses only) |
| Dr Jane Read | Emeritus Fellow at Roehampton University |
| Helen Tovey | Principal Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at Roehampton University |
| Jane Whinnett | Head Teacher of Balgreen Nursery School and Hope Cottage Nursery School |
| Catriona Gill | Head Teacher of Greengables Nursery School & Family Centre |
Course fee
£850
The course fee covers tuition. For face-to-face courses, participants are responsible for their own transport, accommodation and meals.
The University of Edinburgh requires payment of the course fee in full before the start of the course.
Register your interest for Froebel courses starting in 2022.
If you would like to be notified when bookings open for the Intensive Summer Course in July 2022 or the Academic Year course which starts in October 2022, please click on the Register your Interest in Froebel 2022 courses button.
Register your interest in Froebel 2022 courses
A life changing experience
Current course tutor and former participant Catriona Gill describes the impact of the Froebel in Childhood Practice course in the blog post "Why I'm so relieved that I didn't quit teaching."
"Why I'm so relieved that I didn't quit teaching"
It changed my life. Not only was I able to deepen my fundamental understanding of early childhood practice , but I discovered a core set of principles which resonated with my beliefs and values and continue to guide my practice, my teaching and my life – and I now have the privilege of teaching on the same course and sharing my passion with others.
Quotes from past participants
I would love every person working with children in Early Years and Child Care to have the opportunity to experience this course.
I cannot find anything to improve this was the best piece of CPD I have ever undertaken and would recommend to anyone. There is a real sense of achievement at the end through your project work and meeting like-minded colleagues who can share practice across authorities is fantastic.
This course has completely changed my life. I have changed my career path and this course gave me the confidence to do so.
Loved the course, it's inspired me to make changes for the children.