Froebel in childhood practice course
This course is designed for professionals working with young children, for example in Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) or early Primary, and also those who support their professional development such as college and university lecturers, inspection agencies etc. It considers the work of Friedrich Froebel (1782-1852), one of the most significant of the early years pioneers, and explores the relevance of the Froebelian approach for practice today.
The Froebel in Childhood Practice course considers how a contemporary analysis of Froebel’s work can provide practitioners with insights into how they can observe, support and extend children’s learning.
Participants will learn about the Froebelian approach which supports children to 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 two open courses each year.
The Edinburgh Froebel in Childhood Practice course is one of only two courses in the UK endorsed by the Froebel Trust.
For information about other Froebel-related courses and activities in Scotland, visit the Froebelian Futures website.
Course content
- An introduction to Froebel’s historic heritage
- Froebel’s Principles: Practice today
- Play, anti-discrimination, diversity and equity
- Virtual visit to 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 and 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)
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; Former Head of Cowgate Under 5s Centre |
| Catriona Gill | Education Officer (Early Years) / former Head Teacher of Greengables Nursery School & Family Centre |
| Dr Jane Read | Emeritus Fellow at Roehampton University |
| Helen Tovey | Principal Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at Roehampton University |
| Jane Whinnett | Froebel Trust Travelling Tutor and Former Head Teacher of Balgreen Nursery School and Hope Cottage Nursery School |
Course dates
In addition to courses commissioned by local authorities, we offer 2 open courses each year.
- Summer Course - teaching is delivered in Edinburgh over 5 consecutive days in July. The 2024 course will be run between Friday 12/07/24 and Wednesday 17/07/24 (with no teaching session on Sun 14/07/24).
- Academic Year Course - teaching for the 2024/25 course will be delivered on the following dates.
| Date | Time | Delivery |
| Saturday 7 Sept 2024 | 09.30-12.30 | Online |
| Saturday 5 Oct 2024 | 13.30-16.30 | Online |
|
Sat 9 Nov 2024 OR Sat 2 Nov 2024 and Sat 23 Nov 2024 (alternative online dates for those unable to attend the in-person session) |
09.30-15.30
09.30-12.30 |
In person (Edinburgh)
Online |
| Sat 30 Nov 2024 | 09.30-12.30 | Online |
| Sat 7 Dec 2024 | 13.30-16.30 | Online |
| Sat 11 Jan 2025 | 13.30-16.30 | Online |
| Sat 25 Jan 2025 | 09.30-12.30 | Online |
| Sat 1 Feb 2025 | 13.30-16.30 | Online |
| Sat 1 Mar 2025 | 09.30-12.30 | Online |
Course fee
£895
The course fee covers tuition. For face-to-face courses, participants are responsible for their own transport, accommodation and meals.
In some cases, grants towards the course fee may be available from the Students Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).
The University of Edinburgh requires payment of the course fee in full before the start of the course.
How to apply
How to apply to join the Froebel Summer Course 2024
How to apply to join the Froebel Academic Year Course 2024/25
Booking deadlines
Summer 2024 Course - Fri 14 June 2024
Academic Year Course 2024/25 - Wed 31 July 2024
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.
Fantastic course, highly recommended to other practitioners.”
Loved the course, it's inspired me to make changes for the children.