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. Designed for professionals working with young children and also those who support their professional development, such as lecturers and inspection agencies, this course considers the work of Friedrich Froebel, one of the most significant early years pioneers, and explores the relevance of the Froebelian approach for practice today.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.Froebel Trust websiteFor information about other Froebel-related courses and activities in Scotland, visit the Froebelian Futures website.Froebelian Futures website Course contentan introduction to Froebel’s historic heritageFroebel’s principles: Practice todayplay, anti-discrimination, diversity, and equityvirtual visit to Cowgate Under 5s CentreFroebel and inclusive educationFroebel and symbolic representationplay outdoors, adventure and challenge: A Froebelian perspective on the nursery garden todayLearning objectivesStudents will:develop a critical understanding of Froebelian principles and compare them to contemporary research and policy on pedagogy, curriculum and assessmentdemonstrate knowledge of a variety of contrasting academic writings on childhood, including Scottish and International ideasidentify, analyse and synthesise opposing topical and historical representations of childhoodconsider contemporary ideas concerning social justice, diversity, anti-discrimination and equity in educationdevelop an embedded / located approach to policy, practice and material provisioncritically consider concrete everyday settings (eg, your workplace), particularly in relation to social divisions, life experience, academic achievement and formalised approaches to child developmentTime commitmenttotal teaching time: 30 hoursindependent study (reading etc): 1-2 hours per weekassignments – course participants also need to allow time for researching, planning, and undertaking their work-based development project and for producing two written assignments and their academic posterAssessmentThere are three assignments for the course: keep a reflective journal and use this to produce a 2000-word account to demonstrate your journey on the courseundertake and produce a 3000-word report on a practical development project in your own settingproduce and present an academic poster to illustrate the development projectCourse participants who successfully complete all three assignments receive a Certificate of Completion. Students can also choose to take the course on an attendance-only basis and receive a Certificate of Attendance.TutorsCourse tutors includeCurrent postsDr Lynn. J. McNair OBECourse Director (Froebel in Childhood Practice Course) and Teaching Fellow at the University of Edinburgh; Former Head of Cowgate Under 5s CentreCatriona GillEducation Officer (Early Years) / former Head Teacher of Greengables Nursery School & Family CentreDr Jane ReadEmeritus Fellow at Roehampton UniversityHelen ToveyPrincipal Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at Roehampton UniversityJane WhinnettFroebel Trust Travelling Tutor and Former Head Teacher of Balgreen Nursery School and Hope Cottage Nursery SchoolCourse datesIn addition to courses commissioned by local authorities, we offer two 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:DateTimeDeliverySaturday 7 Sept 202409.30-12.30OnlineSaturday 5 Oct 202409.30-12.30OnlineSat 9 Nov 2024ORSat 2 Nov 2024 and Sat 23 Nov 2024 (alternative online dates for those unable to attend the in-person session)09.30-15.30 09.30-12.30In person (Edinburgh) OnlineSat 30 Nov 202409.30-12.30OnlineSat 7 Dec 202409.30-12.30OnlineSat 11 Jan 202509.30-12.30OnlineSat 25 Jan 202509.30-12.30OnlineSat 1 Feb 202509.30-12.30OnlineSat 1 Mar 202509.30-12.30OnlineCourse fee£895The 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.Available fundingSome local authorities provide financial support for individuals participating in the Froebel course. In recent years, the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) has awarded some Froebel course participants a grant of up to £428 towards their course fees.To be eligible for a grant from SAAS your income must be £25,000 per year or less and you must meet certain residence conditions.Information about how to apply for a SAAS grant will be available on the 'How to apply' page when bookings open. Grant applications for the Academic Year course can be made via the SAAS online portal. Grant applications for the Summer course are subm itted by email.Necessary equipmentYou will need a computer, laptop or tablet and a good WiFi connection. If you are using a desktop computer, you will also need a separate camera and microphone.You should have Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari installed on your device.Online teaching sessions are held on Blackboard Collaborate (the University's equivalent of Zoom.) If you are planning to use a work laptop to connect to the live sessions, please check that your employer’s firewall does not block access to Collaborate. You can find more information on the Blackboard Collaborate information pages.Blackboard Collaborate information pages.How to applyBookings for the summer and academic year courses are now closed. If you would like to be informed of any future Froebel courses we will run then please fill in our notes of interest form below:Froebel Note of Interest Form - 2025/26We will get in touch with you with further details on the courses running and how to apply. A life-changing experienceCurrent 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 teachingIt 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.Catriona Gill, Headteacher and TutorQuotes from past participantsI 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. This article was published on 2024-10-07