Wee Builders – The Edinburgh Froebel Network

Jane Whinnett of the Edinburgh Froebel Network delivers blocks to the Gallery.

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The Edinburgh Froebel Network

The Edinburgh Froebel Network was set up in 2009 by a group of five Edinburgh Nursery Heads, in order to promote the Froebelian Approach in Edinburgh.

The group began by organising an annual conference, were instrumental in the development and delivery of the Froebel and Early Childhood Practice Course at Edinburgh University, tutoring on the course, and in 2012 published the book, Early Childhood Practice: Froebel Today.

The Froebel and Early Childhood Practice Course has gone from strength to strength with 1000+ graduates working with young children in a variety of sectors.

It has been recognised nationally as an example of excellent professional learning and the University of Edinburgh is now running courses in Edinburgh, The West Partnership, Falkirk, West Lothian, West Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire, Dumfries, Orkney & Shetland and an additional Edinburgh Summer School, with a current cohort of more than 520 students.

Members of the Network are currently working with the University of Edinburgh to deliver the MSc Education (Early Childhood Practice and Froebel Pathway).

A number of graduates of the first three course cohorts, formed the Edinburgh Froebel Network Masterclass group.

Members of the Masterclass meet regularly and have been involved in a practitioner research project, ‘Players and Storytellers,’ which explored the development of narrative through storytelling and play. This work has been shared at a number of conferences and will be published in late Spring 2020.

Network members have also taken part in a series of Seminars including Woodwork, Clay and Paper Folding, which provide ongoing professional development for Froebelian practitioners.

The Network is currently working in partnership with Edinburgh University, Education Scotland and City of Edinburgh Council on a STEM Block Play project across 20 early years settings.

The research projects and Seminars are supported by a grant from the Froebel Trust.

The group recently organised their 11th Conference which took place in October 2019.