What we in the UK can learn from how other countries around the world – the USA, Japan, New Zealand and the Nordics – approach woodwork. Pete Moorhouse reports
The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust aims to transform aspects of adults’ or children’s lives in the UK by enabling individuals to learn from best practice abroad. Thanks to a Churchill Fellowship, I have been able to visit top-quality overseas provision for woodwork in the early years, and here I want to share my experiences and reflections on what really contributes to best practice.
I chose to visit New Zealand, the USA, Japan and Nordic countries, where I visited nurseries, schools and universities and met with teachers, academics and policy-makers.
My overriding impression is what an amazing community early childhood is. It is hard to imagine being welcomed in such a generous manner by any…