Author Archives: Jane Dorrian

In this post Jo Josephidou reflects on the under-explored link between academic research and making cakes- there’s more of a connection than you might think!!   Every year the Graduate School at The Open University hold a highly creative competition … Continue reading →

Some of the OU Early Childhood team are currently undertaking a longitudinal PRAXIS project which is just entering the second year (Phase 2) where we are considering the concept of ‘mattering’ and what that means to our Early Childhood students. … Continue reading →

In this post Dr Jo Josephidou shares her reflections on her recent reading and thinking about how babies are considered by society. Dr Karen Horsley has previously posted on this blog about her experiences of working with New Zealand colleagues … Continue reading →

Here at the OU we are privileged to work with our validated partner institutions across the UK, supporting the design and delivery of high-quality early childhood programmes that ensure the workforce of future is equipped to deliver the best possible … Continue reading →

On June 26th 2024 Dr Natalie Canning presented her Empowerment Framework at a breakfast event held in the British Library in London. The organisations who attended the event neatly illustrated how ‘early childhood’ is an umbrella term, with representatives that … Continue reading →

In this thought-provoking post Dr Eleonora Teszenyi asks us to reflect on how children we support children in feeling they matter and they belong. It is argued that children, like all humans, have an innate desire to feel important and … Continue reading →

In this post Jo Josephidou talks about her latest work with the Froebel Trust which looks at outdoor practices with very young children. We are all familiar with the ubiquitous message about the importance of children being outdoors and especially … Continue reading →

As New Zealand commemorates Waitangi Day, Karen Horsley reflects on learning in collaboration with kaiako (educators), tamariki (children) and places in two Early Childhood Education (ECE) centres in New Zealand. Waitangi Day is a national day in Aotearoa, New Zealand … Continue reading →

Do you have a professional or personal interest in learning opportunities for young children? Are you working with children or are you a parent or carer? Jo Josephidou is part of the team that have created a new free course, … Continue reading →

There has been a lot going on with the Early Childhood team here at the OU, so have a look at our new brochure to find out more- here’s the link: Early_Childhood_Leaflet_FINAL