Creative Learning in the Early Years

Creative learning in the early years is an initiative for Early Years non-maintained settings working with children aged 3 – 5 years*. This builds on the approach of the established Lead Creative Schools Scheme and is designed to complement the curriculum for funded non-maintained nursery settings in Wales.

Pupils working on a Creative Learning project at the beach

Creative learning in the early years is a joint initiative between the Arts Council of Wales, Early Years Wales and the Welsh Government supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

The initiative brings together early years practitioners and creative practitioners to explore ways of developing learning environments and experiences that stimulate the development and natural curiosity of children aged 3 – 5, enriching their language, play, physical development, engagement with the outdoors, arts, creativity and a sense of wonder and belonging.

It combines the central principles of the Curriculum for funded non-maintained nursery settings with the Creative habits of mind pedagogy and learning from the Lead Creative Schools Scheme.

The initiative has three aims:

to bring together early years practitioners and creative practitioners to explore ways of working in non-maintained early years settings, to create environments and experiences that are rich in language, play, physical development, arts, creativity and will support children as autonomous learners.
to understand the central role of creativity and play in a child’s development.
to combine the central principles of the Curriculum for funded non-maintained nursery settings with the Creative habits of mind pedagogy and learning from the Lead Creative Schools Scheme.

Here are some of the benefits to expect from participating in this initiative:

A rise in children engagement, sense of curiosity and overall play.
Inspires Early Years Practitioners with new ideas and approaches to enable creative learning and a focus on the creative habits of mind into their practice, across the curriculum, and throughout their setting.
New confidence in using different learning environments and experiences to enhance engagement, supporting settings with Curriculum design.

Whilst it isn’t always possible to bring in the creative expertise of creative professionals, there are some actions that early years practitioners can take to explore creative learning approaches. The teacher’s hub will give you some guidance on how to take the initial steps to develop creative learning activity in your setting.

Inspired by this project? Applications for the Creative learning in the early years will be open in the xxx Term. Click here to sign up to the Creative learning bulletin.

Research and evaluations20.02.2024

Evaluation of the Creative Learning through the Arts Programme: 2015 to 2020

Pupils working outdoors on a Creative Learning project

Lead Creative Schools

Lead Creative Schools Scheme

Lead Creative Schools Scheme is about embedding change across Wales’ primary, secondary, and special schools as they implement and embed Curriculum for Wales, focusing on creative learning pedagogy and curriculum design.

Pupils waving flags on the stage of the Millennium Centre

Cynefin

Cynefin: Culturally and ethnically diverse Wales

Cynefin: ethnically and culturally diverse Wales draws upon the approach of the Lead Creative Schools Scheme and offers schools the opportunity to work with diverse Creative Professionals to look at ways of exploring the history and development of Wales as a multicultural society.

Creative Leadership Programme

The Creative Leadership Programme draws on our experience of facilitating professional learning in the Lead Creative Schools Scheme and our wider understanding and knowledge, of how school leaders can encourage innovation in their setting.

Document05.06.2023