The importance of working in partnership with parents is a key theme in Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage, especially when it comes to encouraging creativity.
We need to ask:
* How do parents feel about creativity?
* Do all parents feel the same?
* Are there differences based, perhaps, on age, culture, gender, class or faith?
There is no such thing as a typical parent! Values and traditions differ between individuals, and it is important that practitioners respect this and give parents opportunities to discuss and share their views.
Some early years practitioners express concern, and even annoyance, at certain parents' unwillingness to allow their child to freely explore materials such as paint, clay or water. The following example shows how one centre responded to parents' concern about messy play.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here