Context/ background of project- Within our school the importance of early intervention and education is central to the school development plan. Our school works in an area of diverse and challenging needs. These include: 1. A context of high unemployment and rising levels of free school meals 2. With the diversity of new comers from accross Europe coming to our school it creates great benefits and challenges 3. We are finding that some of the children with the most difficulties have parents who are the hardest to engage. This lack of engagement reinforces these children's disadvantage. 4. Our school is ambitious and forward thinking. The school development plan has clearly targeted the need to target literacy, numeracy and Spanish as a second language.The focus on the Nursery Unit demonstates the Governors clear intention to give every child an outstanding start to their education which will help them reach their full potential. 5. A new nursery leader has been appointed with a clear remit to build upon previous success. The development of play and more collaborative and innovative practice is a clear intention. Objectives- 1. To improve the learning experiences and thinking skills of our pupils. 2. Excite and engage families in the life of the nursery. 3. To improve the variety and challenge of both indoor and outdoor play. 4. To enrich pupils language development and problem solving skills via new activities and challenges. 5. To improve on the skill base of all staff working in the nursery via dissemination of newly gained knowledge and ideas. 6. Increase the confidence and knowledge base of participant to be a more effective and creative leader in the nursery. 7. To build a network of friendship and professional development across Europe that will extend over and beyond the project. Participants profile- Name- Caroline Spratt Age- 43 Early years experience-20 years Position in school- Nursery Co-ordinator ( newly appointed) Qualifications- B. Education, Post Graduate Diploma in Professional Development Description of activities- 1. FAFU Iceland 2014- International conference targeted at early years professionals. Format will include lectures, seminars, workshops and visits to settings in Iceland. This will be a fantastic opportunity to begin questioning and exploring new ideas. Perhaps more importantly, the chance to engage with motivated professionals from across the world. 2. Denmark/ Finland- Has a fantastic reputation for creative play outdoor play and allowing pupils to take risks and make their own plans. It is our intention to visit Copenhagen and Helsinki and visit a number of settings to gain insights into good practice. 3. Italy- Is the birthplace of the Reggio approach which has strongly influenced the Northern Ireland Pre-school Curriculum. By visiting settings using the Reggio approach we will immerse ourselves in the culture and ethos of this much celebrated approach. 4. Scotland- Exploring the concept of the Forest School philosophy and seeing how it dovetails into our learning from previous European visits, the needs of the school and the potential benefits for our children. Results- Within 12 months- Professional knowledge and expertise of participant and their team enhanced Increased motivation and a fresh approach from the nursery team Development of a 3 year strategy to embed new learning Information and new ideas to be disseminated to the children. parents and other professionals Pilot new ideas in the nursery setting Within 3 years- Children will benefit from a richer and more diverse play environment both indoors and outdoors. Pupils to show greater confidence, enhanced self esteem and creativity. All these factors will see pupils use and develop their language more effectively. Planning will be more creative , collaborative and evaluated with a more critical knowledge and expertise. The nursery policies and schemes of work will be of a higher standard. ETI will visit the nursery and describe the provision as outstanding. Legacy- Increased literacy standards and higher levels of aspiration. Greater motivation and involvement of parents eg Forest School Projects. Networks of support and friendship across Europe . Forest School Status achieved and Eco ethos promoted.