From Reggio Emilia to KatieB Kids

What does a visit to one of the world's most influential educational communities have to do with the children who walk through our nursery doors each day?

Quite a lot, as it turns out.

This spring, two members of our leadership team travelled to Reggio Emilia, Italy, to take part in an internationally recognised programme of professional learning. What they discovered was not a collection of activities, resources or ideas to replicate, but an opportunity to think more deeply about childhood, learning and the role of the educator.

Throughout the week, they explored schools, engaged in professional dialogue with educators from around the world and experienced first-hand a community where children's ideas are visible, valued and celebrated.

One image in particular stayed with them: a simple display of fresh and dried poppies that evolved into drawing, sculpture, conversation and investigation. It was a powerful reminder that meaningful learning often begins with curiosity and develops when children are given time to revisit ideas and explore them in different ways.

Perhaps the greatest surprise, however, was not how different Reggio Emilia felt, but how familiar many of the underlying principles seemed.

As one reflection from the visit captured perfectly:

"The more we learnt, the more we realised there was still to learn."

The experience has already begun to influence conversations, professional learning and future developments across KatieB Kids.

To discover what our team learnt, why it matters, and how it will continue to shape our practice, read our full reflection below.