Sightlines Initiative

10/06/2026

https://www.theguardian.com/society/ng-interactive/2026/may/11/loss-of-childhood-imagination?fbclid=IwY2xjawSWAx9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe1etOHoKnB9CxZQ8RMftE-bCXYLkSDMgM4xJPyddgNrteBEglFwO7kXF4Xg0_aem_OqsKUq9rkaHtTN2XNWvtdg

We have created the most stifling and sanitised imaginative space conceivable for children, says teacher Brendan James Murray. Today true imagination has become a radical act

14/05/2026

Seeing the pictures of the Princess of Wales 'thinking with her hands' in the clay workshop at the Loris Malaguzzi Centre must have brought back many happy memories for those who have been to Reggio on a study week with Sightlines. Looking forward to our clay session, inspired by the new book 'Clay' published by Reggio. Here's the information, come and join us.

We are an independent national organisation promoting creative and reflective practice in early childhood education through projects, professional development,

11/05/2026

Sightlines Initiative are delighted that Catherine, Princess of Wales and founder of the Royal Foundation has accepted an invitation to visit the Nidi and Preschools of Reggio Emilia on 13 - 14 May.
The visit will be an opportunity to see the Reggio Emilia Approach in its original setting and undoubtedly HRH and the members of the Foundation will find the experience inspiring, intriguing and we hope, thought-provoking.
On their return, we look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Royal Foundation as we demonstrate how the Approach has evolved here in the UK into a transformative relational pedagogy which takes account of the EYFS but remains very firmly aligned to the Reggio Emilia principles of co-construction and reciprocity through the Hundred Languages.
Here at Sightlines Initiative, we firmly believe, as do so many others, that relational pedagogy has the potential to reconstruct and renew early childhood education and improve the lives of every child in the UK ...if given the opportunity.
This Royal visit to Reggio Emilia and the ongoing work of the Royal Foundation can only be helpful in bringing this to the attention of those with responsibility for national policy.

Here is the statement of the Royal Foundation and Reggio Children on the aims of this Royal visit:

The Princess of Wales will visit Reggio Emilia on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th May a significant next step for The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood as it expands internationally.
Spearheaded by The Princess, the visit focuses on early childhood development and is part of a high-level fact-finding mission exploring leading international approaches to supporting young children and those who care for them. Building on the Centre's Shaping Us Framework, launched in February 2025, the two days will examine how a shared understanding of social and emotional development connects with approaches in other countries prioritising the early years.
Her Royal Highness will spend time with educators, parents, children and civic and business leaders to see the Reggio Emilia Approach in action.
Since 2021, the Centre has brought together research, collaboration and practical action to drive long-term change in how society understands the early years. This visit signals the next phase of that work.

17/11/2025

https://sightlines-initiative.com/educators/forthcomingevents/seminars/online/reggio-study-week-2026-q-a-session

Reggio Study Week 2026 Q & A session

Wednesday 19th November 2025 4 - 5pm UK time

This is a free one-hour session for people interested in participating in the April 2026 Reggio Study Week . When you register (on our website) you'll receive a Zoom link for the session.

We are an independent national organisation promoting creative and reflective practice in early childhood education through projects, professional development,

05/11/2025

https://sightlines-initiative.com/educators/forthcomingevents/seminars/online/reggio-emilias-early-childhood-education

05/12/2024

Is there a vision for change in UK early childhood education?
This is a genuine question - we've been searching through government statements for meaningful detail, particularly after this week's announcement on 'First Steps, the Plan for Change.' We've not yet found any. Please help!

We are not alone in experiencing a 'time of wilderness': here is Professor Peter Moss' recent rather mystified blog:

A time-travelling IOE academic in the 2000s who awakens in October 2024 will be left shaken and speechless over the Labour government’s policy agenda for children... (read more)

07/05/2024

Exciting BFMNS Executive Headship Opportunity at Lillian De Lissa and St Thomas Centre Nursery Schools 🌟

Our Governing Board is seeking to appoint a visionary and committed early years leader to take Executive Headship responsibility for a cluster of 2 OFSTED outstanding Nursery Schools. This is of interest to current head teachers at nursery schools, deputy head teachers in nursery or primary schools, or leaders responsible for early years in primary schools with at least 2 years of experience.

Please click here to find out more👇

https://www.hrforschools.org.uk/directory-record/1675/-executive-headteacher-lillian-de-lissa-and-st-thomas-centre-nursery-schools-

15/04/2024

A beautifully sunny Sunday in Reggio Emilia - here are children enjoying the water fountains in the piazza outside the municipal theatres. Tomorrow 400 educators from 60 begin our study week with the preschools of Reggio Emilia. In our group we have educators from England, Northern Ireland, and also friends from Hong Kong & Brazil.