OK, so we didn’t win…. But the experience of being shortlisted for a Children & Young People’s Now Award was a thrilling one. The Creative Partnerships project “Filling Buckets and Lighting Fires” at Eyres Monsell and Gilmorten Children’s Centre and Saffron Sure Start Centre is an excellent example of how creative collaboration raises expectations and puts new tools in the hands of the adults responsible for helping our children get the very best start in life. As we didn’t win, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the project, and all of those partners responsible for every other Creative Partnerships project we have been associated with. Together, we have had the chance to put creativity at the heart of education and we have proven that it works: surely the better reward?
The most inspiring part of our trip to London was the opportunity to spend time with two parents from the children’s centres, Debs and Jeanette. Both deeply committed to promoting new opportunities for the parents and children on their estate, it was a true privilege to share our moment in the spotlight with them. Deb and Jeanette’s commitment to creative activities with their children was clear and deep – to the extent that they will be introducing parents from neighbouring estates to the ideas they have been developing through their Creative Partnerships project. No better reward, and no better ambassadors for the work we do. Thanks again.
The issue of creativity in the early years takes a profile boost this month with the publication of a new series of essays by Demos: Born creative. The publication makes a number of valuable recommendations and is well worth a read. Let’s hope it proves influential in the forthcoming review of the early years foundation stage conducted by Dame Clare Tickell.
Following the announced closure of the Creative Partnerships programme, it is more important than ever that we give children facing significant challenges the opportunities to thrive. Thanks to former TMCer Adam Clarke for sharing the following illustration of Ken Robinson’s arguments for creative change in education. Worth 11 minutes and 40 seconds of any one’s time:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U
