.webp){kind=small}
Tom is the Operations Director for Naturally Learning, a group of seven settings based in Cornwall, with some of the most beautiful environments you will ever see. They have a forest and beach school, and, as Tom will no doubt echo in this episode, are passionate about being outside in their environment. The philosophy of the settings is unhurried, child-led learning and development - hence Naturally Learning - with a focus on nature, and sustainable materials and resources. Tom himself, as well as his mum Mandy and partner Sarah, is a long-time friend of Famly. He’s delivered webinars, appeared in our most recent documentary, and every year, he brings a group of the Naturally Learning team to our office here in Copenhagen to say hello to us!
Tom offers a few practical tips for sustainability, such as sourcing materials from charity shops. Tom explains that supporting local charities is also a sustainable practice, as it's nit just about the planet, but people and it's about culture, too. If settings can make one change to be more sustainable, Tom recommends replacing laminators with reusable photo frames to reduce plastic waste.
Naturally Learning are formalising their approach into a Cornish curriculum. The curriculum builds on existing child development theories while adapting them to fit Naturally Learning's ethos and Cornwall's local context. The Naturally Learning team are hoping to provide a genuine and unique interpretation of early years education, incorporating sustainability, STEM, and Cornish culture.
Tom suggests abolishing Ofsted and redirecting its funding to local authorities for more frequent, relationship-based oversight of Early Years settings. He proposes that this approach would provide more detailed and valuable conversations than the current system of infrequent Ofsted inspections. Tom argues that this change could address funding issues and reduce the fear associated with Ofsted inspections while maintaining quality oversight.
"The caveat is, this is coming from somebody who's had four Ofsted visits in the last 11 months and each one of them has been Outstanding," says Tom, "I've been doing this job for over a decade, I've been Ofsted-ed, 12 times. I've got nine Outstandings and three Goods attached to my name. I'm not saying this as an "It's not fair" thing. I'm not saying that I'm scared of Ofsted. I welcome them in. I'm really happy with showing anybody my nurseries and doing it, but that's what I would change. Nobody wants it. And actually we could just look at doing something a little bit differently."
Tom discusses their focus on STEM education, using technology like wildlife cameras and microscopes to engage children with nature and science in outdoor settings. Tom shares an example of a project where children studied a dragonfly under a microscope and then created their own wings, demonstrating how STEM can be integrated into creative activities.
Tom challenges the misconception that forest school activities can only happen in forests, stating that similar activities can be done in various outdoor spaces. He clarifies that a Level 3 Forest School qualification is not necessary to run outdoor learning activities, emphasising the importance of capable individuals and proper insurance. Tom reflects on the Danish approach to early childhood education, highlighting the importance of taking time with children and recognising that everyday activities like putting on wellies are valuable learning experiences.
"I hate the term forest school. Can I just get that out there?" says Tom, "What we do is we go to the forest. We don't do forest school. It's not a forest school session. We just go to the forest and we do things there. We go to the beach and we do things there. We don't go to forest school or beach school."
Start listening now
