Early Excellence Podcast The Reggio Emilia Approach with Hayley Peacock
Jun 27, 2025
Hayley Peacock, the visionary founder of Little Barn Owls Nurseries and Atelier 21 Future School, dives into the transformative Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. She highlights the pivotal role of play in child development and how educators can nurture independence and inquiry. Hayley discusses her personal journey, the emotional impacts of her experiences in Italy, and the challenges of instilling innovative practices amid traditional pressures. Emphasizing the need for respectful relationships, she advocates for recognizing each child's unique potential.
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Life-Changing Reggio Emilia Visit
- Hayley Peacock visited Reggio Emilia on a study tour seeking inspiration and found her perspectives profoundly changed within 24 hours.
- The experience shifted her view on child development and education, inspiring deep reflection and transformation.
Reggio Emilia Beyond 'Outstanding'
- The Reggio Emilia approach surpasses traditional outstanding education frameworks, making many UK practices feel inadequate in comparison.
- This realization calls for a major shift beyond conventional assessment and check-box approaches.
Image of the Child Shapes Teaching
- The foundational principle of Reggio Emilia teaching is the teacher's image of the child, which shapes all pedagogical decisions.
- Viewing children as rich, full of ideas, rather than passive, empowers teaching that respects their capabilities.