OK to Awesome: Providing ‘Outstanding’ Experiences

I recently had to put together a presentation for head teachers on moving from Good to Outstanding in Early Years. It was easy enough to decide what messages I wanted to get across to them about the importance of being responsive to children’s needs and interests, the power of the environment as the “third teacher” and the quality of adult child interactions. I put together a series of inspiring photos that I have gathered over the years. I wanted to make it clear that it’s not about having OFSTED give an outstanding judgement, it’s about being somewhere that “stands out” from those around.

It means taking risks and doing things differently. And it’s about reclaiming words like “outcomes” and “progress” and “achievement” – learning to celebrate and value all that our children are and do. But I needed something for the end of the presentation – something that would touch the hearts of those listening and be unforgettable.

My 5 year old “writing partner”, who I wrote about in a previous blog, came to my rescue. His mum had asked him what was OK about his class at school and he exclaimed that it wasn’t just OK but it was awesome! So she asked him what made it awesome and wrote down what he said. She was so excited about his explanation she emailed it to me and this was just the ending I wanted. Here are just some of the things he said:

Making Gingerbread men to share with my mum.

Dressing up like a Super Hero to save the school.

Playing in the snow and experimenting with ice.

Making a house for the 3 Little Pigs with a twig for an aerial.

Writing a letter to the Little Red Hen, posting it and getting a letter back.

Finding a Giants footprint in the classroom.

Getting a Red Level reading book because I said I thought I could read it.

Talking to my friends and rolling around on the cushions in the Snug.

Running round and round outside just because I can.

Smiley teachers that say, ‘Wow, that’s great’.

Having a man teacher in the classroom as well as my proper teacher.

A teacher who listens carefully and does not say ‘that’s nice.’

A teacher that understands if I feel cross.

The best, most awesome teacher ever.

What an awesome experience this 5 year old is having, He has adults who respect and value him, who let him have a go, who engage with him and inspire him. I would wish that for every 5 year old across the country.

So why do we waste so much time trying to tick a growing number of bureaucratic boxes in order to satisfy the “powers that be”? We have become approval addicts, like children who are desperately trying to gain the approval of a disapproving “parent”.

Why do we spend hours creating interesting environments and displays, making stimulating resources and planning inspiring experiences? Why do we observe and assess and then endlessly analyse our data? Who are we doing all this for?

If it’s not for the children then maybe we need to do some serious reflection!

Let’s listen to the voice of the children and value their perspectives. Let’s embrace their thoughts and ideas as we seek to move from just being OK to becoming AWESOME.

Judith is an inspiring and motivating trainer who combines theory and practical hands on experiences successfully to create an unforgettable day. You can download her consultancy leaflet here.