About Refocus

ReFocus is the UK network of early childhood educators, artists and others influenced in their practice by the pre-schools of Reggio Emilia.  It is a nationwide learning community, connecting creative reflective practice and projects and influencing policy development in the UK. It is hosted by SightLines Initiative.

Activities

• Linking, mentoring and supporting new projects and events
• Supporting the active, creative use of the documentation process
• Providing a national and international forum for sharing learning
• Influencing national policy and its direction

Member’s benefits

• Bi-annual journal and termly newsletter
• Information on current UK regional initiatives
• News of local and national events – seminars, conferences, exhibitions etc.
• International links
• Web-based forum discussion groups for debate
• and exchange of ideas and experiences
• Access to and contributing to a growing documentation and research centre
• Access to ReFocus collection of reports, articles and archive of project work
• Use of members database

Shared Perspectives

• The image of the child as an innate and creative knowledge builder, explorer & co-constructor
• The power of the ‘Hundred Languages’ in forming learning environments
• A flexible and creative cycle underpinning the work
• Educators and artists as enablers within a pedagogy of listening
• The process of children’s exploration is the focus, not the end product
• Documentation as an important tool in aiding reflection and analysis
• Professional development is an important part of the whole process
• Development of a creative learning community to maintain a continuous supportive dialogue
• Family and community involvement, not only in the education of the children but also for themselves as lifelong learners.

Membership fees

• Students/unwaged – £20
• Individual – £45
• Library – £60
• Small group membership – £140 (Settings up to 10 people)
• Large group membership – £250 (Settings up to 30 people)                            
• Institutional membership – £400 (Organisations up to 50 people)
• Corporate membership (e.g. LEA’s, academic centres) by arrangement 

For application form please click here ReFocus Application Form

The ReFocus Board

The ReFocus Board meet together every 12 weeks to advise on the development of the network. 

Andrea Sully - Learning ,reasearch & development adviser, North Somerset

Cynthia Knight - St Thomas Early Excellence Centre, Birmingham

Elaine Mason - Early years adviser, North Tyneside

Emma Pace -  ReFocus Development Officer

Kate Gooding - Senior Early Years Inspector, Wolverhampton

Mary Jane Drummond - Author and Researcher, Cambridge

Penny Hay  -  Director of Research 5x5x5=creativity

Peter Moss - Professor, Thomas Coram Inst, London

Robin Duckett - Director Sightlines Initiative, Newcastle

Sally Jaeckle - Regional Advisor for Foundation Stage - South West

Solveig Morris - Educational Consultant, London

Sue Bainbridge - Nursery Head teacher, Cambridge