I have worked in early years for 25 years, both as a childminder and most recently as the owner of a small playgroup. Children who attend my setting spend the vast majority of each day outside in teh garden exploring the space and the resources that we have placed there. My masters dissertation explored the learning possibilities for children when they engage in play in puddles! Alongside running my setting I also enjoy supporting colleagues working in early years through training and mentoring.
Menna Godfrey
Co-ordinates Level 4 Training for potential Outdoors Thinking tutors.
Why does Menna love the outdoors?
I think my passion for the outdoors began in my childhood. I have clear memories of playing in the garden that I grew up in as well as helping my dad in his vegetable garden and later in our allotment. He taught me so much about the world around us and I learnt to care about the living things he shared with me. These experiences build on my relationship with my dad, helped me to develop a relationship with the world and to recognise the therapeutic value of time spent outdoors.
3 words that best describe Menna
Mad about mud!
What is Menna's favourite moment in the outdoors?
It is very hard to pick a favorite, so I am going to cheat and have a work related one and a personal one. Work wise my favorite moments are the times I observe children just able to 'be' in the moment in our setting garden, I know in these moments that the child is relaxed and at ease, and that I have enabled that to happen. Personally my favorite moments outdoors are spotting the first snowdrops of spring, with all the promise of the year to come.
Why does Menna think Outdoors Thinking is unique?
This new certificate offers students the opportunity to increase their understanding of and confidence with their practice in the outdoor environments immediately around their settings. The very practical nature of the course will help staff to make small changes that will have potentially big impacts for the learning and development of children in their early years settings.
What is Menna most excited about in her role as Outdoors Thinking tutor?
I am very excited to be able to share some of my own experiences of learning alongside children in the outdoors as well as hearing about the ways that delegates are able to make changes in their settings.
