Much of the inspiration for colleagues in Early Learning Associates has been taken from Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy and it continues to act as one of our main reference points for our ongoing work in early childhood education. Like Loris Malaguzzi in ‘Hundred Languages of Children: Reggio Emilia Approach – Advanced Reflections’ (1998) we hold the view that,

Since this is one of our main source of inspiration, we in Early Learning Associates believe that children:

• come first
• are rich, competent and resourceful
• should be respected as people in their own right
• have rights
• are the reference point for their own learning
• are active agents in their own learning
• have the right to be listened to and heard
• have the right to be consulted on matters that affect them.

Educators support children by:

• having an image of the child who is capable, rich and resourceful
• adhering to an ethical code of practice
• being reflective about their own practice
• being committed to continuing professional development
• using their in depth knowledge to support children’s learning from birth onwards
• being collaborators, co-researchers and co-constructors alongside children in their learning
• listening and responding to children’s capabilities and needs.