Initially the focus of Sightlines Initiative was the development of collaborative creative projects at a local level in the north east of England, taking inspiration from the preschools and infant toddler centres in Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy. Later Sightlines began to organise study trips to Reggio Emilia and became the UK reference point for Reggio Children.
Sightlines Initiative continues to organise study trips and develop projects at a local level but also organises regional and national conferences, training, consultancies, advice and support across the UK.
With funding from Esmee Fairbairn the post of ‘ReFocus Development Officer' was created. In this role Emma Pace has been able to link with regional learning groups offering advice and support, to members and potential members. Through the organisation of events and enabling connections between the regions she furthers the aims of ReFocus.
Members of ReFocus are united in their shared perspectives. These are:
Activities of ReFocus
ReFocus organises international, national and regional professional development opportunities for those working in the field of early years education. It has a membership system and website facility which gives members access to up to date information.
ReFocus has supported the development of ‘ReFocus regions' within the UK - regional learning groups. Each of these support local interest and initiatives as well as influencing LA policy development.
There is an annual meeting and Report bringing together regional progress.
At the time of writing there are 8 ReFocus regional learning networks and 7 others emerging. The object of the learning groups is to enable likeminded colleagues to be in contact and connection with each other through developing a shared understanding of approaches to early years education. The Board and Sightlines Initiative do not direct developments in the regions, they support and promote them.
What does it mean to be a ReFocus member?
ReFocus members receive a bi-annual journal and newsletters. They have access to e-bulletins containing information on current UK regional initiatives; news of local, national and international events (seminars, conferences, exhibitions, study weeks in Reggio Emilia and elsewhere, such as Denmark). There is a web-based forum of discussion groups for debate and exchange of ideas and experiences. Members have access to and the opportunity to contribute to a growing documentation and research centre. They also have access to ReFocus collection of reports, articles and archive of project work. There is a members' database to which they have access too. ReFocus Consultancy offers a growing team of consultants for professional development at a variety of levels.
ReFocus Regional Learning Groups
The regular meetings enable participants to share research (their own and national research), ideas and experiences and stories as well as to support each other and develop initiatives together. Regional ReFocus groups usually meet at least three times a year.
The Bath and Bristol Group was created primarily by the participants of 5x5x5=creativity but it involves other creative learning and teaching initiatives in the area.
Our ReFocus group meets three times a year and about 75 people from at least 25 research 5x5x5 settings come together with other colleagues in the region, such as members of Creative Partnerships and Room 13. The learning group includes teachers, early years' educators, lecturers, advisers, artists and members of cultural centres.
Our aspirations are to develop a community deeply engaged in creative learning: a community of researchers, committed to reflection, exchange and dialogue which includes creative values, integrated creative working practices, professionalism of educators and artist-enablers, co-constructed learning experiences with the children and illuminating and rigorous documentation
The form and function of learning groups
'By group we refer not only to what individuals learn by virtue of participating in a group, but also a more distributed kind of learning that extends beyond the learning of any one person. We believe that participation in groups is key to the construction of individual learning. We also believe that group learning can lead to create a community culture or collective knowledge that is larger than what any one individual knows.
In groups we encounter new perspectives, strategies, and ways of thinking that enable us to learn from others. We also learn with others modifying, extending, clarifying and enriching our own ideas and those of others.'
Ben Mardell quoted in Giudici et al. 2001 p283
To join the ReFocus Network download an application form
For more information visit http://www.sightlines-initiative.com
The Language of Photography project
Sightlines Initiative is pioneering an intriguing new project in the UK. It will however link with the Reggio Children International Network with members all over the world. Basically the concept is to investigate the point of view of children through the language of photography. This research project, lasting probably two years will develop a community of learners sharing their investigations and documentation. The values and principles of the Reggio philosophy will be explored and participants will be expected to look at the process in some depth. At the conclusion a national exhibition with the goal: ‘to promote and inspire a creative and reflective approach to early childhood education' will be staged.
Sightlines Initiative are managing and coordinating the project - there will be material on their website (available to ReFocus Network members) - and participants can engage at whatever level is appropriate to them.
Several 5x5x5=creativity members are seriously interested it taking part and it would be good to have a local support network. Many of you already use photography and make it possible for children to engage with this amazing tool and you would be in an excellent position to join in the project.
If you are interested in knowing more please contact Julia at 5x5x5 or Emma at Sightlines Initiative.