Community links in the early years
Local communities are an important resource for learning in schools and offer contexts within which authentic environmental and social issues can be explored. However, the community is not only a resource for study. Schools and early education centres are themselves valuable resources for the whole community, in which there is legitimate interest in decision-making about the school's development.
(Education for Citizenship in Scotland, 2002)
Early years settings have always worked hard to utilise the resources of their local community and to provide accessible, responsive services. Education for citizenship encourages building on a strong relationship with the community to actively involve children in learning about, caring for and sometimes changing their local community.
Standard 9 of the National Care Standards stresses the importance of this, stating, ‘You can be confident that the service contributes to the community and looks for opportunities to be involved in the community.'
Community links could include:
- children exploring and investigating their own community
- active involvement with other local organisations
- participation in making decisions which affect their local area
- getting involved in projects which enhance their local community.
Use our audit materials to reflect on the work you are already involved in and to plan areas for development.
Service to others in the community
Linking with other organisations
Some nurseries in Edinburgh have been linking up with local care homes for older people and enjoying joint storytelling and singing sessions.
Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO)
The SCVO has a database of charitable groups if you would like to find a charitable group or project in your area.
Keeping Scotland beautiful
Nursery children have also been involved with the community through becoming an eco nursery or getting involved in litter or graffiti clean-ups. Keep Scotland Beautiful has a leaflet on organising your own litter survey, Organising a Clean Up, and you can also order clean-up packs from its website.
Supporting charities
Early years centres have a strong tradition of involving children in fundraising activities. Barnardo's offers resources suitable for young children called Activity envelopes, which include a pack and teacher’s notes on involving the wider community.
Caring for the environment
Read about examples of schools and nurseries involved in the Eco Schools programme on our Sustainable Development Education site.
Learning about the local neighbourhood
Some nurseries have involved children in making a model of their local community to help them understand where they live and the surrounding area.
The BBC education site aimed at 5-9-year-olds has online activities about buildings where children can become town planners.
Nurseries have also displayed their work in local health centres and libraries to offer the community an insight into the activities and talents of the children.
Celebrating cultural events
The Count Me In Calendar is a comprehensive source of information on events and celebrations from all cultures and religions. Participating in cultural events within the community offers a great opportunity for celebrating diversity.