Two projects in Sussex have been examining creativity in early years through working with artists and bringing them into settings to work alongside practitioners and children.
Although completely independent of each other, both projects have arrived at similar conclusions about why working with artists is an effective way to develop creative practice in early years settings – including professional development for staff and building better links with parents and the local community.
This publication takes you into the heart of these projects, showing you examples of artists working in settings and giving you top tips for trying out these approaches yourself.
In the final section we also look at what was learned from the two projects, why these approaches were successful and how ways of working with artists could be developed in the future.
Both projects would like to thank Creative Partnerships Sussex and Surrey for the support they have given through the Change School and Enquiry School programmes, and also Children’s Services at East Sussex County Council, the Arts Service at West Sussex County Council, Early Childhood Services at West Sussex County Council and our other partners.
Tracey Rose Childre’s Centres Area Co-ordinator Hastings and St Leonards East Sussex County Council
Clare Halstead
Arts and Creativity Officer West Sussex County Council