LearningStory

1. What is Learning Story UK?

Positioning: Learning Story UK is a specialist educational consultancy and resource provider focused on empowering Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) settings across the UK with a child-centred, inquiry-based pedagogical approach. It serves as a comprehensive partner for nurseries, preschools, and schools aiming to enhance their curriculum, professional development, and overall educational quality.

Functional Panorama: The platform covers a holistic range of services including Curriculum Design & Implementation (offering a unique EYFS Learning Story Curriculum framework), Professional Development & Training (workshops, online courses, and bespoke consultancy for educators), and Resource Provision (books, videos, and practical tools to support the learning journey). It also features a community aspect through its blog and social channels, fostering shared best practices and ongoing support.

2. Learning Story UK’s Use Cases

• Nursery Owners & Managers can use Learning Story UK’s consultancy and curriculum framework to transform their settings into vibrant, child-led learning environments, ensuring compliance with EYFS standards while fostering innovation.
• Early Years Educators & Practitioners can attend professional development workshops and access online resources to deepen their understanding of observation, documentation, and the Learning Story approach, enhancing their teaching methodologies.
• New EYFS Settings can leverage Learning Story UK’s comprehensive curriculum development service to establish a strong, research-backed pedagogical foundation from the outset.
• Established Schools & Preschools seeking to refresh their existing EYFS provision can utilize tailored training and resources to integrate child-initiated play and inquiry-based learning more effectively.

3. Learning Story UK’s Key Features

• – EYFS Learning Story Curriculum: A bespoke curriculum designed to foster deep, inquiry-based learning, emphasizing children’s interests and natural curiosity.
• – Professional Development Workshops: In-person and online training sessions covering topics like documentation, observation, environment design, and leadership within EYFS.
• – Online Learning Resources: Access to digital materials, videos, and articles supporting the implementation of the Learning Story approach.
• – Bespoke Consultancy: Tailored support for individual settings, addressing specific challenges and goals in curriculum development and staff training.
• – Updated Training Calendar: New dates and themes for professional development sessions were announced in late 2023 for early 2024, focusing on “Documentation in Action” and “Creating Enabling Environments.”
• – Enhanced Online Resource Library: Recent additions to the members’ area include new video guides on “An Introduction to Learning Stories” and downloadable templates for observation, reflecting user requests for more practical tools.

4. How to Use Learning Story UK?

1. Explore Services & Resources: Visit the official website to browse the EYFS Learning Story Curriculum, Professional Development options, and available Resources.
2. Contact for Consultation/Training: For bespoke curriculum design or tailored professional development, use the “Contact Us” form or direct email to discuss specific needs and receive a customized proposal.
3. Book a Workshop: Navigate to the “Professional Development” section to view the training calendar and book a place on an upcoming workshop (either in-person or online).
4. Access Online Resources: Purchase or subscribe to specific resources directly from the website’s shop. For specific member-only content, register for an account and log in.
5. Pro Tip: Actively engage with the Learning Story UK blog and social media channels (Facebook, Instagram) for free insights, tips, and announcements of new resources or training opportunities. These often provide valuable context before committing to paid services.

5. Learning Story UK’s Pricing & Access

• – Curriculum & Consultancy: Pricing for the EYFS Learning Story Curriculum and bespoke consultancy services is not publicly listed and requires direct inquiry, as it’s tailored to the specific needs and scale of each setting.
• – Professional Development Workshops: Individual workshop prices vary, typically ranging from £75 to £150+ per participant for online or in-person sessions, with potential group discounts available upon request.
• – Online Resources: Books and digital guides are priced individually, generally ranging from £10-£40. Access to a broader ‘members area’ with exclusive content may require a separate subscription or be bundled with training.
• – Web Dynamics: No significant limited-time offers or widespread discounts were identified within the last 6 months. Pricing remains consistent, reflecting the bespoke nature of many services. However, bundling services may offer cost efficiencies.
• – Tier Differences: Services are largely tiered by scope, rather than explicit ‘basic/pro’ plans. Deeper engagement typically involves more comprehensive, custom-quoted packages.

6. Learning Story UK’s Comprehensive Advantages

• – Specialized EYFS Expertise: Unlike generic educational consultancies, Learning Story UK possesses deep, specialized expertise in the Early Years Foundation Stage, ensuring advice and resources are directly relevant and compliant with UK standards. This contrasts with broader curriculum providers who may offer less tailored EYFS solutions.
• – Research-Backed Pedagogy: The Learning Story approach is rooted in pedagogical research, particularly inspired by Reggio Emilia, offering a more profound and child-centred alternative to traditional, topic-based curricula. This focus on inquiry and documentation is often cited as a key differentiator by settings seeking depth over breadth.
• – Ongoing Professional Development: Beyond initial implementation, Learning Story UK provides continuous training and support, fostering long-term improvement in practice. This sustained engagement is an advantage over one-off training providers.
• – Positive Practitioner Feedback: User testimonials frequently highlight the transformative impact of Learning Story UK’s training on educators’ understanding and confidence in implementing child-led learning.
• – Market Recognition: While not holding formal market share data, Learning Story UK is recognized within the UK EYFS sector as a leading proponent and provider of the ‘Learning Story’ methodology, influencing practice in numerous settings.