Professor Alison Clark
@westrayalison.bsky.social
Academic and visual artist; early childhood education; Mosaic approach; Slow pedagogies; Orkney; Norway. Author: Slow knowledge and the unhurried child (2023)
www.alisonclark.co.uk
Blog: Slow knowledge https://alisonclarkinthemaking.wordpress.com
www.alisonclark.co.uk
Blog: Slow knowledge https://alisonclarkinthemaking.wordpress.com
Reposted by Professor Alison Clark
So happy to say our book is now published! Working with the amazing editorial team has been a privilege, including @abihackett.bsky.social, @davidbenshannon.bsky.social, Vishnu Kkn, Christina MacRae, Rachel Holmes, @khawlabadwan.bsky.social, Rosie Flewitt and @wardasworld.bsky.social. Thanks all! 🌸
November 24, 2025 at 5:58 PM
So happy to say our book is now published! Working with the amazing editorial team has been a privilege, including @abihackett.bsky.social, @davidbenshannon.bsky.social, Vishnu Kkn, Christina MacRae, Rachel Holmes, @khawlabadwan.bsky.social, Rosie Flewitt and @wardasworld.bsky.social. Thanks all! 🌸
Reposted by Professor Alison Clark
Check out this wonderful image from the City and Country School archive showing children engaging in uninterrupted play through the use of blocks from 1951. Next to it is a more contemporary image of a 4 year old at the woodwork bench.
October 7, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Check out this wonderful image from the City and Country School archive showing children engaging in uninterrupted play through the use of blocks from 1951. Next to it is a more contemporary image of a 4 year old at the woodwork bench.
Reposted by Professor Alison Clark
"[City and Country School] archives remind us of the value of uninterrupted play” – Jane Clarke
The past and present has come into play as our Autumn Lecture guest speaker, Jane shares the continuing legacy of the City and Country School in New York and its founder, Caroline Pratt. 🌿
The past and present has come into play as our Autumn Lecture guest speaker, Jane shares the continuing legacy of the City and Country School in New York and its founder, Caroline Pratt. 🌿
October 7, 2025 at 6:35 PM
"[City and Country School] archives remind us of the value of uninterrupted play” – Jane Clarke
The past and present has come into play as our Autumn Lecture guest speaker, Jane shares the continuing legacy of the City and Country School in New York and its founder, Caroline Pratt. 🌿
The past and present has come into play as our Autumn Lecture guest speaker, Jane shares the continuing legacy of the City and Country School in New York and its founder, Caroline Pratt. 🌿
@lbflyawayhome.bsky.social does this remind you of anything?
September 21, 2025 at 7:11 PM
@lbflyawayhome.bsky.social does this remind you of anything?
Reposted by Professor Alison Clark
📝 New BERA Blog Special Issue!
Reimagining a just early childhood education and care sector in England: Voices from the margins
Guest edited by Micky LeVoguer, Jenny Robson, Gemma Ryder
Read special issue here: bera.ac.uk/blog-special...
Reimagining a just early childhood education and care sector in England: Voices from the margins
Guest edited by Micky LeVoguer, Jenny Robson, Gemma Ryder
Read special issue here: bera.ac.uk/blog-special...
September 5, 2025 at 11:23 AM
📝 New BERA Blog Special Issue!
Reimagining a just early childhood education and care sector in England: Voices from the margins
Guest edited by Micky LeVoguer, Jenny Robson, Gemma Ryder
Read special issue here: bera.ac.uk/blog-special...
Reimagining a just early childhood education and care sector in England: Voices from the margins
Guest edited by Micky LeVoguer, Jenny Robson, Gemma Ryder
Read special issue here: bera.ac.uk/blog-special...
Reposted by Professor Alison Clark
Fabulous days with @westrayalison.bsky.social
reflecting on Being Us @Woodlands
with lots of exploration around ‘stretched time’🍃
Wonderful to see children taking the lead sharing their off site, garden, playroom spaces & experiences + fantastic educator participation🪴
@froebeltrust.bsky.social
reflecting on Being Us @Woodlands
with lots of exploration around ‘stretched time’🍃
Wonderful to see children taking the lead sharing their off site, garden, playroom spaces & experiences + fantastic educator participation🪴
@froebeltrust.bsky.social
September 5, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Fabulous days with @westrayalison.bsky.social
reflecting on Being Us @Woodlands
with lots of exploration around ‘stretched time’🍃
Wonderful to see children taking the lead sharing their off site, garden, playroom spaces & experiences + fantastic educator participation🪴
@froebeltrust.bsky.social
reflecting on Being Us @Woodlands
with lots of exploration around ‘stretched time’🍃
Wonderful to see children taking the lead sharing their off site, garden, playroom spaces & experiences + fantastic educator participation🪴
@froebeltrust.bsky.social
#AndyGoldsworthy exhibition at the @nationalgalleries.bsky.social Edinburgh - loved visiting today after decades of following his collaborations with the natural world. And the best part? Seeing and listening to young children being curious and enjoying the work
September 6, 2025 at 8:06 PM
#AndyGoldsworthy exhibition at the @nationalgalleries.bsky.social Edinburgh - loved visiting today after decades of following his collaborations with the natural world. And the best part? Seeing and listening to young children being curious and enjoying the work
@wildflowerhour.bsky.social #Orkney #wildflowerhour
Alpine bistort in an ungrazed pasture this week.
Alpine bistort in an ungrazed pasture this week.
June 29, 2025 at 8:42 PM
@wildflowerhour.bsky.social #Orkney #wildflowerhour
Alpine bistort in an ungrazed pasture this week.
Alpine bistort in an ungrazed pasture this week.
Reposted by Professor Alison Clark
Iconic anti-war poster, originally by US printmaker Lorraine Schneider, 1966
#ReframingWomenPrintmakers
#ReframingWomenPrintmakers
June 22, 2025 at 6:27 AM
Iconic anti-war poster, originally by US printmaker Lorraine Schneider, 1966
#ReframingWomenPrintmakers
#ReframingWomenPrintmakers
Reposted by Professor Alison Clark
Play is essential for children’s growth, skills building and confidence. But too many are missing out.
This #InternationalDayofPlay, let’s all choose play – every day. Together, we can raise awareness for every child's right to play.
#EarlyMomentsMatter
This #InternationalDayofPlay, let’s all choose play – every day. Together, we can raise awareness for every child's right to play.
#EarlyMomentsMatter
International Day of Play
Get fun and free play activities for the family and help us make sure that every child everywhere can fulfil their right to play
www.unicef.org
June 11, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Play is essential for children’s growth, skills building and confidence. But too many are missing out.
This #InternationalDayofPlay, let’s all choose play – every day. Together, we can raise awareness for every child's right to play.
#EarlyMomentsMatter
This #InternationalDayofPlay, let’s all choose play – every day. Together, we can raise awareness for every child's right to play.
#EarlyMomentsMatter
Reposted by Professor Alison Clark
“We can’t master our skills unless we have numerous times to do it. That’s the importance of uninterrupted play. It allows time to really connect up your learning.” ✨
This clip from Poppies PreSchool highlights the importance of allowing children time for uninterrupted play. 🧵 (1/3)
This clip from Poppies PreSchool highlights the importance of allowing children time for uninterrupted play. 🧵 (1/3)
June 11, 2025 at 9:17 AM
“We can’t master our skills unless we have numerous times to do it. That’s the importance of uninterrupted play. It allows time to really connect up your learning.” ✨
This clip from Poppies PreSchool highlights the importance of allowing children time for uninterrupted play. 🧵 (1/3)
This clip from Poppies PreSchool highlights the importance of allowing children time for uninterrupted play. 🧵 (1/3)
Reposted by Professor Alison Clark
Despite its many benefits, statistics show that the amount of time children get to play has been declining for decades.
Experimenting through play is at the heart of Froebelian practice and at the Froebel Trust we champion children’s play and learning. Today and every day. (2/3)
Experimenting through play is at the heart of Froebelian practice and at the Froebel Trust we champion children’s play and learning. Today and every day. (2/3)
The power of play
www.froebel.org.uk
June 11, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Despite its many benefits, statistics show that the amount of time children get to play has been declining for decades.
Experimenting through play is at the heart of Froebelian practice and at the Froebel Trust we champion children’s play and learning. Today and every day. (2/3)
Experimenting through play is at the heart of Froebelian practice and at the Froebel Trust we champion children’s play and learning. Today and every day. (2/3)
Reposted by Professor Alison Clark
A thorough explanation from Ruth which will help educators and inspectors with any misunderstandings about healthy writing development and researched best practice.
May 20, 2025 at 6:12 AM
A thorough explanation from Ruth which will help educators and inspectors with any misunderstandings about healthy writing development and researched best practice.
@bsbibotany.bsky.social A weekend happy Orchid hunting on Rousay #Orkney #wildflowerhour Marsh orchid and heath spotted orchid. Late flowering primroses and water avens
June 1, 2025 at 7:46 PM
@bsbibotany.bsky.social A weekend happy Orchid hunting on Rousay #Orkney #wildflowerhour Marsh orchid and heath spotted orchid. Late flowering primroses and water avens
Reposted by Professor Alison Clark
Play as a form of thinking
Play as a language
Play as being and becoming
Play....
Play as a language
Play as being and becoming
Play....
I see Play’s
magnificent fusion of
thoughts, actions and discovery
as a form of thinking in itself.
A primal language simultaneously abstract and concrete,
relishing the unexpected,
loved by mind, heart and body,
and birthplace to innovation.
magnificent fusion of
thoughts, actions and discovery
as a form of thinking in itself.
A primal language simultaneously abstract and concrete,
relishing the unexpected,
loved by mind, heart and body,
and birthplace to innovation.
May 31, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Play as a form of thinking
Play as a language
Play as being and becoming
Play....
Play as a language
Play as being and becoming
Play....
‘Singing and playing my own songs is like a holiday in music’. Great article.
“If I ever get stuck with a piece, I just think ‘What would Little E do?’”: I’ve only just got round to reading this great interview from @errollynwallen.bsky.social.
Errollyn Wallen reflects on her career
In the wake of receiving the Ivors Academy Fellowship, the Belize-born British composer discusses growing up in a musical family in Tottenham, how relocating to a lighthouse off the coast of Scotland ...
www.prestomusic.com
May 31, 2025 at 6:45 AM
‘Singing and playing my own songs is like a holiday in music’. Great article.
Reposted by Professor Alison Clark
Missed the recent @UniMelb Faculty of Education Dean's lecture? Prof. Guy Claxton challenges the idea of a single science of learning, weaving insights from neuroscience, sociology, philosophy & psychology. Teaching, he says, must embrace this complexity. #EdResearch www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGFE...
Dean's Lecture Series - Prof Guy Claxton on the Science of Learning
YouTube video by EducationMelbourne
www.youtube.com
May 28, 2025 at 5:15 AM
Missed the recent @UniMelb Faculty of Education Dean's lecture? Prof. Guy Claxton challenges the idea of a single science of learning, weaving insights from neuroscience, sociology, philosophy & psychology. Teaching, he says, must embrace this complexity. #EdResearch www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGFE...
Reposted by Professor Alison Clark
"If this government is serious in its commitment to the nation’s children, it can’t keep waiting for the stars to align before taking action. It must urgently invest in children and their families, starting with scrapping the two-child limit.” @cpaguk.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
No 10 delays child poverty strategy with tens of thousands more facing hardship
Exclusive: Flagship policy put back until at least autumn amid fears cost of removing two-child benefit cap will outweigh political benefit
www.theguardian.com
May 24, 2025 at 7:12 AM
"If this government is serious in its commitment to the nation’s children, it can’t keep waiting for the stars to align before taking action. It must urgently invest in children and their families, starting with scrapping the two-child limit.” @cpaguk.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by Professor Alison Clark
Really chuffed to have a piece in @paperboatswriters.bsky.social new edition - out today at paperboats.org
April 22, 2025 at 7:08 AM
Really chuffed to have a piece in @paperboatswriters.bsky.social new edition - out today at paperboats.org
Reposted by Professor Alison Clark
CREC are seeking to appoint a Course External Examiner for the MA Education (Early Years) accredited by Birmingham City University (BCU).
Register your interest with Helen Lyndon by Sunday, 30th April 2025. h.lyndon@crec.co.uk
#AcademicJobs #ExaminerJobs #MAExaminer #EarlyYears
Register your interest with Helen Lyndon by Sunday, 30th April 2025. h.lyndon@crec.co.uk
#AcademicJobs #ExaminerJobs #MAExaminer #EarlyYears
April 11, 2025 at 11:13 AM
CREC are seeking to appoint a Course External Examiner for the MA Education (Early Years) accredited by Birmingham City University (BCU).
Register your interest with Helen Lyndon by Sunday, 30th April 2025. h.lyndon@crec.co.uk
#AcademicJobs #ExaminerJobs #MAExaminer #EarlyYears
Register your interest with Helen Lyndon by Sunday, 30th April 2025. h.lyndon@crec.co.uk
#AcademicJobs #ExaminerJobs #MAExaminer #EarlyYears
Reposted by Professor Alison Clark
Local School Nature Grants close this Friday! 🚨 This is your last chance to get:
- Two hours of outdoor learning training for your staff;
- £500 worth of outdoor equipment;
- A climate curriculum pack worth £150;
- A climate audit of your site; and more!
Apply now 👇
ltl.org.uk/projects/local-s...
- Two hours of outdoor learning training for your staff;
- £500 worth of outdoor equipment;
- A climate curriculum pack worth £150;
- A climate audit of your site; and more!
Apply now 👇
ltl.org.uk/projects/local-s...
Local School Nature Grants - Learning through Landscapes
Apply for a Local School Nature Grant for the chance to get free staff training and £500 worth of outdoor learning equipment for your school.
ltl.org.uk
April 1, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Local School Nature Grants close this Friday! 🚨 This is your last chance to get:
- Two hours of outdoor learning training for your staff;
- £500 worth of outdoor equipment;
- A climate curriculum pack worth £150;
- A climate audit of your site; and more!
Apply now 👇
ltl.org.uk/projects/local-s...
- Two hours of outdoor learning training for your staff;
- £500 worth of outdoor equipment;
- A climate curriculum pack worth £150;
- A climate audit of your site; and more!
Apply now 👇
ltl.org.uk/projects/local-s...
Reposted by Professor Alison Clark
On Monday our instagram account was hacked and then deleted. We received a ransom note to recover it; obviously we couldn't and wouldn't pay, and therefore lost thousands of followers. Meta support was useless. But we're BACK with a new account: @littletollerbooks. Can you follow us there and share?
March 28, 2025 at 1:46 PM
On Monday our instagram account was hacked and then deleted. We received a ransom note to recover it; obviously we couldn't and wouldn't pay, and therefore lost thousands of followers. Meta support was useless. But we're BACK with a new account: @littletollerbooks. Can you follow us there and share?
Still waiting for many favourites to appear #Spring #Orkney @bsbibotany.bsky.social #wildflowerhour but colour in the lichens and wall screw moss
March 23, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Still waiting for many favourites to appear #Spring #Orkney @bsbibotany.bsky.social #wildflowerhour but colour in the lichens and wall screw moss
Reposted by Professor Alison Clark
Love this essay/manifesto by @anandwrites.bsky.social "Because having, and nurturing, in your life a sphere for joy and connection and community and love and food and music and human difference and living and letting live is everything they are not and is everything they are trying to take away."
The opposite of fascism
Living well and fighting back in a time of terrors
the.ink
March 20, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Love this essay/manifesto by @anandwrites.bsky.social "Because having, and nurturing, in your life a sphere for joy and connection and community and love and food and music and human difference and living and letting live is everything they are not and is everything they are trying to take away."
Reposted by Professor Alison Clark
Really pleased to have launched this today at @ascl-uk.bsky.social.
Please do share/engage - we're hoping to build a national resource which shares examples of good practice that exist in the system.
Please do share/engage - we're hoping to build a national resource which shares examples of good practice that exist in the system.
Inclusion in Practice is live! This is a sector-led initiative to gather practical examples of successful approaches to inclusion in mainstream education.
We welcome submissions from all involved in delivering inclusive practice. Link to submit here: www.inclusioninpractice.org.uk 1/3
We welcome submissions from all involved in delivering inclusive practice. Link to submit here: www.inclusioninpractice.org.uk 1/3
Inclusion in Practice
An inclusive education hub, to bring together examples of what successful inclusion looks like in practice.
www.inclusioninpractice.org.uk
March 15, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Really pleased to have launched this today at @ascl-uk.bsky.social.
Please do share/engage - we're hoping to build a national resource which shares examples of good practice that exist in the system.
Please do share/engage - we're hoping to build a national resource which shares examples of good practice that exist in the system.