Hygge In The Early Years Accreditation: Creating Cozy, Happy Learning Spaces

The way we approach early childhood education, you know, really shapes little lives, and it's interesting to see how certain philosophies gain recognition. A really compelling approach that has been making waves is the hygge philosophy, especially when it comes to early learning. It's a Danish idea, and it focuses on creating a happier, simpler way of life, which, you know, translates beautifully into settings where young children spend their days.

This particular approach, the hygge way, is something that Ofsted inspectors, the people who check on educational places here in the U.K., seem to really appreciate. Many of the educators who are part of our community, those here in the U.K., have actually been recognized as truly outstanding providers. This suggests that embracing hygge principles can really help create a top-notch learning environment for children, which is, honestly, quite a wonderful thing to consider.

For us, getting the hygge in the early years accreditation has been a big step, and we're so excited to be on this particular journey. It's a way to formally acknowledge a commitment to this gentle, nurturing method of caring for and teaching young children. This accreditation, you know, really helps settings show they are dedicated to a different kind of learning experience, one that puts warmth and well-being first, which is pretty important, wouldn't you say?

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Table of Contents

• What is Hygge in the Early Years Accreditation?
• The Essence of Hygge in Childcare
  • Creating a Warm and Calming Environment
  • Nature and Outdoor Play
  • Supporting Children, Families, and Staff
• The Accreditation Process
  • Professional Development and Wellbeing
  • Sharing the Hygge Philosophy
• Benefits of Hygge Accreditation
  • Ofsted Recognition and Outstanding Ratings
  • Community and Collaboration
  • Reducing Paperwork and Inspiring Awe
• Frequently Asked Questions about Hygge in Early Years
• Begin Your Hygge Journey

What is Hygge in the Early Years Accreditation?

Hygge, as a concept, comes from Denmark, and it really means finding joy in the simple things, creating a feeling of coziness, comfort, and contentment. When we talk about hygge in the early years, it's about bringing that same peaceful, warm feeling into places where children learn and grow. The accreditation, you know, is a formal way for early years settings and childminders to show they are committed to this approach, which is actually quite a significant step for many.

A hygge nursery, for example, really works to incorporate ten core elements of hygge into its daily approach. These elements might involve things like soft lighting, natural materials, and quiet spaces, all designed to make children feel safe and at ease. It's about setting up an environment that supports a child's natural curiosity and provides a sense of belonging, which is pretty important for little ones, isn't it?

The "hygge in the early years accreditation" is a recognition that a setting has embraced this particular theory, pedagogy, and overall ethos. For example, at Stanbridge, they've really taken on the hygge accreditation, making it a core part of what they do. This means they are reflecting these ideas within their physical space, creating a warm, calming, and cozy environment that, in a way, truly reflects the needs of the children, their families, and the staff who work there. It's a holistic view, you know, that really tries to consider everyone involved.

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The Essence of Hygge in Childcare

Hygge, at its heart, incorporates elements of warmth, coziness, and nature. It’s about making the most of every day, no matter the weather, and finding comfort in simple moments. This philosophy, you know, really encourages us to slow down a little and appreciate the present, which can be a valuable lesson for both children and adults in an early years setting. As we move through the training for accreditation, we actually learn about specific changes we can make to our environments to bring these elements to life.

Creating a Warm and Calming Environment

One of the main things you learn with hygge in the early years accreditation is how to create a truly cozy and nurturing environment. This isn't just for the children, but for the staff too. It means thinking about things like lighting, textures, and sounds to make a space feel inviting and safe. For instance, a setting might use soft rugs, natural wood furniture, and gentle lamps instead of harsh overhead lights, which, you know, can make a big difference in how a room feels.

We, as an accredited setting, really reflect the hygge approach by providing a warm, calming, and cozy environment. This kind of space is designed to meet the needs of our children, their families, and our staff, too. It’s about more than just decoration; it’s about intentionally crafting a feeling of peace and security. This means, in a way, that every corner of the room is considered for its potential to offer comfort and a sense of belonging, which is quite a lovely idea.

Think about it: hot chocolate outside on a cold winter's day, or perhaps baked potatoes on the field in the rain. These are the kinds of experiences that embody hygge in practice. Splashing in puddles, cooking and smelling baked gingerbread, or even just enjoying a simple meal together outdoors – these moments are about making the most of every day, finding joy in the simple, sensory experiences. This is, you know, a very practical way to bring hygge to life for children.

Nature and Outdoor Play

Nature play is a big part of the hygge approach. It’s about connecting children with the natural world, allowing them to explore and learn outdoors in all seasons. I actually interviewed one of my fantastic members, Sam Goldsworthy, on why she joined the hygge in the early years accreditation, and she talked a lot about the impact it's having on outdoor play. It seems to really encourage a deeper engagement with the natural environment, which is pretty important for children's development.

The training for this accreditation often includes a focus on nature study and outdoor learning. It helps educators understand how to incorporate elements of the natural world into their daily practice, even if they don't have a large outdoor space. This could involve bringing natural materials inside, or simply encouraging children to notice the changes in the weather and seasons. It's about fostering a love for the world around them, which is, you know, a really valuable lesson.

After completing our hygge in the early year’s accreditation, we have actually continued our journey and started the wanderlust nature study. This shows that the hygge approach isn't just a one-time thing; it's a continuous process of learning and adapting. It's about deepening our connection with nature and finding new ways to bring that connection to the children, which is, honestly, a very rewarding path to take.

Supporting Children, Families, and Staff

The hygge approach isn't just about the physical environment; it's also about the well-being of everyone in the setting. Following the pandemic, for example, many settings identified a real need to support their staff, children, and their families. Hygge accreditation, in a way, provides a framework for doing just that. It helps create a sense of security and comfort for everyone, which is, you know, incredibly important in these times.

We've actually created staff and parent information packs from the accreditation, and these have been really helpful for our families to understand our practice. When parents know what to expect and can see the philosophy in action, it builds trust and strengthens the home-setting connection. This kind of transparency and shared understanding is, honestly, a key part of making the hygge approach work for everyone involved.

The training also offers professional development and bonuses for early educators, which is a great benefit. It empowers staff to slow down a little, reconnect with their purpose, and create a calmer, more balanced environment. This focus on staff well-being means that educators are better equipped to provide the best possible care and education for the children, which, you know, makes a lot of sense.

The Accreditation Process

Becoming accredited in hygge in the early years involves a specific process, and it's something that many settings are now undertaking. For example, this year at Kinderworld Day Nursery, the staff team have embarked on a journey together, studying for the hygge in early years accreditation. As the manager, you know, starting this was a clear step for them to enhance their practice. It's a commitment to learning and growing as a team.

The accreditation itself is much like the curiosity approach, providing learning opportunities to all children in our care, while practicing the philosophy and sharing a warm, safe environment. It’s about implementing the core principles of hygge into daily routines and interactions. Other early years settings and childminders can also be accredited, making this approach widely accessible to anyone who cares for young children, which is pretty good.

Upon completion of the training, settings receive a certificate to acknowledge their growth. This certificate is a tangible recognition of the effort and learning that has taken place. It's something that can be shared with families and inspectors, showing a dedication to a particular kind of quality care. This online course, you know, really offers professional development, well-being insights, nature study, and more bonuses for early educators, making it a comprehensive program.

Professional Development and Wellbeing

The hygge in the early years training is specifically built for early years providers. It's designed to give educators the tools and expertise they need to be truly outstanding. The focus is not just on what to do, but also on how to create a more intentional and mindful approach to teaching. This kind of professional development, you know, can be incredibly empowering for staff.

Our staff, for instance, are experienced early years educators who really strive to provide the very best experience for children. In the summer of 2022, we actually achieved our 'hygge in the early years' accreditation. This shows a commitment to ongoing learning and a desire to always improve the environment for the children. It's about continuous growth, which is, you know, a very good thing in any profession.

The training empowers you to slow down, reconnect with your purpose, and create a calmer, more balanced environment. Early years can sometimes feel bogged down with paperwork, government input, and legislation. This approach, in a way, helps to cut through some of that, allowing educators to focus on what truly matters: inspiring and igniting the awe and wonder in children’s learning. It’s about getting back to basics, which is, you know, often what's needed.

Sharing the Hygge Philosophy

You can actually become a trainer in the hygge in the early years accreditation. This means you can help your local early years settings, childminders, and schools to also embrace this philosophy. It's a way to spread the benefits of hygge beyond your own setting, creating a wider community of like-minded educators. This opportunity to train others is, honestly, a powerful way to make a bigger impact.

I have written a book along with my signature training course, “the hygge in the early years™ accreditation,” to help people become the creator of a calmer and happier approach to their work. This resource, you know, provides a clear path for educators to understand and implement the hygge philosophy in their own settings. It's about providing practical guidance and inspiration, which is very helpful for those starting out.

This group is for paid members of the hygge in the early years accreditation, creating a supportive community where educators can share ideas and experiences. It’s a place to connect with others who are also on this journey, to ask questions, and to celebrate successes. Becoming part of the hygge in the early years family means joining a growing community transforming early years teaching with calm, balance, and intention, which is, you know, a very encouraging thought.

Benefits of Hygge Accreditation

The benefits of pursuing hygge in the early years accreditation are many, and they touch upon various aspects of an early years setting. From improved inspection outcomes to a stronger sense of community, the impact can be quite broad. It’s about creating an environment that feels good for everyone, which, you know, naturally leads to better outcomes for children.

Ofsted Recognition and Outstanding Ratings

As mentioned, Ofsted inspectors seem to really appreciate the hygge approach to early learning. Many of the members who have adopted this approach, particularly those in the U.K., are recognized as outstanding providers. This suggests that the principles of hygge align well with what inspectors look for in high-quality early years provision. It’s a clear indication that focusing on warmth, well-being, and a child-led approach can lead to excellent results, which is, honestly, a significant benefit for any setting.

Achieving hygge accreditation can, therefore, be a pathway to gaining higher recognition for the quality of care and education provided. It gives settings a clear framework to work within, helping them to articulate their philosophy and practice in a way that resonates with inspection criteria. This kind of external validation, you know, can be very encouraging for a team and helps to build confidence in their approach.

Community and Collaboration

Becoming accredited means you can become a hygge in the early years school, setting, or childminder. Our carefully created toolbox, you know, offers the perfect blend of resources to support this transformation. It's about more than just a certificate; it's about joining a network of professionals who share a common vision for early education. This sense of community is, honestly, a very valuable aspect of the accreditation.

We’re so excited to tell you that over the next year, Hednesford Nursery School will begin a brand new journey as they study for the hygge in early years accreditation. This kind of shared experience, you know, fosters collaboration and allows settings to learn from each other. It’s about building a collective knowledge base and supporting each other in implementing these principles, which is pretty powerful.

Dothill Ducklings, an Ofsted registered childminder with over 25 years of experience, is also working towards hygge in the early years accreditation. This shows that the approach is suitable for various types of early years provision, from large nurseries to individual childminders. It creates a unified community of educators who are all striving for a common goal: to create more nurturing and engaging environments for children, which is, you know, a wonderful thing.

Reducing Paperwork and Inspiring Awe

Early years can be so bogged down with paperwork, government input, and legislation. The hygge approach, in a way, offers a refreshing alternative, helping educators to refocus on the core purpose of their work. It encourages a shift from excessive documentation to more meaningful interactions and observations. This can, honestly, free up valuable time for practitioners to engage directly with children.

Let’s do what we can to inspire and ignite the awe and wonder in our children’s learning. This is a core tenet of the hygge philosophy. It’s about creating moments that spark curiosity and joy, rather than simply ticking boxes. The accreditation helps settings to intentionally design experiences that foster this sense of wonder, which is, you know, truly what early childhood education should be about.

Northwoods Forest School, for example, embraces a warm, nurturing, and rhythmical approach to early childhood education, aligning perfectly with hygge principles. This demonstrates how the hygge framework can be integrated into different educational models, enhancing their existing strengths. It’s about finding a way to simplify and enrich the learning experience for everyone, which is, honestly, quite a clever idea.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hygge in Early Years

People often have questions about how hygge applies to early years settings. Here are a few common ones:

What does "hygge" mean in an early years setting?
Hygge, in an early years setting, means creating a warm, cozy, safe, and comfortable environment for children, their families, and staff. It’s about fostering a sense of well-being and contentment through the physical space, daily routines, and interactions. It incorporates elements of warmth, coziness, and nature, too, making the most of every day of the year.

How does hygge accreditation benefit early years providers?
Hygge accreditation helps early years providers create nurturing environments, which, you know, can lead to recognition as outstanding providers by bodies like Ofsted. It offers professional development for staff, helps simplify practice by reducing focus on excessive paperwork, and supports a human-centric approach to care and learning. It also helps families understand the practice, which is pretty useful.

Is hygge in early years similar to other educational approaches?
Yes, hygge in the early years is much like the curiosity approach, providing learning opportunities to all children while practicing a philosophy that emphasizes warmth, safety, and a sense of belonging. It’s about providing learning opportunities to all children in a way that feels natural and inviting, which is, you know, a very effective way to teach.

Begin Your Hygge Journey

The hygge in the early years training has given my members, like Heather from Little House on Green, the tools and expertise they need to be outstanding early educators. It’s a practical way to transform a setting into a place of calm, balance, and intention. I'm honestly blown away with how many of you have got in touch over the last week to share some of your photos of how you've made changes to your setting after taking part in my hygge in the early years accreditation built for early years providers. It really shows the impact this approach can have, which is, you know, truly inspiring.

We gained our hygge in the early years accreditation in 2022, and it has been a transformative experience for us. Little Acorns, for instance, is lucky to be studying towards a hygge accreditation, and this means many things to them, including being on a journey as a team to create and improve their own special approach. So, what have I learned from hygge and hygge in the early years accreditation? It’s about a continuous process of growth and refinement, which is pretty amazing.

To learn more about our hygge philosophy and how it can benefit your early years setting, you might want to explore our resources. You can also find additional insights and support on our community page. Consider exploring more about the Danish concept of hygge on Wikipedia, which provides a good general overview of the term itself. This approach is truly about making a positive difference for children and those who care for them, which is, you know, a very worthwhile endeavor.