ISSUE 4 - May 2023
News from Pikler UK
Welcome to our news blog. Scroll down to find out what we’ve been up to over the past couple of months as well as what’s coming up soon.
Photograph taken recently in Budapest whilst observing Pikler parent-child groups in action.
Since our last edition, we’ve been really busy planning and actioning various strategies and events for the coming months. Read on to find out what we’ve been up to and what’s in store both for our members and for the wider public. We hope you’ll be inspired to get involved by attending events and letting us know your thoughts on all things Pikler, including the topic below...
The Pikler UK Approach to ‘Tummy Time’
At Pikler UK, we take discussions in the media about ‘tummy time’ very seriously as we believe that this aspect of infant development is being pushed on parents with little or no evidence to support claims of its importance before a child is ready to find this position for themselves. So we were particularly interested by a recent article in the i newspaper that highlighted the lack of proper research to back these claims. In a response to the editor, we explained how the Pikler approach respects the individual needs and responses of each baby, allowing them to explore being on their tummy in their own time and at their own pace, in a safe and comfortable environment and when they choose it. We emphasized the importance of providing babies with an environment that supports their natural development and encourages independent exploration, rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.
We’re planning to write a new article of our own about the practice of using tummy time and why this should be an open and inclusive discussion between the medical professions, practitioners and parents alike. We’ll let you know when it’s been published!
And if you haven’t already read it, there’s a brilliant article available in print from our online shop about the history of lying an infant on their stomach and the Piklerian viewpoint on this practice and its alternatives.
Pikler UK Soon to Have Charitable Status
Pikler UK Association is in the process of changing its organisational structure from being an unincorporated association to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). This development is both exciting and significant for us, as it will enable us to take advantage of more funding opportunities and resources by giving donors confidence in us as an organisation worthy of their support. The process of transitioning to a CIO began several months ago, and involves a considerable amount of work from the association's management committee. With this change in structure, Pikler UK will continue to grow and provide valuable support to all those dedicated to the Pikler principles of respectful and sensitive caregiving.
Annual General Meeting and Study Session - Online
Pikler UK's upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) - Thursday 22nd June from 16:00 BST - promises to be a productive and educational event for all attendees. The online AGM will be followed by a two-hour online study session based on Piklerian observation, which will allow participants to delve deeper into this important element of the Pikler approach and how it informs our practice every day.
This study session - from 17:00 BST - will provide an opportunity for our members to explore and discuss the ways in which these principles either have been or can be integrated into their own work and practice. We are excited to engage in insightful discussions and share our knowledge and experiences with one another. We look forward to this enriching event and are eager to continue supporting the development of respectful and autonomous care for children and infants in the UK and beyond.
All our UK and International Associate Members are welcome to join us for both of these events. Please check your inbox for your invitation and let us know if you’re planning to attend.
Pikler UK Annual Conference 2023 - Save the Date!
I know we still have summer to enjoy, but we’re already planning ahead to the autumn and beyond. There are still a lot of details to come, but behind the scenes we’re quietly excited about our upcoming conference.
Venue and speakers have been approached, and if all goes to plan we’ll be offering you another great day of Pikler-inspired education and experiential learning on SATURDAY OCTOBER 21st.
Please save the date and we’ll keep you informed!
Pikler Training in London, UK
The next London Pikler training will be held in October 2023. We are planning on offering the play module – The Autonomous Play Activity – but we will confirm nearer the time.
Pikler training in the UK provides early years professionals, parents and carers with a deeper understanding of the Pikler approach to childcare. This training includes learning about the principles and practices of respectful care, providing intentional and sensitive interactions with infants and young children, and promoting children's independence and self-initiated play. The training programme offers a range of learning opportunities, allowing professionals to gain knowledge and skills at their own pace. Overall, Pikler training equips early years caregivers with the tools needed to provide high-quality, nurturing care for infants and young children.
Our training modules are always taught by Pikler pedagogues from Budapest and students receive official certification from the Pikler House.
If you’re interested in how Pikler training progresses, here’s a link to show you the pathway – https://www.pikler.hu/new-page
And Finally…
If you’re interested in all things Pikler - which, if you’re reading this you probably are - then have you signed up for the Pikler House’s newsletter yet? They share their news and shop via their regular updates and there are some interesting articles being published for the first time! To make sure you’re getting all the news, go to the Pikler Shop and scroll down to sign up.
Dates for your diary
Pikler UK Association AGM – Thursday 22nd June – 16:00 – 17:00
Members Only Study Session – Thursday 22nd June – 17:00 – 19:00
Pikler UK Conference - October 21st 2023
Pikler Training in London – 23rd to 27th October