{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"Clarissa Frigerio, Programme Delivery Executive (Early Years)","standfirst":"Squirrels is amazing for 4\u20136-year-olds. All the evidence shows that the skills they learn are fundamental in helping them succeed now and in later life.","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/13990/210510_squirrels_0236.jpg","width":6570,"height":4380,"altText":"Squirrel smiling in a field","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun SCXW79363287 BCX0\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW79363287 BCX0\u0022\u003EWe know the benefits of Squirrels\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022EOP SCXW79363287 BCX0\u0022 data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:259}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003ESquirrels is amazing for 4\u20136-year-olds. \u003Cspan class=\u0022ui-provider fz b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\u0022\u003EOur independent assessment by the Centre for Research in Early Childhood (CREC) has said \u0022it has had a positive and sometimes transformative impact on the children\u0027s development, especially in the areas of communication and language skills and life skills\u0022.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EWe designed the Squirrels programme based on what we know children love and will help them develop: developing their creativity and curiosity through games, stories, and outdoor adventures. All of this helps young people develop a positive sense of self and gain skills for life.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:259}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EAnd we\u2019re not the only ones\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:259}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EWe\u2019re not the only ones focusing on how early years support gives children the opportunity to thrive.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E HRH \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EThe Princess of Wales, our Joint President, is spearheading the \u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://shapingus.centreforearlychildhood.org/\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022none\u0022\u003EShapingUs\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E campaign, launched by the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. The aim of ShapingUs is to promote how a wider variety of activities between the ages of 0-8 will help children\u2019s early development.\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:259}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"quoteText":"During early childhood, from pregnancy to age five, our brains develop at an amazing rate - faster than any other time in our lives","attribution":"Catherine, Princess of Wales","gridType":"quote","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun SCXW146010926 BCX0\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW146010926 BCX0\u0022\u003EThe \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW146010926 BCX0\u0022\u003EShapingUs\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW146010926 BCX0\u0022\u003E campaign is promoting the message that early \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW146010926 BCX0\u0022\u003Eyears\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW146010926 BCX0\u0022\u003E education is fundamental to\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW146010926 BCX0\u0022\u003E building social connections, developing our sense of \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW146010926 BCX0\u0022\u003Eself\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW146010926 BCX0\u0022\u003E and managing our emotions.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022EOP SCXW146010926 BCX0\u0022 data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:259}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022EOP SCXW146010926 BCX0\u0022 data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:259}\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun SCXW12141737 BCX0\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW12141737 BCX0\u0022\u003EWatch \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW12141737 BCX0\u0022\u003Eour\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW12141737 BCX0\u0022\u003E \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://vimeo.com/579877677\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 class=\u0022Hyperlink SCXW12141737 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun Underlined SCXW12141737 BCX0\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022none\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW12141737 BCX0\u0022 data-ccp-charstyle=\u0022Hyperlink\u0022\u003Evideo\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun SCXW12141737 BCX0\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW12141737 BCX0\u0022\u003E to find out\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW12141737 BCX0\u0022\u003E more about how crucial early years are for our brain development.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"value":"","gridType":"embed","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass"},{"value":"https://player.vimeo.com/video/579877677?h=38cc258c80\u0026amp;app_id=122963","gridType":"embed","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass"},{"quoteText":"Squirrels are fearless, they\u2019ll give anything a go, provided they\u2019re given a chance.","attribution":"Squirrels Leader ","gridType":"quote","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EIn our first year of Squirrels, 4 and 5-year-olds have tried out things like archery, planting seeds and even started \u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/running-a-squirrel-drey/\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022none\u0022\u003ENights Away\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E. Plus, Squirrels have left their mark on their community. They engaged with local charities to raise money for mental health support, saved local libraries, and were \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2022/november/celebrating-squirrels-giving-back-to-their-communities/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ecelebrated in their local newspapers.\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EThe Princess of Wales\u2019 campaign focuses on how early opportunities to make friends, engage with others, and different experiences can help children thrive. Clearly Squirrels is a fantastic place to do this.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:259}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EWhy Squirrels is needed now more than ever\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:259}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EA Squirrels Leader from 1\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003Est\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E Ancaster said that the opportunity to open a Squirrel Drey in her community has helped Squirrels to socialise and learn new skills. These are critical opportunities that are less available since the pandemic.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:259}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u201CWe\u0027re now in a time where many of our Squirrels missed out on really key years of their development due to Covid. We\u2019re seeing very young children more anxious, struggling to socialise and not knowing quite what to do in different situations. \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003ESquirrels is so important for young people like this\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u201D.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:259}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EIn other parts of the country, they also noted \u201Cnot all of our Squirrels are at school or another childcare setting, so being part of Squirrels enables them to gain some independence\u201D. Squirrels helps children connect with nature, work together, and be curious.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:259}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/14076/210510_squirrels_1408.jpg","width":6275,"height":4184,"altText":"A Squirrel, wearing a red jumper, walks on a climbing frame while holding the hand of a leader.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EHow you can help us open more Dreys\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:259}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003ETo date, we\u2019ve opened 953 Dreys in the UK. If you\u2019re interested in opening a new Drey, you can read about the opportunities and support available on our \u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/running-a-squirrel-drey/\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022none\u0022\u003ERunning a Squirrel Drey webpage\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:259}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EMore Dreys on the territory can help us make a greater impact in children lives\u2019 and broader community.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:259}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"quoteText":"We are watching our Squirrels grow in confidence, learning how to make friends, how to communicate, express themselves and just be","attribution":"Squirrels Leader","gridType":"quote","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"18 May 2023","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[{"caption":"","title":"Find out more about Squirrels","url":"/squirrels/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Learn about the Early Years pilot project","url":null,"newWindow":true}],"relatedLinks":[{"caption":"","title":"Numbers that matter: results you should know about Squirrels","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2022/november/numbers-that-matter-results-you-should-know-about-squirrels/","newWindow":true}],"id":50442,"nodeName":"What shapes us makes us: the importance of early years education","title":"What shapes us makes us: the importance of early years education ","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/13990/210510_squirrels_0236.jpg?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dadf67f1773d40","caption":"Squirrel smiling in grass field","type":"jpg","size":943517,"width":6570,"height":4380,"altText":"A Squirrel, wearing a red jumper and red scarf, smiles at the camera while walking on grass."},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"What shapes us makes us: the importance of early years education ","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC81MDQ0MiJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2023/may/what-shapes-us-makes-us-the-importance-of-early-years-education/"}