Open Kindergarten project summary7 December 2020Open Kindergartens (OK) are a long-standing concep

The practitioner’s approach The approach requires warmth, authenticity, active listening and receptiveness on the part of the practitioner. [...] Image courtesy of Midlothian Sure Start Key findings from the project evaluation: Open Kindergarten filled a service gap Parents and carers talked about the importance of the Open Kindergarten, which was often the only service that they accessed. [...] Open Kindergarten provided essential peer support for parents and carers The peer support offered at Open Kindergarten sessions was considered invaluable by many parents and carers. [...] The skills and experience of the practitioners were vital in building relationships with parents and carers At both settings, attendance grew by word-of-mouth and led to Open Kindergarten becoming an embedded community resource. [...] The time, skills and experience of the practitioners were invaluable in building relationships with families and making Open Kindergarten a success.