The Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Years - Education Scotland

BACKGROUND
Many prizes have been bestowed on the Reggio Emilia 0–6 school experience between 1995
and 2006. Examples of these are:
• in 2000, the Klods Hans Prize 2000 was awarded by the city of Hirsthals, Denmark, for
commitment to the defence and development of children’s rights in the field of education
• in 2001, a prize was awarded by the city of Blois, France, in recognition of the quality of the
educational experience
• in 2001, the Gold Medal for merit in schools, culture and art was awarded by Carlo
Azeglio Ciampi, President of the Republic of Italy, in memory of Loris Malaguzzi
• in 2002, the Nonino Prize for an Italian maestro of our times was awarded to the
educational project for early childhood in the municipality of Reggio Emilia.
At the time of writing, perhaps the most significant event in the development of this unique
educational experience has been the opening (February 2006) of the Loris Malaguzzi International
Centre of Childhood. The centre, which is partially open to the public, is still in the development
phase but it has already been host to different exhibitions and meetings on the theme of
childhood and education. It now has conference rooms, a theatre, exhibition spaces and working
creative and scientific ateliers which were developed by parents in conjunction with educators
and atelieristas. The next phase will see the opening of restaurants and a new pre-school
establishment on the site. Crucially, the international centre is seen as a place for the defence
and promotion of the rights of all children and young people. The atelier and other spaces will
be used by children and young people up to 18 years of age, a step which highlights the town of
Reggio Emilia’s commitment to all young people and not just children of pre-school age.
REGGIO EMILIA REGGIO EMILIA