The ‘Early Years Learning’ programme, which is kindly sponsored by HSBC, is aimed at preschool children and will encourage them to learn through play and to explore colour, textures, smells and creativity while outdoors in nature at a heritage site.

There are three events during 2025, which include ‘Terrific Neolithic’ at La Hougue Bie; ‘Castles and Crowns’ at Mont Orgueil; and ‘Sensory Adventure in the Garden’ at Hamptonne Country Life Museum. The mornings of these interactive events are for invited nurseries with the Jersey Heritage Education team, and the afternoons are open to any children aged 3-5 years old accompanied by a Jersey Heritage Member.

Carmella Knight, Jersey Heritage’s Members’ Events Curator, explained that the ‘Early Years Learning’ series followed a successful pilot last year. She said: “We had a fantastic response when we trialled the Early Years events and couldn’t wait to include them in our programme for 2025. Each event will include a host of play-based activities that aim to spark curiosity, creativity and sensory exploration.

“As a trained Early Years teacher, I understand the formative value of learning through play. Heritage can seem daunting for many older children who feel it is not for them. However, by creating an early connection between a child and Jersey’s natural and built heritage, which they remember as a positive experience, we hope they will feel our heritage spaces are places for them to visit and enjoy.”

The first ‘Early Years Learning’ event is a Stone Age adventure at La Hougue Bie on Thursday, 3 April. Free tickets must be booked by Members for the afternoon session. The activities will include:
• Small World Play – create and explore prehistoric landscapes filled with mammoths, woolly rhinos and other Ice Age animals

• Clay Making – shape and mould like a Neolithic potter

• Feely Table – discover different textures from the past

• Hand Printing – make your mark just like early humans

• Threading Station – get creative with natural materials to make Neolithic jewellery

• Sand Trays – explore touch, sight and movement by drawing symbols in the sand

• Story Corner – settle in for a Stone Age tale.

Katie Dodds, HSBC Chief of Staff for the Channel Islands and Isle of Man, said: “We’re extremely proud to sponsor the Jersey Heritage Early Years programme to help promote the Island’s rich heritage. The bank is committed to working alongside our communities and partnering with organisations that help build young people’s knowledge and skills, which align to our own overall educational community support.”

In addition to the ‘Early Years Learning’ events for Members and invited nurseries, the Jersey Heritage Education Team also offer free educational visits for nurseries to explore the charity’s visitor sites, including Elizabeth Castle, Mont Orgueil Castle, La Hougue Bie, the Maritime Museum, Hamptonne Country Life Museum and Jersey Museum, Art Gallery & Victorian House. These educational visits must be booked by emailing education@jerseyheritage.org. The Education team are also available to visit nurseries and share aspects of the Island’s history with preschoolers.

Find out more.