Growing Places building 'Bonds Beyond Borders'

Three lucky Growing Places team members were chosen to be part of Havant and South Downs College recent educational expedition to India!

Learning hands-on educational practices in the classroom.

A once in a lifetime trip

Tia, Chloe & Maddy spent 18 days in New Delhi on a fully funded trip to Manav Rachna Educational Institutions. Here they were able to gain practical experience working with children in schools and nurseries whilst also fully immersing themselves in the rich and exciting culture that surrounded them.

Funded by the Turing Scheme, 'Bonds Beyond Borders' provides students an "unparalleled opportunity to expand their academic, professional, and personal horizons through immersive learning experiences abroad." The experience was truly life changing for our educators, who have written about their time in India.

A snapshot of their cultural experiences.

Tia - Mill Hill Manager

"Having the opportunity to go to India and be immersed in their community and culture was amazing, and I’ll be eternally grateful for the experience. 

We had the chance to connect and converse with like-minded professionals within the early years sector and share experiences from one environment to another. We were thousands of miles away from our colleagues but felt so welcomed and supported from the team at Manav Rachna.

A huge highlight for myself was having the opportunity to go into the temples and learn about Hinduism. Having experienced the culture and community within India I learned it’s truly family centred, and how the wellness of your mind, body and soul is at the heart of everything.

This has made me feel so inspired to focus on our children's mental, physical and emotional wellbeing, and I feel passionate about embedding this within the nursery's day to day."

Growing Places' Maddy, Chloe and Tia visiting the Taj Mahal.

Maddy - Morelands Educator

"My study trip to India was an inspiring and eye-opening experience that deepened my understanding of early childhood education in a global context. Visiting schools and early years centres across India allowed me to see how culture, community, and tradition play an important role in children’s learning and development.

One of the key things I learnt was the strong sense of community involvement in education. Families and local communities are often actively engaged in supporting children’s learning, which creates a warm, inclusive environment. This reminded me how valuable it is to build strong home-school partnerships in my own practice. I was also impressed by the creativity and resourcefulness of educators. Many classrooms used simple, locally sourced materials to create meaningful learning experiences. It reinforced the idea that high-quality education doesn’t depend on expensive resources, but on thoughtful teaching, imagination, and a genuine connection with children.

Observing the emphasis on values such as respect, gratitude, and care for others was another important learning point. These values were woven naturally into everyday routines and play, helping children develop social and emotional skills from a young age.

Overall, the trip broadened my perspective on early childhood education. I returned with new ideas for incorporating more cultural awareness, community involvement, and sustainability into my practice. Most of all, I was reminded that while our contexts may differ, the joy of learning and the importance of nurturing young minds are universal."

Chloe - Mill Hill Educator

"Spending three weeks in New Delhi studying childcare was such an eye-opening and enriching experience.

Immersed in a vibrant and fast-paced environment, I had the opportunity to engage with local childcare systems, observe cultural practices, and work alongside dedicated professionals who are deeply committed to child development and education. I was so impressed to see that children could write their own names at just 2 years old, and I was inspired by the schools deeply holistic approach and use of music and breathing exercises within the classroom. I was also impressed by the older children taking on small “helper” roles which helped to strengthen their confidence, empathy and leadership, something I hope to implement within my own nursery setting.

Beyond the classroom, I discovered just how wonderfully creative the community of New Delhi are, and we were given time to really immerse ourselves culturally. I visited historical sites, explored local markets and engaged in dancing, sports, cookery and even learned a little Hindi along the way! Having the opportunity to build 'bonds beyond borders' has boosted both my personal and professional confidence immensely, it’s an experience I will never forget."

Learning experiences for mind, body and soul.