Would you like to have a Hygge inspired setting?

At Heartwood we have wonderful and inspiring environment which follows the Danish approach to living. 

Would you like support implementing the Hygge way of life into your setting? We can offer visits to the school, Hygge journey discussions and planning and visits to your school. 

Please contact the school to find out more.

We would only charge for travel expenses if needed and if schools would like to 'pay' for the support we kindly ask that you donate a book/s from our Amazon wish list. 

What is Hygge?

The concept of 'Hygge' (which can be pronounced hue-guh) doesn't have a direct translation into English but is about embracing the simple moments in life with such joy and appreciation and can be felt.  Whether it be a meal at home with good friends, playing board games or taking time to enjoy a sunny but cold woodland walk. In Denmark and other Scandinavian countries, it is seen as the pathway for happiness and good mental health. 

At Heartwood, we value the concept of Hygge and promote the following in our school:

Atmosphere: Creating a calm vibe

Presence: Living in the moment

Pleasure: It should be fun, enjoyable and bring great happiness

Equality: No one is better than anyone else

Togetherness: Spend time with people you care about and those that make you smile

Gratitude: Take time to reflect on what you’re grateful for

Harmony: Life is not a competition

Truce: No need for arguments

Comfort: Relax, wear fluffy socks and be cosy

Shelter: Your home is important

(Taken from ‘The Little Book of Hygge’ by Meik Wiking)

Hygge at Heartwood

There is a direct link between wellbeing and happiness, at Heartwood we strive to ensure all children have high levels of wellbeing and are enjoying their learning.

We use the children's interests to plan fun, enjoyable and engaging learning activities.

We dedicate time to listen to the children and give them a voice. Every morning classes begin their day with 'Toast, Talk and Tales'. This is a time of togetherness, allowing children to talk about their feelings and begin our day with an enjoyable family experience.

Each classroom has a family display board with photos of their loved ones on, this supports children to talk about home and reinforces the value of a partnership with our families.

We teach our children to respect and appreciate the natural world. We spend lots of time outdoors, observing and taking care of our environment. We talk about what we are grateful and thankful for at school and at home...

"For daddy reading stories"

"For the doctor"

"My mummy, she gives me kisses and reads me stories"

(Mouse Class)

Through our school values we show kindness to others around us, develop an understanding of compassion and treat everybody equally.

Our learning environments are carefully planned to be neutral, calm and we provide real and natural resources for children to use in their learning.

• Build the Hygge approach into and link to the Heartwood vision

Create a Hygge Ambassador role, working towards the Hygge accreditation

Model and promote work/life balance for staff

Create a sense of family and home from home in school

Ensure the Heartwood community enjoy the simple things every day

Mental health and wellbeing a priority for all of the Heartwood community

Daily Toast Talk and Tales, using the local dairy and bakery

‘Family’ approach to lunchtimes, promoting independence

The Heartwood environment is calm, natural and cosy, enabling strong learning behaviours, a feeling of safety, security, belonging and consistency

Staff feel valued, enjoying their roles

Parents and carers feeling valued, listened to and welcomed

Growing own produce to make creations with and share with the local community

Supporting the vulnerable in the community

Child- centred school, planned using children’s interests

Outdoor learning opportunities throughout the learning day- working towards the Learning Outside the classroom award

Forest School provision based on the Wanderlust child’s nature study

Natural and simple resources used, protecting the environment ditched the bright plastic!