Time to grow

Early years consultant Marie Charlton recently returned from a study tour of Denmark's pre-schools - and wished she could bring their principles and practice home too Picture the scene. A low white thatched-roof cottage at the end of a stony track in a forest clearing. Children sitting outside at pine benches, despite intermittent drizzle, eating packed lunches. As they finish, they move off in a relaxed way to pursue their own interests. A few go inside the cottage to sleep.