Back in November 2014, Nicky Morgan, the Education Secretary, decided all schools and early years’ settings should actively promote British Values, and Ofsted will assess and rate the provision. British values should be included in everything you do. It would be a good idea to involve parents and carers as often as possible, helping to build … [Read more...] about Promoting British Values
Early Years Practice
Breaking down the barriers of stereotyping
Giving children further choices to help address stereotyping, it is not just about choosing pink or blue Breaking down the barriers of stereotyping in the early years can be extremely easy, offering children a wide range of resources and experiences can help achieve this. It is imperative that practitioners are not stereotypical when … [Read more...] about Breaking down the barriers of stereotyping
Further training around Children’s Speech, Language and Communication needs
Lack of professional development around children's Speech, Language and communication needs According to the latest report issued by The Communication Trust, it shows a gap in training around Children's Speech, Language and Communication. The report highlighted the importance of children's speech, Langauge and communication … [Read more...] about Further training around Children’s Speech, Language and Communication needs
What to expect, when? A parents’ guide
A helpful guide for parent 'What to expect, when?' This guide is to help parents/carers understand about their child's learning and development during their first five years. The booklet explains what parents should expect to see during these crucial years within the seven areas of learning. As every child is different and develops at different … [Read more...] about What to expect, when? A parents’ guide
Should Early Years practitioners accept parents on Facebook?
Is Facebook a line that shouldn't be crossed with parents? Facebook is arguably the most popular and widely used social media platform with the majority of individuals holding an account and using it daily. It is a great way to share your thoughts, photos and opinions with the outside world and your friends and family. But should Early Years … [Read more...] about Should Early Years practitioners accept parents on Facebook?
Health improving skill should be mastered by children and adults
Health improving skill should be mastered by children and adults The autumn and winter months have very much arrived and with this come an invasion of germs, diseases and illnesses.Cold and flu season is dreaded by parents and practitioners with everyone being affected at some point during the season. The question many ask is ‘How can this be … [Read more...] about Health improving skill should be mastered by children and adults
Large group sizes causing problems in the Early Years
Large group sizes are causing problems in the early years Group sizes and setting sizes seem to getting larger and larger as the demand for childcare rises as more parents are making the decision to go back to work. Recent changes enforced by the government such as benefit reductions and an increase in funding all mean that group sizes do not … [Read more...] about Large group sizes causing problems in the Early Years
8 child friendly Halloween activities for the Early Years
8 great Halloween activity ideas for the under 5's Halloween is a fun time of the year for children and adults to enjoy, with many Early Years settings choosing to celebrate this time of year with crafts, cooking activities, dressing up and parties. Celebrating Halloween is often disputed in the Early Years with some settings choosing not to … [Read more...] about 8 child friendly Halloween activities for the Early Years
Should Early Years settings celebrate Halloween?
Should early years settings celebrate Halloween? Halloween is something which is often debated in the early years as some have strong beliefs that it should not be celebrated whereas others feel it should be celebrated within settings. There is no right or wrong choice and it is often left down to the individual setting whether they choose to take … [Read more...] about Should Early Years settings celebrate Halloween?
Signing in the Early Years
Why early years settings should sign with children daily Children in the early years often develop cognitive thinking before speech meaning they know exactly what they want; yet because their language skills are not yet at the same level are often unable to communicate these. This can cause frustration and behavioural problems, because some … [Read more...] about Signing in the Early Years