When to discard employees data Have you ever been close to throwing out or shredding paperwork and then realising you have to keep it for a certain amount of time. Did you know that any information stored on a computer or on paper that can easily identify an individual are covered by the data protection act 1998? Types of records that … [Read more...] about Keeping employees data
How to improve my childcare setting
Is my childcare setting to cluttered? Many early years practitioners working in a childcare setting are continuously asking themselves the question how I can improve my childcare setting. A good starting point is to look at what furniture you have and is the environment to cluttered. If you are answering yes to the cluttered question then why … [Read more...] about How to improve my childcare setting
How to build children’s confidence
Helping build children's confidence In order for young children to develop their own self belief practitioners must create an environment that will help children achieve this. When working closely with children you may identify children who have lack confidence, you may be automatically drawn to children who are quiet and shy but sometimes the … [Read more...] about How to build children’s confidence
Knowing when to join in children’s play
When should an adult join in children's play? On a typical day at nursery there are many opportunities for practitioners to observe children's play. Play is crucial to children as it allows them to fully understand and learn about the world around them. It provides opportunities for children to consolidate their existing knowledge and enhance … [Read more...] about Knowing when to join in children’s play
Early Years Self Evaluation Guidance 2015
Guidance to support using the Early Years self-evaluation form to evaluate the quality of registered early years provision and ensure continuous improvement. Age group: Birth to 31 August following a child’s fifth birthday Published: September 2015 Reference no: 120342 The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills … [Read more...] about Early Years Self Evaluation Guidance 2015
Using natural materials in the environment
Why use natural and reclaimed materials? Some settings are inspired by the Reggio Approach and use natural materials in their environment. The reason why settings use these resources is because they are open ended. They also lead to children using their creativity whilst learning rather than creating an end product or result. The resources can … [Read more...] about Using natural materials in the environment
Getting the most out of Treasure baskets
Using Treasure Baskets in your environment. PART 4 Some top tips on getting the most out of treasure baskets: Find a time that suits the children: For children to get the most out of this type of play find a time that suits them. When children are tied or hungry they are less likely to want to stay at this chosen activity. Let children take … [Read more...] about Getting the most out of Treasure baskets
How to display Treasure Baskets and Heuristic Play
PART 3-How to best present Treasure Baskets and heuristic Play Both of these types of play take place on the floor. Practitioners will need to find an appropriate place for this types of play. Treasure baskets items should be placed in a low basket, most settings use wicker baskets as they give that natural feel. Ideally the basket should be … [Read more...] about How to display Treasure Baskets and Heuristic Play
What to use for Treasure Baskets and Heuristic play
Part 2-Objects and items to use in treasure baskets and Heuristic play There are many suppliers who advertise ready made treasure baskets and heuristic play items, however you can find many of these objects in your local stores. In order for a treasure basket to be effective it needs to contain a range of different objects, this is to give … [Read more...] about What to use for Treasure Baskets and Heuristic play
What are Treasure Baskets and Heuristic play
PART 1 Looking at Treasure baskets and Heuristic play Many nursery settings use treasure baskets and offer heuristic play, both these types of play support many areas of children's development. Let’s look at these types of play; Both types of play involve children playing with a group of objects rather than plastic toys. Objects … [Read more...] about What are Treasure Baskets and Heuristic play