Maths and English requirements causing huge hurdles for childcare workers There have been many changes to the level of skills required by early year’s workers over the past years with much of the focus being on upskilling the workforce. Some of these changes have included the introduction of further courses such as foundations degrees and … [Read more...] about Maths and English requirements causing chaos for Early Years
What are the Characteristics of Effective Learning?
The characteristics of effective learning and the under 2’s The characteristics of effective learning are a key element in the early year’s foundation stage. They detail the ways in which children should be learning from their environment, experiences and activities. Children up to the age of five should all be displaying the characteristics of … [Read more...] about What are the Characteristics of Effective Learning?
Millie’s Mark – Gold Standard in Paediatric First Aid
Millie's Mark a new quality mark has been launched Nurseries are being urged to begin working towards achieving the new quality mark for excellence in Paediatric First Aid. Nurseries will be awarded a certificate once all staff who work with children have completed paediatric first aid training. Millie’s Mark was created by charity … [Read more...] about Millie’s Mark – Gold Standard in Paediatric First Aid
How practitioners can support children with speech difficulties
5 top tips on how practitioners can support children with speech difficulties within the setting Many children who have speech difficulties attend a childcare setting; these children are supported in varies way depending on the level of support needed. Often practitioners will attend outside training courses to acquire the necessary skills to … [Read more...] about How practitioners can support children with speech difficulties
Pokemon go could cause dangers to early years settings
The Pokemon go game released in the UK earlier this year has attracted a wide audience and thousands of people play the game daily. The game allows players to catch Pokemon in a realistic manner through using a phones camera and real locations. Many local landmarks are used as main features within the game bringing a lot of attention and people … [Read more...] about Pokemon go could cause dangers to early years settings
Keeping your childcare team motivated
5 top ways to keep your childcare team motivated Having a highly motivated and passionate childcare team can make all the difference, without this the setting may fail. Recognising a team's hard work and effort can help keep the team motivated and passionate about working with children. Often managers are extremely busy running the day to day … [Read more...] about Keeping your childcare team motivated
Change in funding rules for Apprenticeships
Government set to change Apprenticeships funding rules Next May there will be changes to the funding rules for Apprenticeships. The government will be expecting organisations especially larger ones to contribute an amount to a new apprenticeship levy. Any employers taking on an apprentice will also be expected to support their apprentice … [Read more...] about Change in funding rules for Apprenticeships
Why employee probation periods are important
Why carrying out employee probation periods are important It is imperative that employees follow not only a strict safer recruitment process but also carry out employee probation periods. When recruiting new employees, it can often be difficult to know whether you have found the right candidate and having the correct HR procedures in place can … [Read more...] about Why employee probation periods are important
Amount of nurseries going bust has nearly doubled
More and more nurseries are going bust compared to last year's figures According to figures released the number of nurseries going bust have nearly doubled in the last year, the cause of this is down to soaring costs. Many nurseries have felt the pressure of the increase in the National Living Wage, leaving many nurseries having to increase … [Read more...] about Amount of nurseries going bust has nearly doubled
Parents to pay charges for ‘Free’ childcare
Parents may be asked to pay charges for free childcare To help tackle a shortfall in funding parents may be asked to pay charges towards the 30hrs free childcare entitlement. The 30hrs free childcare pilot scheme is to be introduced in certain county's next month; it is only offered to three and four-year-olds. Many childcare providers have … [Read more...] about Parents to pay charges for ‘Free’ childcare