More graduate teachers are needed in Early Years For some years having a graduate teacher working within early year’s settings has become more and more important. Research shows the positive impact this has on early years practice and children’s development. Although the importance is clear to see, many fear, enough is not being done to … [Read more...] about Not enough graduate teachers in the early years
Ways to support your childcare practitioners
5 top ways to support your team of childcare practitioners Having a robust and passionate team of childcare practitioners is highly important as it can contribute to delivering outstanding practice. It is important that it is not taken for granted the hard work that practitioners bring to the workforce and nursery managers should always … [Read more...] about Ways to support your childcare practitioners
Consultation on ‘Fairer’ early years national funding formula
A six-week consultation on 'fairer' early years funding has been launched The DFE have launched a six-week consultation to look further into the early years national funding formula; this consultation will look at the funding for the three and four-year-olds who are receiving the 30hrs free childcare as well as making sure children with sen … [Read more...] about Consultation on ‘Fairer’ early years national funding formula
British Value Practitioner Workshop
Why not hold your next practitioner workshop on the British Values As many practitioners are still unsure about the British Values why not plan a practitioner workshop covering the topic British Values. It can be more beneficial to make the workshop interactive and involve practitioners in the meeting instead of someone standing up just … [Read more...] about British Value Practitioner Workshop
How to evidence diversity within your planning
Ideas of how to incorporate diversity within planning Many practitioners struggle to show evidence of diversity within planning. However, there are many activities and experiences that can be planned around this. When Ofsted visit to carry out an inspection, they will be looking to see how diversity is promoted within the settings. It is … [Read more...] about How to evidence diversity within your planning
Why nursery managers should carry out appraisals
The truth about appraisals Within the early years, Ofsted expects to see evidence that regular appraisals are being carried out on all practitioners including management. Appraisals are important for continuing professional development. They are also an opportunity to discuss any concerns, weaknesses, gaps in training and importantly what is … [Read more...] about Why nursery managers should carry out appraisals
Extending the foundation stage curriculum past the age of 5
Why the foundation stage curriculum shouldn’t end at 5 The current early year's foundation stage supports a child through early development up to the age of five through a play-based curriculum. Once a child has completed reception class at the age of 5, they then move onto the national curriculum and begin more formalised teaching. This … [Read more...] about Extending the foundation stage curriculum past the age of 5
How nursery managers can support practitioners
Help! My practitioners are under performing Underperforming practitioners can be incredibly frustrating for managers and room leaders and this can often lead to a feeling of low morale across the early years setting. If one practitioner is seen to be getting away with underperforming it may cause other practitioners to follow their … [Read more...] about How nursery managers can support practitioners
Government fine tuning tax free childcare Scheme
The revised government tax-free childcare scheme is being fine tuned Details of the government tax-free revised childcare scheme is being fine tuned by Government. This scheme will help working parents with the cost of childcare, it is expected to be launched in early 2017. Parents will be able to open an online account and use this to pay … [Read more...] about Government fine tuning tax free childcare Scheme
5 large group time activities to do with young children
Top 5 large group time activities Group time is a great way for children to learn together and to learn from one another through scaffolding, however when faced with a large group of children group time can sometimes be daunting and difficult to manage. Managing a large group time session When planning group time activities try to have a … [Read more...] about 5 large group time activities to do with young children