15 ways to enhance your outdoor provision As it is an Ofsted requirement that children have access to outdoor play, it is highly important that the outdoor provision provides just as much learning as the indoors if not more. All children enjoy playing outside and exploring their surroundings. Through carefully planning and using resources … [Read more...] about Enhancing your outdoor provision
Early Years free entitlement being scrutinised
No way of tracking the effectiveness of the money invested in the early years free entitlement. According to a National Audit Office report published in March, it highlights that there is no way of tracking the effectiveness of the money invested in the offering of the Early Years Free Entitlement and that the department are not getting good … [Read more...] about Early Years free entitlement being scrutinised
Investing in Childcare Apprentices
What are people's views on investing in childcare apprentices? Taking on childcare apprentices can often help when it comes to recruitment. This can be even more beneficial if the trainee has completed their apprenticeship training at the nursery that is recruiting. Having childcare apprentices on site means they learn hands-on experience, … [Read more...] about Investing in Childcare Apprentices
Superhero mural on The Old Co Operative Day Nursery wall
Batman and his Batmobile spray-painted on a wall of a nursery The Old Co Operative Day Nursery has had a mural of Batman, and his Batmobile spray painted on their wall. Buber Nebz ( real name Dan Smith ) created this masterpiece. Children were amazed when they saw this the next morning, not only did the children think it … [Read more...] about Superhero mural on The Old Co Operative Day Nursery wall
Parents demand for a u-turn on GCSE requirements
Parents demand Government U-turn to avert childcare recruitment “catastrophe” --- New poll shows more than seven in 10 parents disagree with GCSE policy – as almost half of nurseries say they are struggling to recruit --- Parents have backed nurseries and childcare organisations in calling for the Government to reverse a controversial policy … [Read more...] about Parents demand for a u-turn on GCSE requirements
10 different ways to use playdough
Why playing with playdough can benefit children's development Many children and adults enjoy playing with playdough; it is a great sensory activity as well as an open-ended resource. There are many benefits to playing with this and plenty of learning happens when exploring it. Here are just a few of the benefits of playing with playdough: … [Read more...] about 10 different ways to use playdough
30hrs free childcare could lead to nurseries closing
Nurseries could close their doors due to the 30hrs free childcare The rise in the free childcare could mean some nurseries face closure; this would see a cut in the number of childcare places offered to 3 and four-year-olds. Many childcare providers have warned the government that the increase in the free childcare will cause a financial … [Read more...] about 30hrs free childcare could lead to nurseries closing
How to WOW Ofsted with your early years training record
Creating an accessible early years training record to show Ofsted An Early Years training record is an important document containing all employees skills and training. As it is an Ofsted requirement to have a training record, this file will be looked at during an Ofsted inspection. A training record shows when employees have … [Read more...] about How to WOW Ofsted with your early years training record
Nurseries to have more practitioners Paediatric First Aid trained
From September 2016, all newly qualified practitioners to be Paediatric First Aid trained. Following the tragic death of Millie Thompson, both parents have set up Mille's Trust, a charity that provides paediatric First Aid training. A petition was launched stating all nursery practitioners to be First Aid trained. Thousands of people … [Read more...] about Nurseries to have more practitioners Paediatric First Aid trained
Safeguarding Children quiz
Safeguarding children quiz to use during a practitioner workshop It is an Ofsted requirement that all employees who are in contact with children receive safeguarding training. It is advised that they refresh this training every three years. All Designated Child Protection/ Safeguarding Leads are expected to attend training every two years. Basic … [Read more...] about Safeguarding Children quiz