5 simple ways of evidencing the use of EYPP Funding Evidencing how you use your EYPP funding is good practice. Ofsted are happy at the moment with managers being able to talk about how the money is spent and the impact it has had on the child's learning and development. Things will change and settings will be expected to document where the … [Read more...] about Evidencing use of EYPP funding
The adults role in supporting Bilingual children
Looking at the adult’s role in supporting children who are bilingual Practitioners have a responsibility to support bilingual children's language development. Children who speak two languages should be supported and able to access the same opportunities as their peers, however this can be difficult if neither language spoken is English. A … [Read more...] about The adults role in supporting Bilingual children
Encouraging open ended play
10 simple ways to encourage open-ended play Encouraging open-ended play can open up so many learning opportunities for children. It allows children to use their imagination and take themselves on a journey. Open-ended resources don't have to be plastic toys or ones that make noises they can be simple resources such as cardboard boxes or a bowl … [Read more...] about Encouraging open ended play
Disadvantaged children to miss out on free childcare
There is a possibility disadvantaged children will miss out on free childcare places If government fail to get the funding right for the 30 hrs free childcare then this could lead to disadvantaged two-year-olds missing out on free childcare. Many childcare settings will have no choice but to cut back the offering of free two-year-old … [Read more...] about Disadvantaged children to miss out on free childcare
The influence of male practitioners in childcare settings
How can an increase in male practitioners benefit childcare settings? There are currently many local and national concerns regarding boys’ levels of academic achievement in comparison to the achievement of girls across the education system. In a bid to narrow, and eventually close, the ‘gender attainment gap’ many local authorities are calling … [Read more...] about The influence of male practitioners in childcare settings
Involving the team in completing SEF
Ways to involve your team in helping you complete your SEF Completing your SEF can be daunting and many people end up leaving it blank or with gaps. Ofsted will refer to your SEF prior to your visit to gain an insight of your setting. If this isn't available then as long as managers can talk about the progression of the setting as well as any … [Read more...] about Involving the team in completing SEF
Mini beast small world play
An example of a mini beast small world play activity As children love exploring what they can find hidden under or inside objects, why not involve this in a mini beast small world play activity. Have a look what you can find around your nursery to help create this, don't forget to look outside for some wooden logs or twigs. Why not involve the … [Read more...] about Mini beast small world play
Ofsted bring inspectors in house
Ofsted inspectors will be directly employed by Ofsted The decision to bring early years inspections in-house will be introduced from April 2017. The contract for Tribal and Prospects will end in March 2017. The decision to bring inspections in-house is to ensure Ofsted have full control over the training and management of early years … [Read more...] about Ofsted bring inspectors in house
Getting Ofsted ready
Preparing yourself for an Ofsted inspection Many people start to panic when they hear Ofsted are on their way. As Ofsted now make the call to settings, this can either panic people more or can help managers get prepared. They are many opinions as to whether settings should be notified as Ofsted should be able to turn up at any time and see the … [Read more...] about Getting Ofsted ready
More money needed to improve childcare
Instead of cutting inheritance tax more money is need to improve childcare The suggestion of cutting inheritance tax has come under fire and it has been suggested that money should be pumped into improving childcare instead. The promise to help families with tax-free childcare and extending the free entitlement is still being accused of … [Read more...] about More money needed to improve childcare