Top tips on making sure your team is working together effectively Conflict, disagreements and under performance all have a massive impact on the level of care and education that is received by the children and the practice that is displayed in your setting on a daily basis. This could have detrimental effects on the setting, so it is crucial … [Read more...] about Benefits of effective team working
Is having a mixed group of 0-3 year olds beneficial?
Question Q – “What are people's views on mixing 0-3 year olds. Some of these babies are as young as 7 months with rather large 3 year olds. As long as ratios are met is it safe and what are the benefits to mix 0-3 year olds?" Answers A – “I work in a creche, age 6wks to 4yrs 11months one open plan room inspectors are fine with it … [Read more...] about Is having a mixed group of 0-3 year olds beneficial?
Why can’t my practitioners just be friendly to each other?
Helpful advice on how to Sort conflict out between staff Unfortunately, in the early years, a common complaint is of practitioners being hurtful to one another and not getting along. Many believe this is down to many settings being single sex or majority sex teams; this is thought to be the same in any environment with a similar sex team. … [Read more...] about Why can’t my practitioners just be friendly to each other?
How do settings pay term time staff?
Question Q – “How do settings pay term time staff - over 12 months? Also do they pay holiday pay or not?" Answers A – “We pay our staff for the hours they work each month not pro rata. We then pay holiday pay in the summer holidays so the staff aren't ever without any money any part of the year.” A – “I work term time in a private … [Read more...] about How do settings pay term time staff?
What resources do you use that are appropriate for mixed age groups?
Question Q – “"What activities can you easily change to be more age-appropriate for children and how have you done this? We have got 2-4 year olds in one room."” Answers A – “Construction such as duplo or lego, home corner and other 'real world' role play, malleable area with tools, book corner. Any area can be altered as long as staff … [Read more...] about What resources do you use that are appropriate for mixed age groups?
Do you have any examples of your cohort tracking ?
Question Q – "I was wondering if anyone had any word friendly or simple examples of how to do the group/ cohort tracking for a private daycare nursery as I'm feeling slightly lost and helpless." Answers A – “ Here are a selection tracking forms you can buy which will give you the templates you need" A4 Key Group EYFS Progress TrackerKey … [Read more...] about Do you have any examples of your cohort tracking ?
How do you deal with parents and practitioners being friends on social media?
Question Q – "I have a nursery policy that no staff members can accept or add children's parents/carers on social media. In the past I have used disciplinary action when they have ignored this. How do other settings deal with this?" Answers A – “This is an interesting article exploring practitioners and parents being friends on social … [Read more...] about How do you deal with parents and practitioners being friends on social media?
Should there be planning for the outdoors environment?
Question Q – “I'm a TA in a foundation stage classroom and we have free flow. Teachers don't have any outside days, only TAs, and there is no planning for the outside environment. I often think of activities to do myself, basing it on the curriculum where I can. As the outdoor area is part of the whole setting, should there be some planning or … [Read more...] about Should there be planning for the outdoors environment?
Can my manager stop me booking holiday in December?
Question Q - "If your holiday year runs from January to December can your boss (owner) legally stop you from booking holidays during the month of December if there is no other staff on leave and ratios are ok?" Answers A – “We can take holiday in Dec but Christmas week we generally take it in turns. Last year I had to work. This year I … [Read more...] about Can my manager stop me booking holiday in December?
What questions can i include in a quiz about knowing your key children?
Question Q – “"I want to make a quiz for my staff about their key children, the aim is to see how well they know the children without looking back at tracking. Ideas for questions would be great!"” Answers A – “Child's next steps, how are these being planned and supported, what sessions do they attend, comforters, age in months, … [Read more...] about What questions can i include in a quiz about knowing your key children?