Should Early Years settings use stencils and pre cut materials? Many settings will follow a child led approach, allowing the child full control over their creative activities; however some may still offer children the opportunity to use stencils or pre cut materials such as a cut out flower shape to decorate. This may hinder the child's creative … [Read more...] about Why are stencils detrimental to children’s development?
Painting with kitchen utensils
This is a great painting activity sent in by one of our followers! The children will love using the kitchen utensils to make different marks on the paper. Follow our hashtag #AfternoonActivityTime to follow all the exciting activities that are being shared on our Facebook page every day at 11.30. … [Read more...] about Painting with kitchen utensils
10 pieces of training you must share with your new employee
10 vital pieces of training that you will need to include in your new employee induction When inducting a new employee in your Early Years setting there can be lots of information, policies and procedures that you will need to share with them. A good induction is important as this can help to settle the employee into your setting and will help … [Read more...] about 10 pieces of training you must share with your new employee
NHS figures show 4 in 10 children not attending the dentist
40% of children in the UK are not regularly going to the dentist Shocking figures from the NHS show that at least 40% of children in the UK failed to see a dentist last year. This can be very damaging to a child's health and well-being, leaving many children with preventable dental health problems. The British Dental Association have stressed … [Read more...] about NHS figures show 4 in 10 children not attending the dentist
Top 10 home corner/ role play idea
Why change your home corner? A role play area is an important area of any early years environment and really allows children to explore the ideas they have from their home cultures, stretch their imaginations. Role play is fantastic for development in so many areas of the EYFS (2012) including communication and language, personal, social and … [Read more...] about Top 10 home corner/ role play idea
Painting boxes
Cardboard boxes are a great open ended resource that enables children to use their imagination and build role play scenarios. The children can create a range of uses for a cardboard box such as a castle, a house, a car or a boat. Giving the children the opportunity to decorate their box can build team work and creative development. Follow … [Read more...] about Painting boxes
Cotton wool in water play
Adding cotton wool balls to a water tray is a great way to extend the sensory experience. The children can feel the texture of the cotton wool change as it soaks up the water. Follow our hashtag #AfternoonActivityTime to follow all the exciting activities that are being shared on our Facebook page every day at 11.30. … [Read more...] about Cotton wool in water play
Shaving foam and sand messy play
Messy play can be extended by mixing two materials together such as shaving foam and sand. These two materials give the children the opportunity to explore two textures and see how that changes when mixed together. Add buckets and spades for the children to build structures. Follow our hashtag #AfternoonActivityTime to follow all the exciting … [Read more...] about Shaving foam and sand messy play
Are students being used to their full potential?
How can you get the best out of your students? It is common for Early Years settings to provide work experience or placements for students that are studying childcare or Early Years courses. The placements can be over a set period of time and will usually be placed with a particular age group to gain experience of the job role. This practical, … [Read more...] about Are students being used to their full potential?
Autumn painting
Autumn is a lovely time of the year to collect a range of natural objects from the outdoor environment. Items such as feathers, twigs, leaves, conkers and pine cones are fantastic resources to paint with and create alternative marks on paper. Follow our hashtag #AfternoonActivityTime to follow all the exciting activities that are being shared on … [Read more...] about Autumn painting