Do you know about the new Tax-free childcare scheme? In the following months, all childcare settings catering for children up to the age of 12 will be encouraged to sign their settings up to the new government tax-free childcare scheme. This is a new scheme that the government hopes to begin using early in 2017 and will completely replace the … [Read more...] about New tax-free childcare scheme to be rolled out
Increase in children in the early years owning computer tablets
Children in the early years have their own computer tablets Technology is the way of the world in today’s society and it is the norm for adults to spend large majorities of their day working on and using various devices and now this is influencing children in the early years. It appears this is spreading to children and many 3 and 4 year olds own … [Read more...] about Increase in children in the early years owning computer tablets
Early Years Education is a must
It’s never too early to learn The early years is a crucial time for children as they learn rapidly and develop skills to help them make sense of the world. It could therefore be suggested that it is never too early for children to start learning or to join an early years setting. Young children are ready and eager to discover with a built … [Read more...] about Early Years Education is a must
How should mathematics be promoted within Early Years?
Promoting early mathematics skills Early mathematics is an important part of the Early Year’s Foundation Stage. It is down to practitioners to fully embrace this area of the EYFS and promote mathematics throughout the learning environment. As mathematics is a specific area of the EYFS, it means that it is more commonly focussed upon with … [Read more...] about How should mathematics be promoted within Early Years?
Consistency is the key to behaviour management in the Early Years
Top tips on dealing with behaviour Children in the early years can often display challenging behaviour and tackling this can often prove difficult. During times like this practitioners may turn to one another for advice and guidance which is the correct thing to do. Everyone has different experiences and will have tried different techniques … [Read more...] about Consistency is the key to behaviour management in the Early Years
Level 4 Early years courses are making a come back
Level 4 Early Years courses to be reintroduced next year A new level 4 early years course is set to begin this January. The course is aimed at improving the skills of those working with the under 3’s. Some fear that with the increasing pressure on those working with children in preschool receiving the 3 and 4 year old funding that the important … [Read more...] about Level 4 Early years courses are making a come back
Interactive books alone are not enough
What impact do interactive books have on development? There are so many different types of books that are available for children within the early years; however experts are suggesting that all children including babies need to have access to a variety of books. Books that are used in baby rooms are often interactive books with flaps, buttons or … [Read more...] about Interactive books alone are not enough
Is EAL language support confused with cultural diversity in childcare?
Why supporting EAL is not all about cultural diversity Many practitioners will have some experience of working with children who have English as an Additional Language and can offer strategies on how to support them; however there is much dispute on the value of support offered to bilingual children in the Early Years. The most common strategies … [Read more...] about Is EAL language support confused with cultural diversity in childcare?
Media impacts on body image of children as young as 3
Children as young as 3 are already worrying about their body image Self image is a factor that many adults feel insecure about; however recent research shows that body image is also beginning to worry young children. PACEY conducted a study, with some shocking results. It was found that 33% of teachers and staff have heard a child refer to … [Read more...] about Media impacts on body image of children as young as 3
10 ways to get the most out of your staff meeting
Make your staff meeting more valuable with these 10 tips Staff meetings are not always the most popular of monthly events for practitioners to attend. Many practitioners will see them as extra work and not much fun or of use to them. However team meetings can be a great way to convey messages, build staff teams morale and develop knowledge. The … [Read more...] about 10 ways to get the most out of your staff meeting