Pokémon Go is a new craze sweeping the nation, encouraging children and adults to get outside and be active; however it has been suggested that the game could cause issues for safeguarding in Early Years settings. The app is downloadable to smart phones and requires you to go out walking to search for and collect Pokémon. One aspect of the game is … [Read more...] about Pokémon go causing safeguarding concerns for nurseries
6 ways of effectively managing an Early Years team
How can you ensure your Early Years team is working efficiently? Managing an Early Years team can be challenging at times, however it can be made easier by thinking about the team and how they work together. It is the role of the leader or manager to oversee the work of those in the team and support each practitioner in growing and developing in … [Read more...] about 6 ways of effectively managing an Early Years team
Why should you carry out exit interviews?
Exit interviews can be a valuable tool in running a successful business When an employee decides to leave the company, exit interviews are a great way to gain additional knowledge about your setting and build staff retention. Some managers may not approach the staff member after they have handed in their notice, or others will use an exit … [Read more...] about Why should you carry out exit interviews?
5 ways to reuse a cardboard box
5 easy ways to use a cardboard box in play Cardboard boxes are a great open ended resource that can be easily sourced and are usually free of charge. Children often love exploring an empty cardboard box and will spend hours using their imagination. Here are 5 easy ways to adapt a cardboard box in play Role play setting Large cardboard boxes … [Read more...] about 5 ways to reuse a cardboard box
Packed school lunches are still full of sugar
Study shows that packed lunches are not meeting the required nutritional guidelines of school lunches In recent years, school lunches have been criticised for their low nutritional value and high sugar content, with swift changes to school canteens across the country in order to meet healthy eating guidelines. However it has been found that … [Read more...] about Packed school lunches are still full of sugar
Are stickers really the right reward to use?
Why early years settings shouldn’t use stickers Many early years settings and nursery practitioners choose to use stickers to reward children through the day for desired behaviour. Stickers are support to work as an aid in positive reinforcement which can be seen as highly effective when looking back at childcare theories. Positive reinforcement … [Read more...] about Are stickers really the right reward to use?
5 resources to encourage early mathematical language
These 5 resources are designed to support children's mathematical language skills Children will need to gain an understanding of mathematical language in order to develop their skills in number, shape, space and measure; however maths can be a difficult area of development to resource for across the age groups. Compare bears, unifix cubes … [Read more...] about 5 resources to encourage early mathematical language
Children need at least 3 hours physical activity every day
1 in 10 children are not meeting the minimum required amount of physical activity each day It has been suggested that children aged under 5 should be active for a minimum of 3 hours per day. ‘Every movement counts’ is the motto of a new Department of Health campaign that aims to get children moving and promote physical activity for at least 180 … [Read more...] about Children need at least 3 hours physical activity every day
5 great story sack ideas
Great ideas on how to extend 5 favourite stories into a story sack A Story sack can be a great resource to use with the children. They can extend a story and support children in a range of development areas. The sacks are often made up using a story book and visual aids or activities that are based around the story. This can help children to … [Read more...] about 5 great story sack ideas
‘Relax nursery sickness policies’ urges GP
Father and GP campaigns for nursery to relax its rules on conjunctivitis A GP and father of twins has recently campaigned for a nursery to change their sickness policy with regards to conjunctivitis. Dr Finnikin pushed for the change in policy after his own toddler was sent home with the infection by the University of Birmingham’s nursery. The … [Read more...] about ‘Relax nursery sickness policies’ urges GP