Ways to create a cultural diversity learning environment The learning environment is fundamental in the development of all children. It helps to shape their experience and build on their knowledge of the world around them. Creating a cultural diversity environment is important in meeting the needs of all children within the setting. Children … [Read more...] about The importance of a cultural diversity environment
Council supports children to choose their gender
The council in Brighton and Hove has been criticised this week after giving children as young as four years old, the opportunity to have a say over their gender. As school places were confirmed for September, parents of the nursery received a letter from the council asking them to support their child in choosing the gender they 'most … [Read more...] about Council supports children to choose their gender
Is there too much pressure on nurseries?
Do you agree nursery practitioners are under pressure to juggle many aspects of their job role? School readiness Nurseries are under lots of pressure to get children ready for school. There is no official definition for school readiness. However, it is the responsibility of nursery practitioners to make sure that children are meeting … [Read more...] about Is there too much pressure on nurseries?
Supporting speech development through play
Speech development is crucial in effectively communicating with others throughout life, yet how can play influence this? Play has a massive impact on speech development with some children starting to talk as early as 6 months old. By the age of two, most children have a wide vocabulary of single words and are beginning to use simple … [Read more...] about Supporting speech development through play
Why is child initiated play important?
Why is child initiated play important for children's learning? Child-initiated play supports children in having ideas and being in control of their learning. It enables them to learn through first-hand experiences, allowing them to choose how to use the resources to do so. Child-led activities may start out as an adult initiated … [Read more...] about Why is child initiated play important?
5 great ways to support a toddler’s speech skills
How adults can support Toddler Speech skills Toddler speech and language skills begin at a very young age. Babies will communicate with adults through babbling and making sounds. These sounds are then refined to create single words. It is important that babies are encouraged to practise making these sounds in order to strengthen mouth muscles and … [Read more...] about 5 great ways to support a toddler’s speech skills
10 ways to reuse wooden pallets in your setting
How can wooden pallets be added to your setting to create a stimulating environment? Wooden pallets are a cheap and easy resource to pick up. They can usually be sourced from builders yards or a recycling centre. There are many uses for old wooden pallets, helping to create a stimulating learning environment using natural materials. Pallets can … [Read more...] about 10 ways to reuse wooden pallets in your setting
Should nursery managers be counted in ratio?
Should nursery managers be in ratio or supernumerary? Nursery settings often have a nursery manager to oversee the general running of the nursery and will usually be the nominated person for Ofsted registration. The role of the manager varies from setting to setting; with some managers supernumerary and others counted in ratios and … [Read more...] about Should nursery managers be counted in ratio?
5 ways to support speech development through creative play
Supporting children's Speech Development Creative play can support and enhance a child's speech and language development. There are two areas of creative development; expressive arts and imaginative play. Activities that promote these can also support a child in developing listening and attention skills; whilst building and using language. Here … [Read more...] about 5 ways to support speech development through creative play
How to make the most of staff training
Ways in which staff can obtain training Staff training is vital in improving skills and knowledge and sharing best practice. There are many core training courses that are now essential in working with children. From September 2016 it will become compulsory for all newly qualified nursery staff to have paediatric first aid in order to be counted in … [Read more...] about How to make the most of staff training