How to support children with turn-taking Turn taking is a vital factor in building positive relationships and social skills. Young children are very egocentric and it can take a while for them to understand and share with their friends. Turn taking can be applied to many areas of development and does not only cover the sharing of toys. These … [Read more...] about 7 Great ways to encourage turn-taking
Does staff happiness impact on practice?
A happy workforce can lead to great practice and positive outcomes, however how is practice affected by low morale amongst staff? Practitioners in an early years setting are expected to be happy, approachable and full of energy at all times, however many factors can cause affect this, leaving a practitioner feeling stressed and low. Issues … [Read more...] about Does staff happiness impact on practice?
6 Great Ways to use ICT in the environment
Ways to introduce children to ICT ICT is an important area of development for young children. Most children will have had a great deal of contact with ICT in the first few years of their life through mobile phones, laptops or cameras. It is a vital that children are given opportunities to explore and investigate ICT resources, due to the … [Read more...] about 6 Great Ways to use ICT in the environment
10 alternative cooking ideas for preschoolers
Here are 10 alternative cooking ideas to try out with preschool children Cooking is a great way to support many aspects of development such as fine and gross motor skills, mathematical understanding and exploring cause and effect. Many settings give children the opportunity to take part in cooking activities with biscuits, cakes and … [Read more...] about 10 alternative cooking ideas for preschoolers
Encouraging all children to join in with messy activities
How can practitioner's support children who are less reluctant to join in messy activities Messy activities can be unappealing to some children, through fear of getting messy. Some children do not like the feeling of particular resources such as sand or paint on their fingers and for this reason they will avoid these types of activities. It is … [Read more...] about Encouraging all children to join in with messy activities
Top 10 books to promote early maths
Ten great story books that promote early maths skills Maths is an important aspect of development for young children. Number skills alongside learning shape, space and measure are important skills needed in adult life. Maths development can be supported through the use of stories and books. Here are 10 top books that promote maths in the early … [Read more...] about Top 10 books to promote early maths
Do higher childcare Qualifications enhance Early Years Practice?
Qualifications within the Early Years sector are important in being able to understand the children and what is best for them, however, can furthering your childcare qualifications post level 3 improve practice? It is often debated whether childcare qualifications or experience is more important in the Early Years sector. Many settings … [Read more...] about Do higher childcare Qualifications enhance Early Years Practice?
How to deal with bullying in the workplace
Ways to deal with bullying in the workplace Bullying or harassment can occur in any workplace, leaving the individual feeling upset, scared or worried.Under the equality Act 2010, every individual has the right to work without bullying and feel safe in their workplace. There are many types of bullying that can occur in and individuals can … [Read more...] about How to deal with bullying in the workplace
Working parents left struggling for childcare this half term
Parents struggling to find holiday childcare With schools up and down the country breaking up this week for Easter half term, many working parents have felt the knock on effect, struggling to find adequate childcare. According to the charity 4Children, a record number of providers are not offering childcare through the holidays, leaving many … [Read more...] about Working parents left struggling for childcare this half term
8 ways to make outdoor play same as indoors
Offering children outdoor play The outside environment should offer the same opportunities as the indoor environment. This allows the children to experience outdoors yet still have access to the same level of learning. Outdoor play is important for children's development, providing them with fresh air and the opportunity to discover and learn … [Read more...] about 8 ways to make outdoor play same as indoors