What is a Communication Friendly Environment? A Communication Friendly Environment is a space that encourages and promotes good communication. This approach focuses on the role of the environment in supporting speaking and listening skills, emotional well-being, physical development and general engagement. The environment in which a child … [Read more...] about 10 ways to create a Communication Friendly Environment
Babies and outdoor play
5 Great ways to let babies explore outdoor play It is important that all children are able to access outdoor play every day. Accessing this environment with babies can have its challenges. However, Ofsted are very keen to see babies having fresh air everyday. Some settings will take the babies out in pushchairs to ensure they get some fresh air … [Read more...] about Babies and outdoor play
10 top tips for toilet training
Tips on helping with toilet training Toilet training is a big milestone to accomplish for small children and parents can be just as nervous about tackling it. Children usually toilet train between the ages of two and four years old, however some children can start earlier or later than this. It is important to wait for the child to be ready, as … [Read more...] about 10 top tips for toilet training
7 simple ways to add mathematics to your environment
Incorporating Mathematics into your learning environment Mathematics is a specific area of development in the Early Years Foundation Stage, yet many settings find it difficult to incorporate it into everyday learning environments. Here are some 7 easy ways to make sure you are encouraging mathematical development through play. Role … [Read more...] about 7 simple ways to add mathematics to your environment
Nursery fears of radicalisation over drawing
Nursery feared that radicalisation may have taken place after confusion over a drawing done by a four year old child. The nursery in England feared that radicalisation may have taken place when there was a confusion over a child's drawing. The child in question was a four year old boy who attended the setting. The child had drawn a … [Read more...] about Nursery fears of radicalisation over drawing
Why small world play is important
What children learn from small world play Small world is an important aspect of children's play, aiding many areas of development. Imaginative skills are supported allowing the child to express thoughts and experiences into their play, whilst exploring the world in which they live. Small world also offers the opportunity for children to build … [Read more...] about Why small world play is important
Supporting a new employee
Ways to support new practitioners who join your team Starting a new job can be a daunting and stressful time for a new employee, however this can be eased through a smooth transition into the setting. It is the responsibility of the nursery manager to ensure a new employee is supported and made fully aware of their role and responsibilities whilst … [Read more...] about Supporting a new employee
Increase in nurseries providing ‘real tools’ for risky play
What are your views on early years settings offering children real tools for risky play? The idea of risky play is a much debated topic within the early years. Whilst some people feel it is dangerous for young children to access tools such as hammers and saws, more and more nurseries are promoting risky play. Nurseries across the country are … [Read more...] about Increase in nurseries providing ‘real tools’ for risky play
32 ‘outstanding’ nurseries found in the North East
Ofsted has released a list of 'outstanding' settings in the country, with many of the best childcare providers based in the North East All settings that are included on the list will have been Ofsted inspected between September 1, 2014, and August 31, 2015. The report must have been published before November 1, 2015. Ofsted released the … [Read more...] about 32 ‘outstanding’ nurseries found in the North East
7 Top Tips on dealing with challenging behaviour
Try our 7 top tips in dealing with children's challenging behaviour Challenging behaviour in children can be presented in many ways such as biting, hitting or refusal to carry out instructions. Children often display challenging behaviour for a variety of reasons. Life changes such as a new baby in the family or parents splitting up can impact on … [Read more...] about 7 Top Tips on dealing with challenging behaviour