Supporting children with English as an Additional Language (EAL) can be difficult due to a language barrier. Many Early Years Professionals struggle to communicate with EAL children, putting a strain on the child's learning and development. Here are some top tips in supporting children with EAL; Visual aids The use of visual aids and widgets are … [Read more...] about 5 Tips to support children with EAL
Gender stereotypes in play
Can gender stereotypes interrupt children's curiosity and imagination? Should children be given the freedom to explore their gender role? There is much debate within the Early Years sector on whether children should be encouraged to break out of their gender stereotypes and explore their own identity. Many parents have voiced their opinion on … [Read more...] about Gender stereotypes in play
Nurseries role in spotting radicalisation
Nurseries play an important role in the safeguarding of children, but what can be done about radicalisation? In recent times the media has been inundated with reports of children being exploited by terrorists and radicalisation, and with nurseries now being included in the Prevent Duty legislation alongside schools, early years professionals are … [Read more...] about Nurseries role in spotting radicalisation
Planning for mixed aged groups
Top tips for planning with mixed aged groups Planning for a mixed aged group can be difficult with such varying ages, stages and abilities. However regardless of the age of the child each learning journey should be individual to each child. To help with this from of planning practitioners may find it easier if they follow individuals interests and … [Read more...] about Planning for mixed aged groups
Why get involved in the community this Christmas?
The benefits of getting involved in the community A large part of childhood is exploring and understanding the world around them and within the EYFS there is an area which concentrates on this. There is a lot children can when given the opportunity to get involved in the local community. Unfortunately getting involved in the local community is … [Read more...] about Why get involved in the community this Christmas?
Creating a communication friendly environment
What is a communication friendly environment? When working in an early years setting it is a very common to think that everywhere should be filled with bright colours, hanging materials, 3D displays, print, text, images, posters and media. Also many practitioner fill silence by having a variety of music playing in the background; this is … [Read more...] about Creating a communication friendly environment
Being an effective early years leader
What is being a leader? Within an early years setting the management structure often starts with a manager, then deputy manager, then senior leader, practitioners, apprentices and students. This varies slightly from setting to setting but that involves the main elements. Each person has a key role to play and the leaders role is particularly … [Read more...] about Being an effective early years leader
The importance of giving children a voice
Giving children a choice is so important in the early years and this is reflected through the EYFS documents. Not only does it support best practice and show you are promoting the EYFS outcomes, meeting the every child matters outcomes but also shows you are meeting children's rights. Allowing children to have a voice is stated as basic rights by … [Read more...] about The importance of giving children a voice
Winners of the NMT Nursery Awards 2015
The winners of the NMT Nursery Awards 2015 are revealed Practitioners and staff from across the early years and childcare sector all gathered for an evening of celebration on the 28th November. The occasion brought together the best the sector has to offer with many settings and individuals achieving awards. The night was hosted by DJ Scott … [Read more...] about Winners of the NMT Nursery Awards 2015
Your Ofsted Inspection Guide – being prepared
What do Ofsted Expect to see? Ofsted may ask to see a variety of documentation when they come to inspect a setting, so ensure you have these in an easily accessible place. All documentation should be kept up to date and be well organised. There are a variety of ways people choose to keep documentation and various different formats. As long as they … [Read more...] about Your Ofsted Inspection Guide – being prepared