Question Q – “Having CCTV installed indoors and outdoors with the possible intention of a parent cam system at a later date. What is everyone's views on the parent cam?” Answers A – “Parents can abuse it and become overly obsessed with the smallest concerns and can not always see the bigger picture. Resulting in constant concerns taking … [Read more...] about Should we have CCTV with parent cam in our early years setting?
Top tips for holding a parents evening
Getting parents evening right Every setting will have their own routine for parent’s evenings; some will offer termly, half termly, twice a year, once a year. It really does depend on the demands of the setting and the parents. Some will hold them in the evenings while other settings will offer them during the day, again this depends on what … [Read more...] about Top tips for holding a parents evening
Why coloured display backing causes distraction for children
Why you should ditch the bright display backing paper Many think the early years should be full of lots of wonderful display boards, filled with children’s art work. Although true, display boards are becoming a hotly debated topic with more and more suggested ideas for best practice. Settings are choosing to limit the number of display boards … [Read more...] about Why coloured display backing causes distraction for children
What is deconstructed role play?
Have you heard of what deconstructed role play is? Recently the term deconstructed role play is becoming more popular with early years workers but what does it actually entail? Traditional role play areas are often themed and inspired by adults, for example, a vets, supermarket or garden centre, however, many are now arguing that these areas … [Read more...] about What is deconstructed role play?
Can i join a union?
Joining a union in the early years Here at early years careers we often get asked about unions, and it seems to be an area which practitioners are never sure their rights and the options available. There are many different unions that can be joined by early years practitioners however most practitioners tend to want to join a … [Read more...] about Can i join a union?
Supporting daily transition
How to support a child with horizontal transitions When you think about transitions during the early years, you usually think of joining the setting, moving rooms for example from baby room to toddler room within the setting or starting school, these are usually defined as vertical transitions. Practitioners are very aware of these types of … [Read more...] about Supporting daily transition
Investigation station ideas
Why you should have an investigation station Investigation stations are great to introduce to any room within an early years setting and can easily be adapted to suit the age, stage and interests of the children. Investigation stations can be placed anywhere in a room maybe on a unit, draws, black tray, floor space etc. They offer an extra element … [Read more...] about Investigation station ideas
The joys of working in the early years
Carrie Harding answering 'Why am I so passionate about working in the early years ?' When I was completing my Level 3 I was on a placement and my mentor told me the most valuable lesson I still hold close to my heart today she said: ‘These children may only be a part of your day or job, but to them, you are their childhood, you are … [Read more...] about The joys of working in the early years
Why playdough should be available daily
Do you have playdough out daily? Playdough has so many fantastic benefits for children and it can be very quickly, easily and cheaply made. If you don’t know how to make playdough follow this link to some great simple recipes in child-friendly units of measure so the children can help you make it too. You can use tools or not, have a set … [Read more...] about Why playdough should be available daily
What is Child Led Planning
Claire Willan discussing Child Led Planning Once you get your head around the idea and the way your going to implement this within the setting you will never look back. When I first started my carer in childcare I can remember having weekly / termly themes running. Which changed when the children got bored or staff, which ever came … [Read more...] about What is Child Led Planning