Looking at why children's emotional development is fundamental to the rest of their development There is a lot of emphasis within early years’ provisions for academic attainment, and for activities that help children to learn and develop from an early age, all helping to build and shape future academic success. However, emotional development … [Read more...] about Why emotional development is important
Early Years Practice
The importance of taking maths outdoors
Maths in the outdoors Maths is a subject that some of us find challenging, and it will not be every child’s favourite subject or strong area. How can practitioners make it a fun learning experience for all? Any subject can be taken outside and adapted to a new environment. Taking maths outside refreshes the subject, steering away from … [Read more...] about The importance of taking maths outdoors
Enhancing an area within your early years setting
Why change your early years book area? Continuous provision in your book area can have a massive impact on your early years environment and it can immediately create a space where children can truly engage with the resources around them. When considering the value your book area gives to your children you may want to revisit old observations to … [Read more...] about Enhancing an area within your early years setting
The benefits of superhero play!
Why support and promote superhero play? Superhero play in the early years can be a fantastic topic or classroom theme, especially when starting with a new group of children. Superhero play is not just aimed at boys but many girls feel inspired and excited by a superhero topic. The superheroes you choose for your topic or play do not have to be … [Read more...] about The benefits of superhero play!
Why have routines in Early Years settings?
Should early years practitioners be incorporating routines into the nursery day? There is often debate among early years practitioners about having set routines in place, with many settings choosing a more relaxed free flow approach to the day. Routines should vary depending on the age of the children you work with however a routine is … [Read more...] about Why have routines in Early Years settings?
The Early Years Outcomes and Ofsted
What are the Early Years Outcomes? Sometimes when working in an early years setting it is easy to become confused around jargon and the choice of phrases used by other practitioners and Ofsted inspectors. It is important to remember that the early years do follow a framework and Ofsted need to see that all practitioners can competently implement … [Read more...] about The Early Years Outcomes and Ofsted
Managing challenging behaviour in early years settings
Identifying children's behaviour Many children in early years settings display challenging behaviour and it can often feel like as a practitioner you have tried every technique in the book and followed all the advice given. However there is always something which can be done to improve the situation it is just trial and error and patience to … [Read more...] about Managing challenging behaviour in early years settings
Ten top tips for circle time
How to make your circle time more engaging and fun Circle time in the early years begins very early on, with the outcomes and expectations for circle time increasing as the children get older. Circle time is very beneficial in preparing children for the day and for the school routine however many children find circle time a challenge. It is … [Read more...] about Ten top tips for circle time
Creating Continuous Provision outdoors in early years settings
Part 4-The importance of creating continuous provision outdoors in early years Continuous provision enables a multitude of learning and development from children of all ages, if you are unsure how to create continuous provision with your age range, click here for some easy to follow advice. Continuous provision as discussed in previous … [Read more...] about Creating Continuous Provision outdoors in early years settings
Supporting Mathematics outdoors in the early years
Why take mathematics outdoors in the early years? Mathematics in the early years should be a fun and exciting time where children can explore, actively learn and critically think. There is often a lot of stigma attached to maths with parents and early years practitioners often having negative experiences with mathematics themselves. Children … [Read more...] about Supporting Mathematics outdoors in the early years