In the evolving landscape of early years education, child-centred learning has emerged as a pivotal approach, reshaping our understanding of how young minds learn and develop. This educational philosophy, which places the child at the heart of the learning process, recognises the importance of catering to individual interests, abilities, and … [Read more...] about Cultivating Curiosity: How Child-Centred Learning is Redefining Early Education
Enabling Environment
Loose parts – getting practitioners on board
Changing practitioners perspectives for a loose parts approach The loose parts approach seems to attracting an increasing amount of attention in the early years sector. Settings that follow this approach are currently very inspiring and have a unique approach often taking similar elements from Reggio settings. This seems to make … [Read more...] about Loose parts – getting practitioners on board
Why you should regularly change the early years environment
Why should I make changes to the early years environment? It may seem like a very strange thing to suggest that the early years environment is regularly changed, many will question whether this causes upset and unfamiliarity for the children, disrupting their emotional wellbeing and confidence within the setting. This however is not the case … [Read more...] about Why you should regularly change the early years environment
Rainbow Challenges in the EYFS
What are rainbow challenges? Rainbow challenges are something which seems to be increasingly popular with many childcare setting using these in their settings. Until recently I believed they were something which should be used in schools however they can be easily adapted to be EYFS friendly as the important part is creating the rainbow and the … [Read more...] about Rainbow Challenges in the EYFS
My practitioners lack imagination and new ideas
How can I support my practitioners in expanding their practice? When you have worked in the same setting, with the same age range for a long time with minimal up to date training it can become easy for practitioners to get stuck in a rut with practice. This can result in the same handful of activities being completed on a regular basis and … [Read more...] about My practitioners lack imagination and new ideas
Top 5 autumn leaf activities
Connecting with nature through leaves Nature and the outdoors can often be a daunting thing with the British weather and many of us adult disliking the wet and cold however as early years practitioners we all know the importance of allowing children to engage with the outdoors environment. We have a great article here detailing why you should … [Read more...] about Top 5 autumn leaf activities
Using old and vintage resources in the early years
Finding old treasures to create exciting opportunities in the early years The early years is all about creating enabling environments that stimulate, excite and provide opportunities to explore the characteristics of effective learning. This can be done through many different planning formats and in both child led and adult led activities. It can … [Read more...] about Using old and vintage resources in the early years
Why children in the early years should go barefoot
Why it's time to ditch the shoes in nurseries This is a very bold statement to make with many parents buying children their first pair of shoes before they are even walking, however, research is showing that wearing shoes may actually be doing more damage than good. Many feel children need a good pair of shoes to protect children's feet and ankles … [Read more...] about Why children in the early years should go barefoot
The benefits of Autumn for children
How to get the most out of autumn Autumn is a wonderful time of year to really use nature to promote the development of children. Whilst this may seem like an odd statement to make as the wet and dreary weather kicks in, the days grow shorter and everything seems some what muddier and duller, it doesn't take away from the wealth of learning that … [Read more...] about The benefits of Autumn for children
Why all settings should have a calm down corner
What is a calm down corner? A calm down corner is a really simple but often highly effective area where children can take a break from the commotion of the learning environment and have some time to calm down. Often used for children with SEND or behaviour management problems but if implemented and effectively promoted they can be a place of … [Read more...] about Why all settings should have a calm down corner