A balancing act - teaching and play, no one way - overview introduction This video shows examples of good practice in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). … [Read more...] about A balancing act – teaching and play, no one way
EY Practice
Should Early Years practitioners accept parents on Facebook?
Is Facebook a line that shouldn't be crossed with parents? Facebook is arguably the most popular and widely used social media platform with the majority of individuals holding an account and using it daily. It is a great way to share your thoughts, photos and opinions with the outside world and your friends and family. But should Early Years … [Read more...] about Should Early Years practitioners accept parents on Facebook?
Is EAL language support confused with cultural diversity in childcare?
Why supporting EAL is not all about cultural diversity Many practitioners will have some experience of working with children who have English as an Additional Language and can offer strategies on how to support them; however there is much dispute on the value of support offered to bilingual children in the Early Years. The most common strategies … [Read more...] about Is EAL language support confused with cultural diversity in childcare?
4 steps in tackling disruptive behaviour
"You can't teach children to behave better by making them feel worse. When children feel better they will behave better" Pam Leo, Connection Parenting All children will go through periods of disruptive behaviour, however the more often the behaviour occurs the more likely the child will be labelled as "naughty" or "disruptive." It is … [Read more...] about 4 steps in tackling disruptive behaviour
Top 5 reasons practitioners leave childcare
Childcare can be a rewarding yet demanding career, however more and more professionals are getting out. Here are the 5 top reasons practitioners leave childcare. Paperwork The strain of never ending paperwork is beginning to take its toll on Early Years practitioners. The introduction of the revised EYFS intended to minimise the load however … [Read more...] about Top 5 reasons practitioners leave childcare
Supporting children’s development through mealtimes
Mealtimes are an important part of the day for children, enabling them to build on all areas of their development. Physical development Mealtimes give children the opportunity to build on their physical development, strengthening their fine and gross motor skills. Manipulating cutlery can support children to develop fine motor skills; as the … [Read more...] about Supporting children’s development through mealtimes
Should preschool graduation be encouraged?
Are preschool graduations taken too far? Over the last 10 years preschool graduations have become more and more popular in the UK, with tens of thousands of graduation gowns being sold to preschools across the country. The tradition has been a strong theme in the USA for nearly 50 years with an increasing number of UK preschools following … [Read more...] about Should preschool graduation be encouraged?
Amount of paperwork in childcare is forever increasing
Do you agree paperwork in childcare is increasing? Paperwork in childcare has been top of the agenda in Early years for a long time, with new guidelines and professionals focusing on cutting down the amount of paperwork that is needed. Somehow for those involved in the childcare sector paperwork levels seem to be forever increasing. It is … [Read more...] about Amount of paperwork in childcare is forever increasing
Why parent partnerships are so important
How to evidence parent partnerships Parent partnerships are key to a successful early years experience for children and for them to gain the most out of their early education and reach expected levels of development. This responsibility usually falls to the key person to ensure an effective relationship is built and to share information at the … [Read more...] about Why parent partnerships are so important
Developing a smooth transition into school
Creating a smooth transition to school Transitions can be difficult for many children and it is important to be aware that some are more vulnerable compared to others. Creating a smooth transition into school is vital to ensuring the child gets the best possible start in their new setting. There are many people involved in the transition … [Read more...] about Developing a smooth transition into school