Should Early Years settings use stencils and pre cut materials? Many settings will follow a child led approach, allowing the child full control over their creative activities; however some may still offer children the opportunity to use stencils or pre cut materials such as a cut out flower shape to decorate. This may hinder the child's creative … [Read more...] about Why are stencils detrimental to children’s development?
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Children spending too much time on the internet
More five years are playing on the internet than watching television According to recent research from Ofcom, it states that five-year-olds are for the first time ever spending more time on the internet than watching television. Even children as young as three are accessing the internet on average 8 hours a week. Could the … [Read more...] about Children spending too much time on the internet
Rise to National Living Wage
Chancellor announces rise to the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage Chancellor Philip Hammond has informed Parliament that the National Living Wage, for employees 25 and over, will rise from £7.20 to £7.50 an hour in April 2017. This will be worth up to £500 a year for a full-time employee. Many in the Early Years sector were … [Read more...] about Rise to National Living Wage
Surrey petition for free childcare for working parents
Surrey working parents are asking for free childcare A petition has been put together by Surrey working parent asking for free childcare for two-year-olds. Parents will only be eligible if both parents are working. The e-petition has attracted over 132,732 signatures. The petition was heard at Westminster … [Read more...] about Surrey petition for free childcare for working parents
Children better off at nursery than at home with parents
Why are children developmentally better off attending nursery? New research, carried out at the London school of Economics and Oxford University reveals that children aged between two and three tended to be more stimulated at nursery due to the interaction with new children and adults, which helped their development. The report suggests … [Read more...] about Children better off at nursery than at home with parents
Petition to rethink funding cuts for Nursery School’s
The petition calls for a rethink of funding cut for Nursery Schools The Save State Nursery Schools petition was launched recently in a bid to stop the Government cutting funding for more than 400 state-funded settings, under the new Early Years National Funding Formula (EYNFF).It is a big worry that under the new funding … [Read more...] about Petition to rethink funding cuts for Nursery School’s
Dad rants on Facbook over lack of free childcare for working parents
Facebook rant about free childcare for people on benefits leads to big debate One dad has caused a debate on Facebook arguing that working parents are not being given the support in paying for childcare that many other parents, who do not work, are given. Hundreds of other working parents have joined the angry parent and agreed with him. Some … [Read more...] about Dad rants on Facbook over lack of free childcare for working parents
Shout about how amazing your nursery is
Showcase how proud you are of your nursery As many nursery providers have read and watched the footage about the recent undercover investigation story stating that nurseries aren't safe. Why not take this opportunity to show how amazing your nursery is and not let this outrageous recent story give nurseries a bad name. How does your nursery … [Read more...] about Shout about how amazing your nursery is
Government awards Childcare Works Programme £3 million
£3m given to Childcare Works Programme to support early years providers in offering 30hrs free childcare A substantial amount of money has been awarded by Government to the Childcare Works Programme. The £3 million will enable Early years providers and councils to communicate amongst one another to ensure there are enough childcare providers … [Read more...] about Government awards Childcare Works Programme £3 million
App created for parents to improve school readiness skills
Parenting app introduced to help parents get children school ready A new app, EasyPeasy, has been released for parents to aid children with their school readiness, with results showing improved concentration and willlingness to complete difficult tasks. The results are from a randomised controlled trial carried out by the University of … [Read more...] about App created for parents to improve school readiness skills