The truth about appraisals Within the early years, Ofsted expects to see evidence that regular appraisals are being carried out on all practitioners including management. Appraisals are important for continuing professional development. They are also an opportunity to discuss any concerns, weaknesses, gaps in training and importantly what is … [Read more...] about Why nursery managers should carry out appraisals
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Extending the foundation stage curriculum past the age of 5
Why the foundation stage curriculum shouldn’t end at 5 The current early year's foundation stage supports a child through early development up to the age of five through a play-based curriculum. Once a child has completed reception class at the age of 5, they then move onto the national curriculum and begin more formalised teaching. This … [Read more...] about Extending the foundation stage curriculum past the age of 5
Government fine tuning tax free childcare Scheme
The revised government tax-free childcare scheme is being fine tuned Details of the government tax-free revised childcare scheme is being fine tuned by Government. This scheme will help working parents with the cost of childcare, it is expected to be launched in early 2017. Parents will be able to open an online account and use this to pay … [Read more...] about Government fine tuning tax free childcare Scheme
Children need at least 3 hours physical activity every day
1 in 10 children are not meeting the minimum required amount of physical activity each day It has been suggested that children aged under 5 should be active for a minimum of 3 hours per day. ‘Every movement counts’ is the motto of a new Department of Health campaign that aims to get children moving and promote physical activity for at least 180 … [Read more...] about Children need at least 3 hours physical activity every day
Boys falling behind with communication skills
Boys are not meeting the early years outcomes in communication and language Recent studies have shown that boys are falling behind with the communication skills they crucially need. Nearly 25% of boys are not meeting the early years outcomes in communication and language and therefore struggling to discuss their thoughts and feelings. This … [Read more...] about Boys falling behind with communication skills
5 year olds in Bolton failing in Speech and Language
Figures show that five years olds in Bolton are not reaching levels expected in Speech and Language It has been highlighted that a 71 per cent of children in Bolton is reaching the levels expected for Speech and Language. However, 29 percent are failing to meet the levels expected. Bolton MP Yasmin Qureshi has contacted the new education … [Read more...] about 5 year olds in Bolton failing in Speech and Language
‘Relax nursery sickness policies’ urges GP
Father and GP campaigns for nursery to relax its rules on conjunctivitis A GP and father of twins has recently campaigned for a nursery to change their sickness policy with regards to conjunctivitis. Dr Finnikin pushed for the change in policy after his own toddler was sent home with the infection by the University of Birmingham’s nursery. The … [Read more...] about ‘Relax nursery sickness policies’ urges GP
Families on National Living Wage struggle with childcare costs
Couples that work full time and are paid the National Living Wage of £7.20 are unable to enjoy a basic life due to high childcare costs Research published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation states that many low earning, working families are falling below the poverty line because of high childcare costs. The Minimum Income Standard research, carried … [Read more...] about Families on National Living Wage struggle with childcare costs
How will Brexit impact on the next generation?
How will Early Years providers and children in the UK be affected by Brexit? On 23rd June 2016 the country was divided with 52% of voters winning the decision for the United Kingdom to leave the EU. Brexit has made history but how will this decision impact on the Early Years sector and most importantly, the children? Equality and … [Read more...] about How will Brexit impact on the next generation?
Disadvantaged 2-year-olds are not benefiting from the free early education
Ofsted calls for unspent millions to benefit two-year-olds New report says that last year around 80,000 eligible children did not take up their free place at an early years setting. Tens of thousands of disadvantaged 2-year-olds are not benefiting from the free early education they are entitled to, an Ofsted … [Read more...] about Disadvantaged 2-year-olds are not benefiting from the free early education