Can gender stereotypes interrupt children's curiosity and imagination? Should children be given the freedom to explore their gender role? There is much debate within the Early Years sector on whether children should be encouraged to break out of their gender stereotypes and explore their own identity. Many parents have voiced their opinion on … [Read more...] about Gender stereotypes in play
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The benefits of Free Flow Play
Why free flow helps children's development Many nurseries today offer free flow; this allows children to independently choose to move between the different environments. For some settings free flow can pose challenges as they may be based upstairs and have to find ways of accessing the outdoors, whereas settings based on one level have more … [Read more...] about The benefits of Free Flow Play
New lease of life for Smethwick Fire Station
Smethwick Fire Station is to become a Nursery The historic fire station is going to be transformed into a nursery, £130,000 will spent on the revamp by Zadvider Padda and his family. Fireflies will become the new name for the nursery and the historic building has been name Station House representing the history of the building. Mr Padda, who … [Read more...] about New lease of life for Smethwick Fire Station
Nurseries role in spotting radicalisation
Nurseries play an important role in the safeguarding of children, but what can be done about radicalisation? In recent times the media has been inundated with reports of children being exploited by terrorists and radicalisation, and with nurseries now being included in the Prevent Duty legislation alongside schools, early years professionals are … [Read more...] about Nurseries role in spotting radicalisation
Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare
How an Ofsted Inspector will make their judgement on the Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare in your setting During an Ofsted inspection the inspector will make a judgement against the section Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare. The grading descriptions that the inspector will award for each section is outstanding, good, … [Read more...] about Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare
Why children shouldn’t sit in the W position
How to prevent children sitting in the W position Do you have children in your nursery that sits in the W position? Have you ever wondered how this might be affecting their development? What is the W-Sitting position? The W sitting position is when children will sit with their legs out to the side and will make the shape of a W. … [Read more...] about Why children shouldn’t sit in the W position
Quality of teaching, learning and assessment
How an Ofsted Inspector will make their judgement on the Quality of teaching, learning and assessment in your setting During an Ofsted inspection, the inspector will make a judgement against the section Quality of teaching, learning and assessment, this grade will contribute to the settings overall grade. It is important that settings meet all … [Read more...] about Quality of teaching, learning and assessment
How music can boost children’s development
Why music is a great tool to help children's development Music is a great learning tool for children, especially from a young age. Many people forget that listening to music can begin in the womb, playing music to babies who are not yet born can help them later on in life. Being around music is important for children as this can help many … [Read more...] about How music can boost children’s development
Problem solving in Early Years Settings
The role of the practitioner in supporting children's problem solving skills An adult has a crucial role to play in supporting children's problem solving skills, children need to be set challenges and be prompted with questions and suggestions. It is important that adults do not provide children straight away with the answers. Some early years … [Read more...] about Problem solving in Early Years Settings
Effectiveness of leadership and management
How an Ofsted Inspector will make their judgement on the Effectiveness of Leadership and Management in your setting Effectiveness of Leadership and Management is one of the sections an Ofsted inspector will make a judgement against. The grade that is awarded for this section will contribute to the settings overall grade therefore if a setting is … [Read more...] about Effectiveness of leadership and management