The new SEN Code of Practice came into force in September 2014. It is a statutory guidance for settings and organisation who work with and support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. The main changes from the SEN Code of Practice (2001) have arisen from the Children' Act 2014. These are the following changes The new SEN … [Read more...] about New SEN Code of Practice
Sector News
The importance of focusing on Language Development
How can early years settings support children's Language development? Every Child a Talker (ECAT ) programme has been designed to help practitioners in early years settings to create an environment that supports and stimulates the children's Language development, this will enable children to experiment with and learn new language. It can also be … [Read more...] about The importance of focusing on Language Development
10 ideas to include in your EYFS Learning Journey
A child's learning Journey is a collection of evidence showing their progression through the EYFS. Throughout their time at nursery evidence is collated by practitioners and documented inside either a folder or a booklet. Learning journeys are a fantastic opportunity for children to look back through their book and reflect on what they were doing … [Read more...] about 10 ideas to include in your EYFS Learning Journey
Planning for Children in The Early Years Foundation Stage
At the centre of any Early Years Foundation Stage planning is the child. Observing and monitoring what children choose to do , their interests and the resources they select provides adults with evidence about the individual child. Observations gathered allows practitioners to plan the child's next steps and effective planning supports and extends … [Read more...] about Planning for Children in The Early Years Foundation Stage
How to monitor children’s development
So how do practitioners use the Early Years Foundation Stage in daily practice to observe, plan for and assess the children’s development? Understanding a child’s individual needs is achieved by using the observation, assessment and planning cycle from the EYFS Early Years Settings use this cycle to ensure the individual needs of children are met. … [Read more...] about How to monitor children’s development
What is Makaton?
Makaton involves the use of signs, symbols and speech to help children and adults communicate and to aid spoken language. These are used in conjunction with one another to support children who have no speech or those whose speech is unclear. Makaton is used for a variety of reasons and purposes such as: sharing thoughts and emotions; labeling … [Read more...] about What is Makaton?
Demand for a skillful workforce in Early Years Settings
The demand for a skilful workforce was a recommendation made to improve the EYFS, this would help Early Years settings reach their fullest potential with regards to qualifications and training. Tickell stated in the report that she "recommends that the government retains a focus on the need to upskill the workforce, to commit to promoting a … [Read more...] about Demand for a skillful workforce in Early Years Settings
Helpful guidance on conducting joint observations
Here is some helpful guidance on conducting joint observations. The new framework on carrying out Ofsted inspections concentrates heavily on the managers leadership and management skills. As part of assessing and monitoring the managers leadership and management skills the Ofsted inspector will carry out joint observations with the nursery … [Read more...] about Helpful guidance on conducting joint observations
Information to display for an Ofsted inspection
During an Ofsted inspection, be confident and talk through with the inspector what is displayed on your notice board, the inspector will ask questions and will note down any evidence of best practice. Ensure you regularly update display boards and ensure the information is relevant. Some helpful suggestions of what to display on your notice … [Read more...] about Information to display for an Ofsted inspection
Dame Tickell review 2011 suggests changes to EYFS
Information on the review of the Early Years Foundation Stage carried out by the Dame Tickell review 2011 The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standards of learning and development for children aged from birth to five years old and was introduced in 2008 as a curriculum framework to replace the earlier "foundation stage" framework … [Read more...] about Dame Tickell review 2011 suggests changes to EYFS