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
Learning and Development
6 ways to bring mud play inside
How can mud play be accessed indoors? Mud play is often associated with the outside environment; however this may not always be accessible. Mud play can be brought inside to ensure children are still able to benefit from the experience. Here are 6 easy ways to offer mud play inside. Dinosaur world Tuff spots are a great way to offer mud play … [Read more...] about 6 ways to bring mud play inside
How early years practitioners can help develop children’s skills
Developing children's skills at nursery Children attend early years settings for a variety of reasons, however once they are a part of the setting it is the role of the practitioner to promote and support the skills children need to reach. Each child is different however the theories of child development can be applied to every child. The EYFS … [Read more...] about How early years practitioners can help develop children’s skills
8 alternative ways to offer water play
Water play is great fun for children of all ages, however it can be difficult to think of alternative ways to offer the play. Here are 8 fun and exciting activities to encourage water play in your setting. Food colouring ice cubes Add colour to your water tray using food coloured ice cubes. Simply add a small amount of food colouring to an ice … [Read more...] about 8 alternative ways to offer water play
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?
Why is den building important for children’s development?
How can den building activities support children's development? On the 17th of June 2016, children across the country took part in a den building day to raise money for charity. Save the Children held the campaign to raise awareness for children around the world who lack vital resources such as water and shelter. This also gave children the … [Read more...] about Why is den building important for children’s development?
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
8 ways to extend children’s vocabulary
8 easy ways to extend children's vocabulary in your setting Developing children's vocabulary can be achieved through a range of strategies or activities. It is important to remember that every child will develop language at their own pace. Vocabulary building is critical in developing good language and communication skills. These skills are … [Read more...] about 8 ways to extend children’s vocabulary
When to involve yourself in child led play
It is important to consider many different factors when joining in with child led play. Child led vs Adult led play Joining in with play can have a positive impact on learning; however it requires timing and understanding. The Early Years Foundation Stage is a very much child led curriculum with some aspects of adult initiated play. Many … [Read more...] about When to involve yourself in child led play