Learning and Development

8 steps in tackling inappropriate language Inappropriate language can be a sore subject within Early Years, with many different views on the best way to tackle it. This can lead to a lack of continuity with behaviour management strategies, leaving children confused. Young children take in their surroundings and will often imitate actions or … [Read more...] about Dealing with inappropriate language in your childcare setting

Different observation tools that can be used in your Early Years setting Observations are important in Early Years settings and can offer practitioners and children a range of support. There are a variety of different tools that can be used to plan for and support children through observation, here are some examples. Settling in … [Read more...] about Examples of observation tools in Early Years

How are children assessed within the Early Years? Assessment tools play an important part within Early Years. These tools can help parents, practitioners and professionals to recognise children's progress, understand their needs, and plan activities to develop their learning further. There is a range of assessment tools that are used at different … [Read more...] about Examples of assessment tools in Early Years

Here are 5 different ways to use musical instruments in play Musical instruments are a common resource within Early Years settings. They enable children's listening and attention alongside their creative development. Most settings will use musical instruments during songs or story times, yet they have many more uses. 'Bear likes honey' … [Read more...] about 5 ways to use musical instruments in your setting

Six painting activities that do not require a paintbrush Painting is a great way to encourage children's physical and creative development. Painting activities are usually offered with paintbrushes to use. However, there are lots of different ways of making marks. Why not try these six painting activities that do not require a … [Read more...] about 6 painting activities without using a paintbrush

Bilingual children are increasing within the Early Years sector, but how are the needs of these children best met? Early Years settings are becoming multilingual places, with over 300 different languages spoken in primary schools in the UK. With such a large number of languages to cater for, some Early Years settings are struggling to meet … [Read more...] about How are bilingual children’s needs best met?

"It’s okay to get it wrong" should be heard in childcare settings   It is argued that parents and childcare practitioners are creating ‘cotton wool’ kids who have little experience of risk, challenge, danger and failure. Children are starting to become scared to try new things due to the fear of getting it wrong or being unsuccessful. … [Read more...] about How childcare practitioners can help build children’s confidence

Children's EYFS starting points are important in ensuring good progress in their development, clear next steps and a true reflection of their capabilities. The EYFS underpins all children's development and outlines the milestones each child needs to complete to meet the 17 early learning goals. It is important that when attending an Early Years … [Read more...] about The Importance of children’s EYFS starting points

Getting the balance right when observing and assessing children's development   When observing and assessing children's development is is important to understand that it is not just about completing observations and filling in documents to show where children are at in their development, There are other important things to consider … [Read more...] about Observing and assessing children’s development

Tuning into children’s interests More and more emphasis is being placed on children’s interests, and this is something Ofsted will want to see being demonstrated in daily practice. As a practitioner may have a lot of key children and only one weekly planning sheet, it can often be difficult to include every child’s interests. However, it can … [Read more...] about More emphasis on Children’s Interests