Has your nursery got a mud kitchen? We look at the benefits of children playing with a mud kitchen and advice on how to make one. Children are continuously using their imagination and bringing you a cup of tea or a plate of cake, this of course may just be a pile of leaves or a scoop of sand. This is great to observe in the early … [Read more...] about Mud kitchen:Exploring mud
Learning and Development
Why build a bug hotel?
Building a bug hotel can help children learn about the natural world around them We all know that insects need somewhere safe to live so why not build a bug hotel and place this in your nursery garden for children to investigate. A bug hotel is a sheltered purpose built structure that provides a safe environment for those bugs to live … [Read more...] about Why build a bug hotel?
Why are children quiet?
Looking at why some children may be quiet All children are different, with different personalities and characteristics. Within a nursery or a children's setting there may be children who are confident and outgoing, and also those children who are that bit quieter and shy. When first joining a nursery or children's setting, understandably most … [Read more...] about Why are children quiet?
Why practititioners should fully understand children’s PSED
It is important practitioners fully understand children's Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) and how social and emotional factors can impede on children's development. When practitioners are completing children's two year progress checks, this is time to assess a child's Personal, Social and Emotional Development. The purpose … [Read more...] about Why practititioners should fully understand children’s PSED
Benefits of sharing picture books with children.
How can picture books help children's development? The joy children can get from picture books has no limits. Children are attracted by the fun and colourful illustrations on each page that help to enhance the words of the story, allowing children to create further imagery in their minds, letting their imaginations explode. Children are amused by … [Read more...] about Benefits of sharing picture books with children.
Teaching children about concepts of shape and size
Concepts of shape and size Shape and size are concepts that are important for children to learn about. They form part of the Early Years Foundation Stage, shape, space and measures , the questions asked is do practitioners know how to plan and implement activities to help children learn about this concept There are many ways that the … [Read more...] about Teaching children about concepts of shape and size
Supporting children affected by domestic abuse
Domestic abuse can have a huge impact on children; even if children only hear things they are still affected. Domestic abuse is more common nowadays as it is being more recognised as a form of abuse. Professionals who come into contact with children who are subject to this abuse have a duty of care to support the child and family. What is … [Read more...] about Supporting children affected by domestic abuse
The importance of mark making in Early Years
Why Mark Making is so crucial for children's development As adults, writing comes easily and without much thought, for children however, writing is a whole new skill requiring time, practice and encouragement. The skill of writing begins with mark making. It is easy to dismiss the different lines and circles children create on paper as mere … [Read more...] about The importance of mark making in Early Years
Supporting children’s emotional wellbeing
Children's emotional well being Supporting children's emotional well being is highly important, if not supported it can cause problems later on in life. Emotional development is now recognised as one of the main areas in the Early Years Foundation Stage, therefore this is why practitioners working in early years settings needs to be aware of … [Read more...] about Supporting children’s emotional wellbeing
A Child’s Learning Journey
A child's learning journey is a record of a child's learning and development throughout the Early Years Foundation Stage, this record will be built up over the years and will show many achievements. The child's key person will tailor activities and experiences to the child's individual needs, and records of observations/ photos from these … [Read more...] about A Child’s Learning Journey