Great ways to build effective bonds with your key child Building secure relationships with the children in your care is a vital part of working in Early Years. Children must feel safe and confident in the setting to enable them to learn and develop effectively. Sometimes the children will attach themselves to a familiar practitioner, helping … [Read more...] about Top Tips on building a secure bond with your key child
Learning and Development
Top 10 early years winter activities
Top 10 early years winter activities Winter weather is always a big talking point for children in the early years as they begin to notice many changes in the environment such as the frost, ice and fog. Snow is also a favourite because it is rare and holds many joys for children when they finally get to experience some snow. Winter should be … [Read more...] about Top 10 early years winter activities
Is exclusion for negative behaviour a step too far?
Should children be excluded as a form of punishment? Reports of children being excluded from their Primary schools, and even some nursery settings, for negative behaviour are slowly increasing. However many professionals and parents have slammed this consequence, claiming it as severe and unnecessary. Childcare providers and primary … [Read more...] about Is exclusion for negative behaviour a step too far?
Are scissors too dangerous to be out daily in Early years settings?
Are scissors too dangerous for young children? Recently discussed by some early years practitioners was the use of scissors in early years settings and whether they pose too much of a risk to children. It was discussed that plastic blade scissors should be used or regular scissors only during adult lead, close supervision activities where they … [Read more...] about Are scissors too dangerous to be out daily in Early years settings?
Should all pre-school children wear a uniform in the Early Years?
Do you think that all pre-school children should wear a uniform? Wearing a uniform marks a big step in a child’s life, showing their belonging to a setting and sets them up for the future when in their work they may be required to wear a uniform. However is preschool too early to begin instilling such norms and taking away children’s choice about … [Read more...] about Should all pre-school children wear a uniform in the Early Years?
Are settings rated below Ofsted ‘Good’ beneficial to children’s development?
Are ‘Good’ settings beneficial to children’s development? Unfortunately sometimes settings are graded at levels 3 and 4 which are seen as requiring improvement or inadequate, in these cases settings are allowed to continue offering services to families and offering care and education to children, however some feel this should not be the case and … [Read more...] about Are settings rated below Ofsted ‘Good’ beneficial to children’s development?
The end product is of little importance in the early years
The end product is of little importance in the early years This is a debate which is rising in early years; is it the about the process of the product? Early years settings enjoy arts, crafts and getting creative as there are many benefits to this play based approach however are too many practitioners loosing site of what’s important and … [Read more...] about The end product is of little importance in the early years
Why are stencils detrimental to children’s development?
Should Early Years settings use stencils and pre cut materials? Many settings will follow a child led approach, allowing the child full control over their creative activities; however some may still offer children the opportunity to use stencils or pre cut materials such as a cut out flower shape to decorate. This may hinder the child's creative … [Read more...] about Why are stencils detrimental to children’s development?
Why hand and footprint art should be banned in the early years
Do you agree that hand and footprint art should be banned in the early years Some are arguing that hand and footprint art has no benefits for the child and although examples of lovely art pieces can be seen on many early years sites and plans that they really have no place in the early years. All early years practitioners will have … [Read more...] about Why hand and footprint art should be banned in the early years
Arts and Crafts ideas for Halloween
5 Spooky Arts and Crafts Ideas Halloween isn’t far away, so it’s time to start thinking about how you can mark the occasion! Aside from dressing up and going trick or treating, spooky arts and crafts are a great way to get into the spirit of Halloween and, better yet, they also boast an educational benefit for the children taking part too. … [Read more...] about Arts and Crafts ideas for Halloween