FAQS Learning & Development

Question Q – “What are practitioners thoughts on using templates/ work sheets/flash cards in settings (age appropriate) We have recently received support from our local council and they have said a big fat No to using them. Whilst I can understand the rational behind this, I also feel they are being a little to harsh. They are so many nice … [Read more...] about what is your opinion on using work sheets and templates in the early years?

Q – “Do you know any good activities for babies for communication and language one to one and half and most of them have very little speech!” Answers A – “Simple interaction, songs, books, single words, face to face Why interacting with babies is so important ” A – “Some more helpful tips here too How can you build interaction in your baby … [Read more...] about Communication and language activities for babies

Question Q – “Any activity ideas for babies around 5 to 9 months in the baby room?” Answers A – “ A great article here to help you“ A – “Another article full of ideas for babies ” A – “And sensory doesn't have to mean "messy". Cover floor with metallic/shiny fabrics, large pots pans and woks. Wooden spoons, large metal spoons … [Read more...] about Activity ideas for babies in the baby room

Question Q – “What are people's views on mixing 0-3 year olds. Some of these babies are as young as 7 months with rather large 3 year olds. As long as ratios are met is it safe and what are the benefits to mix 0-3 year olds?" Answers A – “I work in a creche, age 6wks to 4yrs 11months one open plan room inspectors are fine with it … [Read more...] about Is having a mixed group of 0-3 year olds beneficial?

Question Q – “"What activities can you easily change to be more age-appropriate for children and how have you done this? We have got 2-4 year olds in one room."” Answers A – “Construction such as duplo or lego, home corner and other 'real world' role play, malleable area with tools, book corner. Any area can be altered as long as staff … [Read more...] about What resources do you use that are appropriate for mixed age groups?

Question Q – "I was wondering if anyone had any word friendly or simple examples of how to do the group/ cohort tracking for a private daycare nursery as I'm feeling slightly lost and helpless." Answers A – “ Here are a selection tracking forms you can buy which will give you the templates you need" A4 Key Group EYFS Progress TrackerKey … [Read more...] about Do you have any examples of your cohort tracking ?

Question Q – “"I want to make a quiz for my staff about their key children, the aim is to see how well they know the children without looking back at tracking. Ideas for questions would be great!"” Answers A – “Child's next steps, how are these being planned and supported, what sessions do they attend, comforters, age in months, … [Read more...] about What questions can i include in a quiz about knowing your key children?

Question Q – “How do people show diversity in their baby rooms please? We have photos around the room and different type of money/packaging in role play already” Answers A – “Multi cultural dolls, musical instrument from around the world. Books, food pictures, children's skin tone handprints (their work). Numbers in various languages. … [Read more...] about How do people show diveristy in their baby rooms please?

Question Q – “What is everyone's views on children at nursery choosing to sing the ABC song when asked what would they like to sing. Should we sing it or not?” Answers A – “Ofcourse they can sing ABC. While learning to read is taught by using phonics the children still need to know letter names and alphabeth” A – “Definitely sing it! … [Read more...] about Should we sing the ABC song at nursery?

Question Q - "I'm a newly qualified level 3 who has just started working in a nursery. Could anyone give me some tips as to effectively building up a bond with key children, as I'm due to take over 4 from a departing member of staff." Answers A – “Talk to the current key worker about their personalities, what they like doing etc and spend … [Read more...] about nursery. Could anyone give me some tips as to effectively building up a bond with key children?