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Managing staff rotas in an early years setting can feel like solving a complex puzzle. You need to ensure you have the right staff in place to meet child-to-staff ratios – working within the EYFS framework – cover shifts fairly with capacity planning, and accommodate holidays, sickness, and last-minute changes – all while keeping your […]
Getting Staff Rotas Right… With Software, Without Hassle Read More »
Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) policies have been in the news recently after US President Donald Trump cast doubt on their relevance and efficacy in his vision for 21st-century America. This is still being hotly debated across the pond, and the politics of this is not the subject of this article. However, in the UK,
EDI In Hiring Matters: Building Inclusive Teams Read More »
I am a sensory engagement and inclusion specialist. In my work at The Sensory Projects, I look at how inexpensive resources can be used as tools for inclusion and explore how understanding processing can help us to better support those in our care. I deliver training nationally and internationally and can often be heard saying
Transform Tasting Into A Sensory Experience Read More »
Movement is more than just physical exercise; it is a powerful tool for developing social and emotional skills in early years children and promoting well-being among educators. As the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood’s latest Shaping Us Framework highlights, prioritising social and emotional development in the early years is essential for long-term success and
How Movement Transforms Early Years Education Read More »
World Autism Acceptance Week (WAAW) is an opportunity for early years settings to celebrate diversity and support children. It’s not just about raising awareness but also about promoting acceptance and understanding of people who are neurodiverse. There are about 730,000 people with autism in the UK, many who contribute greatly to our society and this
8 Ways Your Setting Can Celebrate World Autism Acceptance Week Read More »
In the early years, we are not just teaching children how to recognise letters or count; we are helping them build the skills that underpin all learning and development. Executive function, memory, and metacognition are critical abilities that enable children to plan, reflect, and adapt as they navigate the world. These skills also play a
Memory, Executive Function & Metacognition: Essential Skills For Early Learners Read More »
Developing our series on using singing in developmental activities, we look at the older “babies” this month, 12-18 months old. While still very dependent on adult support and provision, little ones at this age are beginning to do things independently and practise new skills, and they love singing and dancing to music! Physically, they can
Learning Through Music! The Best Songs For 12-18 Month-Olds Read More »
Supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is a collaborative effort. Parents and teachers play the most significant roles in a child’s early development, and their partnership is essential for ensuring the best outcomes. In the UK, the system is designed to identify and support children from an early age, but without strong
SEND Success: Parents And Teachers Must Know This Read More »
As early years practitioners, ensuring the health and happiness of the children in our care is at the heart of everything we do. One key aspect of children’s overall well-being is their oral health, which plays a crucial role in their ability to eat, speak, and develop confidence. With World Oral Health Day taking place
4 Simple Ways To Boost Oral Health In Early Years Settings Read More »
As all good early years practitioners know, every action, decision, and reaction we make is watched carefully by the young people in our care. What we do and say shapes their development, learning and ultimately, their view of the world. We are their role models, along with their parents/carers, other immediate family and their local
Hidden Prejudice In Early Years: The Shocking Truth You Need To Know Read More »
