One of the most challenging questions that parents ask themselves is: Am I doing a good job as a parent? And, when the whole issue of screen time is thrown into the mix, the anxieties seem to rise even higher. Dr Jacqueline Harding shares her research with us.
We have seen new proposals and focuses from the Government and Ofsted recently, once again putting the sector into more uncertainty and change to deal with. Brett Wigdortz suggests that a shake-up of regulations might be exactly what the early years sector needs right now.
This article is the second in a series of three, exploring art in practice. The first article focused on theory around artist involvement in the early years, this article looks at how we bring this into practice by truly working collaboratively to foster children's and adults' creativity.
Play can be a problematic word as there are different understandings of what it means. Play isn't always just joy and fun, play can be a serious thing. Many adults are challenged by this as they may view play as something that children do because they are immature, and will grow out of it.
When it comes to technology with children in the early years sector, it is commonly assumed that this includes screen time via a tablet or computer. However, there are a multitude of resources at our fingertips for children to explore and learn from.
The following article discusses practitioners current understanding of the term emotional literacy and how they support the development of this in the early years. It further discusses whether practice has changed as a result of COVID-19 and whether there is a need for there to be more of a focus on it in our settings.
While media coverage has slowed since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the indirect impact of this war will have far reaching consequences. The shocking scenes painted across news outlets and social media of human atrocities, hostages and burning buildings is enough to cause anxiety in a mature adult, let alone a child in their early years.
Professional book reviews around children's development from a neuroscience perspective, as well as wellbeing of staff with your very own handbook. And of course picture book reviews to get children giggling!
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) refers to traumatic experiences suffered by children which can have a long-term impact into adulthood. An understanding of early childhood experiences and the impact these can have helps educators meet the needs of children in their care, and influence their outcomes in later life.
This is the final article in a series of six myth-busters on the topic of planning in the moment (PITM). In this piece, Siân Ephgrave explains a PITM approach to assessment and tracking.
An exploration into Helicopter Stories where Jenni Clarke delves into the origins of this approach and the wider implications for learning, not limited to logical thinking, empathy, expression and understanding of self, exploration of others' thoughts and acceptance of differences.
The war in Ukraine means that early years practitioners may be welcoming Ukrainian refugees into their settings. Like all refugees and asylum seekers, these children and their families have undergone a highly traumatic experience, having been forced to flee their homes in the most stressful of circumstances.
Chloe Webster, childminder at Pebbles Childcare, shares her journey with us, from working in a private nursery to transitioning into home-based childcare. Chloe discusses what this has enabled her to do and how she has continued to progress in her professional development.
