Early Years Educator

07/12/2023

Charlotte Baker explores how to holistically approach reading time, looking at some of the possibilities of changing up reading activities in order to keep children's engagement high and to foster other types of learning; from using emotional intelligence to begin to understand how some of the characters are feeling to the sensory experiences of creating and using musical instruments.

Charlotte Baker explores how to holistically approach reading time, looking at some of the possibilities of changing up reading activities in order to keep children's engagement high and to foster other types of learning; from using emotional intelligence to begin to understand how some of the chara...

07/12/2023

As we have now approached the final article of my emotional literacy series, the following article will pull together some of the key themes that have been discussed throughout the series. I will be revisiting some participants from my study to see, two years on, whether their opinions of the effects of the pandemic have changed and how the research has evolved now we have a better understanding.

As we have now approached the final article of my emotional literacy series, the following article will pull together some of the key themes that have been discussed throughout the series. I will be revisiting some participants from my study to see, two years on, whether their opinions of the effect...

07/12/2023

Engaging in physical activities from an early age has far reaching benefits for children. Not only does it build a healthy body, but it also promotes emotional, social and cognitive development. Therefore, it is vital that physical activity is integrated into children's daily lives.

Engaging in physical activities from an early age has far reaching benefits for children. Not only does it build a healthy body, but it also promotes emotional, social and cognitive development. Therefore, it is vital that physical activity is integrated into children's daily lives.

06/12/2023

Recent graduate Amy Borrett shares her research which explored whether beach school could be a beneficial way of outdoor learning, in the same way literature identifies forest school to be beneficial.

Recent graduate Amy Borrett shares her research which explored whether beach school could be a beneficial way of outdoor learning, in the same way literature identifies forest school to be beneficial.

06/12/2023

There are many routes into the early years, but not all of these routes are originally planned into long term careers. Michelle Moore, manager at Little Angels Day Nursery and Prep School, Highbury, tells us about her journey.

There are many routes into the early years, but not all of these routes are originally planned into long term careers. Michelle Moore, manager at Little Angels Day Nursery and Prep School, Highbury, tells us about her unplanned journey.

06/12/2023

This second part of ‘Narratives in nature’ focuses on the journey rather than the destination of outdoor play with young children. Amanda reflects on the use of digital tablets in exploring children's views.

This second part of ‘Narratives in nature’ focuses on the journey rather than the destination of outdoor play with young children. Amanda reflects on the use of digital tablets in exploring children's views.

05/12/2023

Explore the work of Vasily Sukhomlinsky, a Ukrainian educator who adopted an innovative approach to early childhood education, and who has been very influential in former Soviet bloc countries and in China.

Here we explore the work of a Ukrainian educator who adopted an innovative approach to early childhood education, and who has been very influential in former Soviet bloc countries and in China.

05/12/2023

There are many ways to make home-made, non-toxic paint, and this has been quite popular across early years settings and with parents at home alike. However, Amanda Barrow takes a critical look at this and explains why she doesn't agree with taste safe paint.

There are many ways to make home-made, non-toxic paint, and this has been quite popular across early years settings and with parents at home alike. However, Amanda Barrow takes a critical look at this and explains why she doesn't agree with taste safe paint.

05/12/2023

While the cost of childcare continues to increase, staff wages remain at historically low levels and excessive workload is an ongoing issue.

Sue Cowley takes a look at pay and conditions in the sector and examines the impact on recruitment and retention.



Read the full article below, see what you think 👇🏽

https://www.earlyyearseducator.co.uk/features/article/sector-update-valuing-the-early-years-workforce

While the cost of childcare continues to increase, staff wages remain at historically low levels and excessive workload is an ongoing issue. Sue Cowley takes a look at pay and conditions in the sector and examines the impact on recruitment and retention.

04/12/2023

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.

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.

04/12/2023

🚨 Last Week To Claim The Early Bird Rate!

Maximise your learning experience and minimise costs! Don't miss out on this opportunity to invest in your professional development at the Nursery World Show.

Register today: https://www.nurseryworldshow.com/

04/12/2023

Physical development is part of children's everyday routine in all settings, taking place in many different forms. But how do we ensure we remember the basics and don't assume that physical development will just ‘happen’? Tania Swift and Claire Hewson share some considerations, including guidelines on physical activity, yoga for young children, best practice when working with parents and thoughts around more inclusive practice.

Physical development is part of children's everyday routine in all settings, taking place in many different forms. But how do we ensure we remember the basics and don't assume that physical development will just ‘happen’? Tania Swift and Claire Hewson share some considerations, including guideli...

04/12/2023

Our first author spotlight focuses on James Tunnell and offers a glimpse into his book ‘Loose parts and beyond.’ This is a guide to support settings and their teams on the journey to embed loose parts into their provision.

Our first author spotlight focuses on James Tunnell and offers a glimpse into his book ‘Loose parts and beyond.’ This is a guide to support settings and their teams on the journey to embed loose parts into their provision.

03/12/2023

Historically, there has not been a standardised approach to SEND, however now there is more of a focus for educational leaders to get a clearer picture of SEND in their schools and a deeper understanding of the real experiences of their pupils, staff and parents; in order to ensure real progress and provision is available for all.

Historically, there has not been a standardised approach to SEND, however now there is more of a focus for educational leaders to get a clearer picture of SEND in their schools and a deeper understanding of the real experiences of their pupils, staff and parents; in order to ensure real progress and...

03/12/2023

This article will be exploring the importance of musical awareness and some links between music and child development. Particular emphasis will be placed on the importance of music and emotion, music and the EYFS (DfE, 2021), music and communication, and lastly the link between music, creativity and play.

This article will be exploring the importance of musical awareness and some links between music and child development. Particular emphasis will be placed on the importance of music and emotion, music and the EYFS (DfE, 2021), music and communication, and lastly the link between music, creativity and...

03/12/2023

When an academic year is approaching, you may find yourself asking if your child is actually ready for school? Your child may be transitioning from a nursery, childcare or your home setting where everything has been a regular routine, having had consistent and familiar educators or family members supporting them. I am here with some ideas to support you and your child.

When an academic year is approaching, you may find yourself asking if your child is actually ready for school? Your child may be transitioning from a nursery, childcare or your home setting where everything has been a regular routine, having had consistent and familiar educators or family members su...

02/12/2023

Abigail Leow reflects on her views of the importance of music in the early years ahead of her series in the coming issues of Early Years Educator magazine on this very topic.

Abigail Leow reflects on her views of the importance of music in the early years ahead of her series in the coming issues of Early Years Educator magazine on this very topic.

02/12/2023

This article will explore the dazzling dream that media literacy education can offer for our early years children and the frightful fear that the online world creates for children's safeguarding. The article also challenges educators' knowledge of media literacy and their competence in supporting children's understanding of the nature of online content, the impact of material on others, and the consequences of material within the real world.

This article will explore the dazzling dream that media literacy education can offer for our early years children and the frightful fear that the online world creates for children's safeguarding. The article also challenges educators' knowledge of media literacy and their competence in supporting ch...

02/12/2023

Sue Allingham, author, trainer and consultant, discusses some of the latest news stories and headlines about the sector, encouraging practitioners to equip themselves with the knowledge needed to support children affected by the pandemic, instead of relying on ready-made schemes or trackers.

Sue Allingham, author, trainer and consultant, discusses some of the latest news stories and headlines about the sector, encouraging practitioners to equip themselves with the knowledge needed to support children affected by the pandemic, instead of relying on ready-made schemes or trackers.

02/12/2023

Richard Willis, visiting professor at the University of South Wales, reviews a book about technology in early childhood education. Meg Barclay, educational consultant and early years reviewer for the School Library Association, reviews seasonal picture books which introduce children to winter and Christmas, as well as how to cope with and understand anxiety in an age appropriate way.

Richard Willis, visiting professor at the University of South Wales, reviews a book about technology in early childhood education. Meg Barclay, educational consultant and early years reviewer for the School Library Association, reviews seasonal picture books which introduce children to winter and Ch...

01/12/2023

Ignite your creativity with Penny Lawrence! ✨

Join Penny as she unveils a world where learning meets the local built environment. Unleash the power of imagination – this session is not just a talk, it's an experience!

Book here: https://ow.ly/9LyN50Q9WZb

01/12/2023

With up to a million animal and plant species facing extinction within the next few decades, it is vital that children understand from an early age how to look after our planet. (1) If we show children, through our everyday habits, how we protect the planet then it is more likely they will do so too.

With up to a million animal and plant species facing extinction within the next few decades, it is vital that children understand from an early age how to look after our planet. (1) If we show children, through our everyday habits, how we protect the planet then it is more likely they will do so too...

01/12/2023

Practitioners' academic identity is integral to developing high levels of competency, but challenges emerge when examining the identity of practitioners within the current early years context. What can leaders do to boost confidence and harness the power of positive academic self-concepts?

Practitioners' academic identity is integral to developing high levels of competency, but challenges emerge when examining the identity of practitioners within the current early years context. What can leaders do to boost confidence and harness the power of positive academic self-concepts?

01/12/2023

This months' case study is from St. Margaret's Nursery, a maintained nursery school which is part of BEYA (Barnet Early Years Alliance.) It follows an example of how a group of children interact with an open-ended block play setup which is often seen in early years settings as part of their continuous provision.

This months' case study is from St. Margaret's Nursery, a maintained nursery school which is part of BEYA (Barnet Early Years Alliance.) It follows an example of how a group of children interact with an open-ended block play setup which is often seen in early years settings as part of their continuo...

30/11/2023

Quality training can inspire and empower early years educators to identify areas for improvement and lead practice change. This series of articles reflects on the leadership journeys of five individual trainees studying, whilst working in early years settings, to gain early years teacher status.

Quality training can inspire and empower early years educators to identify areas for improvement and lead practice change. This series of articles reflects on the leadership journeys of five individual trainees studying, whilst working in early years settings, to gain early years teacher status.

30/11/2023

📢 Early bird rate ends next week!

Join the Nursery World Show next February and get to grips with all things early years over two busy days at the Business Design Centre.

Early bird ends Friday 8 December 2023, book now to save on seminars!

Book here: https://www.nurseryworldshow.com/

30/11/2023

The following article discusses Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and inclusion. It outlines how to create an inclusive environment and discusses the importance of emotional literacy within inclusion. As with my previous articles the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic will be discussed throughout and the impact it had specifically on children with SEND.

The following article discusses Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and inclusion. It outlines how to create an inclusive environment and discusses the importance of emotional literacy within inclusion. As with my previous articles the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic will be discussed...

30/11/2023

Early relationships should not just be an interesting part of undergraduate degrees. They should be taught to all professionals as a tool to change the future. This opinion piece begins to look at early relationships and early trauma, practitioners' awareness and what can be done differently.

Early relationships should not just be an interesting part of undergraduate degrees. They should be taught to all professionals as a tool to change the future. This opinion piece begins to look at early relationships and early trauma, practitioners' awareness and what can be done differently.

29/11/2023

As the Department for Education (DfE) announces national average hourly funding rates, the sector warns the increase is insufficient, and adds up to more early years settings closures .

As the Department for Education (DfE) announces national average hourly funding rates, the sector warns the increase is insufficient, and adds up to more early years settings closures .

29/11/2023

Exploring the benefits of a long-term art project inspired by Paul Klee's Castle and Sun.

Exploring the benefits of a long-term art project inspired by Paul Klee's Castle and Sun.

29/11/2023

Gender formation is not simple, in fact Maryanne shares with us that it is a fluid process, and for children in the early years this can be particularly challenging to not only experience but also navigate for themselves. This is the first article in a series looking at research into young children's experiences of gender.

Gender formation is not simple, in fact Maryanne shares with us that it is a fluid process, and for children in the early years this can be particularly challenging to not only experience but also navigate for themselves. This is the first article in a series looking at research into young children'...

29/11/2023

The recent opinion piece in EYE, ‘Mind Your Language’, raises an important question: what sort of language should we use when we talk about children? Whilst the topic is important, I believe the argument is flawed, and the examples used are also problematic. My view is that the term ‘tantrum’ is more appropriate and accessible than the suggestion of ‘dysregulation’.

The recent opinion piece in EYE, ‘Mind Your Language’, raises an important question: what sort of language should we use when we talk about children? Whilst the topic is important, I believe the argument is flawed, and the examples used are also problematic. My view is that the term ‘tantrum.....

29/11/2023

For me online safeguarding training is a concern as I find that it is so easy for staff to click through this training, complete a quick Q+A at the end, and say they've done it. But have they learnt anything? Is there any impact?

For me online safeguarding training is a concern as I find that it is so easy for staff to click through this training, complete a quick Q+A at the end, and say they've done it. But have they learnt anything? Is there any impact?

29/11/2023

Susan Borland, associate lecturer and ULT, Graham Bell senior lecturer and Philippa Thompson, principal lecturer from Sheffield Hallam University explore the multiple dilemmas for early years practitioners in the digital age. While screen time continues to be a cause for concern for many, there can also be many benefits for creative exploration. How do we find a balance?

Susan Borland, associate lecturer and ULT, Graham Bell senior lecturer and Philippa Thompson, principal lecturer from Sheffield Hallam University explore the multiple dilemmas for early years practitioners in the digital age. While screen time continues to be a cause for concern for many, there can....

28/11/2023

Every month, we introduce a new Book of the Month for the nurseries to read to the children and to provide activity prompts. These books are also promoted to parents and carers. All nurseries purchase multiple copies of the chosen book to share with the children and to use in their nursery lending libraries for parents to borrow.

Every month, we introduce a new Book of the Month for the nurseries to read to the children and to provide activity prompts. These books are also promoted to parents and carers. All nurseries purchase multiple copies of the chosen book to share with the children and to use in their nursery lending l...

28/11/2023

Robert Fox shares with us his journey, day-to-day work and his goals, which are grounded in challenging the often-inaccurate discourses around, firstly, men in childcare, and secondly, the nannying profession.

Robert Fox shares with us his journey, day-to-day work and his goals, which are grounded in challenging the often-inaccurate discourses around, firstly, men in childcare, and secondly, the nannying profession.

28/11/2023

This opinion piece looks at ‘the right support’ for children with special educational needs and disabilities, and what this support looks like for them and their families. A valuable tool is offered which is the new Spotlight Set from the Early Intervention Foundation, providing information on 28 evidence-based interventions that are available to support children and young people with recognised or possible SEND as well as their carers.

This opinion piece looks at ‘the right support’ for children with special educational needs and disabilities, and what this support looks like for them and their families. A valuable tool is offered which is the new Spotlight Set from the Early Intervention Foundation, providing information on 2...

28/11/2023

As technology continues to play an increasing role in our lives the development of artificial intelligence (AI) is leading to new opportunities for the education sector. Dr John Siraj-Blatchford, independent early years educational researcher and consultant, discusses some of the issues around AI as well as the potential benefits for early childhood education. ⬇️

As technology continues to play an increasing role in our lives the development of artificial intelligence (AI) is leading to new opportunities for the education sector. Dr John Siraj-Blatchford, independent early years educational researcher and consultant, discusses some of the issues around AI as...

28/11/2023

Schematic play is vital for early years educators to understand and also communicate with parents and carers in order to support each child's individual development in the best ways possible. This article is the first in a series on schematic play, illustrating examples through case studies.

28/11/2023

In September 2023, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) published a report analysing the changes in early years spending over the past 25 years. The report also looks ahead to the implications of the major reforms to early years entitlement funding which were announced in the last Budget. Sue Cowley examines the details and considers what the changes mean for settings.

In September 2023, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) published a report analysing the changes in early years spending over the past 25 years. The report also looks ahead to the implications of the major reforms to early years entitlement funding which were announced in the last Budget. Sue Cowl...