Blog Tag: childcare

Woodwork in early years

There is something really special about woodwork in early years. It is so different from other activities. The smell and feel of wood, using real tools, working with a natural material, the sounds of hammering and sawing, hands and minds working together to express their imagination and to solve problems, the use of strength and… Continue reading Woodwork in early years

Childcare and early years interviews and inductions

Nursery teacher sitting with a parent and her Down Syndrome son in the classroom. they are discussing the little boys progress.

Starting a new role can be a nerve-wracking prospect. This blog post has a few handy tips and tricks to prepare you for interviews and inductions in early years and childcare. Preparing for an interview There are a number of things that you will definitely need to think about before going into an interview: Research… Continue reading Childcare and early years interviews and inductions

Life as a nursery & early years apprentice

Little boy in nursery showing his teacher the cereal box car he has made.

Apprenticeships are a great way for young people wanting to work in early years and childcare to build and develop their skills and knowledge and open the door to a rewarding career. How can I qualify to become an early years practitioner? Most childcare qualifications can be gained while you work in a setting. Apprenticeships… Continue reading Life as a nursery & early years apprentice

Helping nursery children adjust to a new sibling

Sister With Baby Brother Lying On Parent's Bed

Having a new sibling is a big change in a toddler’s life, so they will need you to be sensitive, supportive and understanding whilst they come to terms with it. Children going through the transition may feel anxiety, sadness, anger, disorientation or excitement. You should work with your nursery children and their families to provide… Continue reading Helping nursery children adjust to a new sibling

Toys or no toys at nursery?

More and more nurseries are beginning to reassess their use of certain or all toys in their setting. No toys – or no plastic toys – can mean new enriching learning opportunities for children and also benefits the environment. This is why, among other reasons, some nurseries have chosen to get rid of plastic toys,… Continue reading Toys or no toys at nursery?

Supporting staff with anxieties

The number of people reporting high levels of anxiety sharply elevated during the beginnings of the coronavirus / COVID-19 pandemic (ONS May 2020). It is important to acknowledge that even though we have experienced the pandemic since March 2020, as lockdown restrictions frequently change area-by-area, different levels of anxiety may likely emerge. Not everyone will… Continue reading Supporting staff with anxieties

Support for settling children

There will be many different scenarios taking place within early years settings right now. Some will have been open throughout the pandemic for vulnerable children and key workers’ children and are gradually introducing more, some will have closed, some will have now recently reopened and others will be looking to reopen again soon. Here, our… Continue reading Support for settling children

Makaton in early years

Being able to communicate is one of the most important skills we need in life. What is Makaton? Makaton is a language programme using signs and symbols to help people communicate. It is designed to support spoken language and the signs and symbols are used with speech, in spoken word order. Why do we need… Continue reading Makaton in early years