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
Blog Tag: childcare
Love pedagogy: Love-led practice in the early years
As an early years practitioner, would you use the word love when talking about your profession? If not, why not? Jane Malcolm (MPhil) NDNA Scotland Policy Manager, discusses love pedagogy, why the word ‘love’ is avoided in childcare and how you should embrace it as part of your professional identity. Why are we afraid of… Continue reading Love pedagogy: Love-led practice in the early years
Childcare and early years interviews and inductions
Starting a new role can be a nerve-wracking prospect. This blog post has a few handy tips and tricks to prepare you for early years interviews and inductions. Preparing for an early years interview There are a number of things that you will definitely need to think about before going into an early years interview:… Continue reading Childcare and early years interviews and inductions
Reducing plastic waste and single-use plastic at nursery
Plastic, plastic everywhere… early childhood consultant Sue Asquith takes a look at ways you can reduce single-use plastic and plastic waste at your childcare setting. The (BIG) plastic problem Everyone has heard of the 2018 BBC documentary Blue Planet 2, and how it showed the devastating and increasing impact of plastics on our planet, right?… Continue reading Reducing plastic waste and single-use plastic at nursery
Life as a nursery & early years apprentice
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 children prepare for a new sibling
Having a new sibling is a big change in a toddler’s life. Helping children prepare for a new sibling is important. 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… Continue reading Helping children prepare for a new sibling
Your guide to a career in childcare & early years
Find out all you need to know about a career in childcare. The importance of high-quality childcare From the moment children are born, they are constantly learning about themselves and the world around them. If you have that natural love and fondness for every little aspect of curious children then you’ll find that this is… Continue reading Your guide to a career in childcare & early years
Coronavirus: Well-being tips for nurseries
In the current pandemic, self-care and relaxation have never been more important. Stacy Mann has kindly offered to share her expertise as a Relax Kids and Charge-Up coach in this blog post to support the sector. The term ‘self-care’ is changing at this time because there are some very strong emotions coming alongside the ‘normal’.… Continue reading Coronavirus: Well-being tips for nurseries
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?
Nursery staff well-being
According to the World Health Organisation, mental health is: “a state of well-being, in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.” What role does your work as a… Continue reading Nursery staff well-being
Settling children into nursery
See our top tips for settling children into nursery. Thinking about childcare and returning to work can be a daunting and often scary thought, especially when baby places in popular, high-quality nurseries often fill up fast – meaning you may have to make these decisions when your baby is still quite young. See our tips… Continue reading Settling children into nursery
How nurseries supported families during the pandemic
We have been so inspired by your stories, photos and videos over the last few months. By sharing these, we hope other members can find ideas and tips too! Supporting children and parents – Kidzrus, Salford Kidzrus nurseries initially remained open during the crisis to care for key worker children, but closed due to low… Continue reading How nurseries supported families during the pandemic
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
Nursery uniforms and dress codes
When setting a dress code policy for your nursery, health and safety should be at the forefront of your mind, for both your staff and the children in your care. As nursery owners, you should ensure your employees are aware of the appropriate attire to comfortably and safely care for the children. But looking beyond… Continue reading Nursery uniforms and dress codes