Welcome

Welcome to Share and Inspire, the place for Early Year’s practitioners to discuss current issues, promote best practice, share ideas and ask questions. This is the ideal place to talk to likeminded people whose priority is the care and education of children.

Topics for discussion

  • Early years foundation stage

    Its been over 6 months since the EYFS was fully introduced. What have been the good points? What have been the bad points? If you are a childminder how has it affected you?

  • Great Ideas or in need of inspiration?

    Do you have any great tips or ideas that you want to share with other practitioners? Are you struggling for ideas when planning activities for different age groups?

  • Questions you just need answering?

    Is there something that you just don’t know the answer to? Are you stuck and need some help?

  • Products and Ideas

    Do you have any great product ideas? Would you like to test new products? What's the best new product you've seen recently?

Most recent posts

Childcare Expo

Posted on July 2nd, 2010 by childcareexpo No replies »

Childcare Expo is The UK’s National Exhibition and Networking Event for the Early Years, Childcare and Nursery Sector.
The UK children’s day care nurseries market was worth £3.9 billion * in 2008. Despite the current economic crisis, it still rose by 4% in 2008,* which adds to the exceptional growth that the industry has seen over [...]

EYFS and Childminding

Posted on July 2nd, 2010 by Jill No replies »

As a Registered Childminder following the EYFS for all my pre-school children currently, I understood that when these children start reception class, that I would not need to continue will all the extensive observations, and assessments that I am doing at the moment for them. As they will effectively become before and after school [...]

Are stickle bricks safe for very young children?

Posted on July 2nd, 2010 by Pamela No replies »

I have a toddler of 1 year old and I would love to introduce him to some Stickle Bricks but I’m unsure if they’re suitable- can anyone provide me with any advice. Thank you very much in advance!

Balance Bikes: Your Thoughts, Opinions and Stories

Posted on July 8th, 2009 by admin 4 replies »

We’re now selling balance bikes on early years at home and we’ve had a great response from customers. Balance bikes are a great way to learn how to ride and balance at a young age. They help kids develop motor skills and muscle groups needed later in life.
We think many children could skip the stabalisers [...]

Language development

Posted on July 2nd, 2009 by Miranda 1 reply »

There has been some research reported in the news that childrens language develops better with conversation than with having a book read to them. I am sure it does, but you can encourage interaction and conversation whilst reading a book, and engender a love of books and reading at the same time. Anyone else have [...]

the Gruffalo

Posted on June 30th, 2009 by sally 1 reply »

Hi. The kids in my nursery love the Gruffalo story. Does anyone have any good ideas for related activities?

EYFS questionnaire

Posted on June 17th, 2009 by Donna No replies »

I stumbled across this -
http://www.qca.org.uk/qca_22487.aspx
the QCA are conducting some research into how the EYFS has been recieved by practitioners so that they can understand the challenges in its implementation as well as its identified strengths.Follow the link to give your feedback.

Adult led activities

Posted on June 17th, 2009 by shelley 1 reply »

I find that the children I care for all get on so well together that they play much better on their own than when I try to do “activities” with them. When I read childminding magazines I feel bad that I don’t do more challenging activities with them (and I worry there is less [...]

Grant funding?

Posted on June 17th, 2009 by Sally No replies »

Anyone any positive experiences to share regarding successful grants/funding applications?

Swine Flu precautions

Posted on June 17th, 2009 by Sally 1 reply »

Has anyone put any preventative measures/contingency plans in place? If so, what are they?