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?

Childcare Expo

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

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

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

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?

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

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!

Language development

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

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

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

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

EYFS questionnaire

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

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

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

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?

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

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

Swine Flu precautions

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

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

ICT

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

Any great ideas for bringing everyday ICT into childrens play?