If you've been waiting for the 'Progress from the Start' document from the DCSF, you shouldn't hold your breath - it's been shelved for the moment! Read more here.

We're delighted to welcome Milton Keynes to the local authority subscription scheme. If you work in the Milton Keynes area and would like to take out a free subscription, please click here. Additionally, we're very pleased to let you know that Brighton and Hove City Council and North East Lincolnshire are renewing their subscription for the second year. Current members from these authorities need do nothing; their account subscriptions will automatically be renewed.

To find out more about the LA subscription scheme and which authorities currently participate, please visit this page.

New: Jun 3, 2008

Attachment Theory and the Key Person Approach
The Key Person Approach is now a fundamental part of developing secure relationships between staff and children in early years settings. Why is it so important and what is the theory behind it?

New: May 21, 2008

Positive Relationships- The Principle: Children learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving and secure relationships with parents and/or a key person
Martine Horvath discusses critical aspects of positive relationships and how to promote them in your setting.

New: Apr 29, 2008

Topics Support: Minibeasts
Minibeasts - the perfect theme for spring and summer!

Featured article: Snacks and lunches for early years children

... The healthy eating guidelines that have been set for older children and adults are not totally suitable for small children, but they can be used as a guide to help you to work towards healthy eating as the children grow up. Children need to eat foods from all of the main food groups:

Bread, other cereals and potatoes to provide carbohydrate, fibre, calcium, iron and B vitamins. It is best to choose a mixture of white and wholegrain products.
Fruits and vegetables - these foods provide vitamin C, folate, potassium, fibre and important antioxidants. This includes fresh, dried, frozen, canned and juice - children need to eat a variety.
Meat, fish and alternatives - these foods provide protein, iron, zinc, magnesium and vitamin B12. Children need to eat a variety of poultry, red meat, fish and oily fish, or alternatives. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for health and nervous system development. The oily fish are a particularly good source of these fats and should be offered along with white fish at least twice a week. Some examples of oily fish included sardines, trout, salmon (canned and fresh) and mackerel, and fresh tuna (but not canned tuna).
Foods containing fat and foods containing sugar - these should be given infrequently and then in conjunction with a variety of other foods...

(Read more) (Subscribing members article)

Featured article:The Early Years Foundation Stage is Like an Onion!

... There is nothing in the Early Years Foundation Stage to suggest practitioners should 'force learning', but you will find plenty of evidence to suggest child-initiated learning where practitioners are encouraged to take their lead from the children in their care and to plan next steps and experiential learning through play, based on these child-led observations. It is perfectly acceptable for example for a child to enjoy chilling out in front of the television with their childminder parent or guardian after a busy day. In doing so, a child's physical well-being is being taken care of (unique child 1.4) in that they are allowed to rest and relax as they watch television, maybe they have chosen their own programme and in doing so the adult has respected their choice (positive relationships 2.1) thus meeting the needs of their emotional well-being (unique child 1.4). If they are sharing the experience with their 'key person', perhaps snuggled up on the couch, warm and trusting relationships are being built and the child is reassured that they are loved, safe and cared for (positive relationships 2.3 and 2.4). Maybe they are enjoying a healthy snack (unique child 1.4) as they watch one of the fun-filled educational programmes such as 'Something Special' and 'Number jacks' (learning and development 4.4) on Ceebeebies...

(Read more) (subscribing members article)

Forum Conversation Piece

What do you say when children say they love you?:
".. Owen used to come into playgroup with a bit of a scowl. Every morning I would play the part of both of us in the conversation while he stared at me.
'Good morning Owen' Owen would scowl so I would continue
'Good morning Andrea, I'm happy to be here'.
'Oh I am glad Owen, lets go and play'

He was with us for around 2 years. On his last day he walked in and said 'Hello Andrea, I'm happy to be here.' I have to admit to not being able to speak for the lump in my throat... "
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