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The last newsletter of 2007 finds us running right up against the buffers - for any of you who know what I mean, I'm thinking of starting a (possibly slightly late) petition to see if we can have December 25th put back by about two and a half weeks. Let me know if you'd like to help out with it - although if you're in that position you probably don't have enough time...
Still, we have a good number of articles for you, with varied content. Find the list below - although I'd like to draw your attention to the last Clemmie's column. Those of you who have enjoyed the series can catch a glimpse of her at the end!
I've also been asked by Ruth Pimentel to invite you to complete a further questionnaire on the EYFS which asks for suggestions for further guidance in advance of its final publication next year. Find a link more information here.
We're delighted to welcome Barnet to the LA scheme and the FSF. Teachers, practitioners, and other providers from Barnet will be able to register and subscribe free of charge from January onwards. Additionally we're delighted that York City and East Sussex local authorities are renewing their participation in the scheme for the second year, and Bracknell Forest is renewing for the third year. Current members from these authorities need do nothing; their account subscriptions will automatically be renewed.
CCLD 301 (Part 2) Knowledge Specification
The second in our re-vamped NVQ3 series, covering sections K3C166 - K3C172.
Educational Pioneers: Maria Montessori, 1870-1952
Continuing our series on educational pioneers, find out more about the Montessori method.
Clemmie's Column - The Cutting Edge(22 - 24 months)
In Clemmie's final column, she hits two years of age and begins nursery. Hope you've enjoyed the series!
Topics Support: Night and Day
More ideas and downloadable focus activities together with a booklist and mindmap - this time on the subject of night and day!
Topics Support:: Transport
Another topic support article with 12 focus activity sheets, a booklist and a mindmap.
Here is a selection of conversations that caught my eye recently:
e-profile and memory sticks
"...My adviser told me last week that I can download the e-profile on the main office computer and then put the info on a memory stick and use it wherever is best for me and that I just need to update the main computer regularly! However I had been told in the past that this was not advisable as the info can corrupt easily! Does anyone have any words of wisdom?..." Various views and some good advice here!
Pay scales
"... I'm looking into putting a pay structure in place dependent on the amount of time a staff member has been in a setting and experience. I thought this would also give them a reason for doing the qualifications, staff have said they complete a level 2/3, and nothing changes with regard to pay. Has anybody else done this..." A new topic with only a few contributions but this has the potential to be a very interesting one.
Men and child protection issues
"... I have a question to ask on behalf of a friend.
She has just given an apprentiship to a young lad. She seems to remember hearing years ago about men in childcare having to have a cushion on their lap in order to allow a child on. I recall hearing the same thing but neither of us can remember if it was outdated rules or here say.
Has anyone heard the same or similar and if so where was it from? ..."
New EYFS publications & reviews
Two recently released books are discussed and reviewed.
Teaching deaf children in mainstream units
"...Hi. I've just joined today. I wondered if there's anyone else out there like me- a Teacher of the Deaf working within a mainstream setting. our children are profoundly deaf and we mainly use sign language to communicate within a very oral setting. love to hear from anyone with similar experiences ..."
Outdoor themes - new outdoor area
"...We have just opened our new outdoor area. It is quite small but we have been using it over the last few weeks and the children are loving it. I am trying to sort out planning for it's use and have decided that as it is small we should have weekly themes so that all the areas of learning are covered over each half term. Here are my ideas so far: ..."
As the FSF inexorably quietens down for the forthcoming holiday, we'd like to thank you for your company, enthusiasm and passion this year, and wish you a safe, peaceful and happy Christmas and new year. Special mention to our moderators, some of whom have had a very trying year, but who have remained as generous with their time, help and advice as ever. They are of course: Susan, Linda McDowell, mundia, Peggy, Sue R, Beau and Jacquie. And many thanks to so many others of you who are not on that list but spend hours every week offering your expertise and empathy - you know who you are!
Order your turkey before I did and you won't have to buy a bigger oven because they've only got 20lb birds left...
Merry Christmas!