Welcome to the October newsletter!

Thanks to all of you who filled out the recent questionnaire from the Primary Strategy team on the new EYFS. They've given us some feedback on the responses and you can find these by clicking here.

For any of you who use the e-profile, you might like to know that version 2.5 is now out, with the following changes: updated to include the slight change in wording in LSL 5&6. It now gives text bubbles containing the relevant exemplars from the FSP Handbook as you move the mouse cursor over any scale item. And it now meets the requirements of the latest CTF format. It is recommended, however, that before upgrading, you check with your local authority's support team, to ensure they are able to support this latest version.

The FSF Local Authority scheme

We're delighted to welcome Richmond, Northamptonshire and Salford early years providers to the FSF. Teachers, practitioners and other providers from these authorities are now able to join free of charge, courtesy of their early years teams. Additionally we're delighted that Kirklees, Brent, Nottingham City, Sunderland City and Stockport local authorities are renewing their participation in the scheme for the second year, and Birmingham is renewing for the third year. Current members from these authorities need do nothing; their account subscriptions will automatically be renewed.

New Content

Topics Support: The Sea
With 12 focus activities, a booklist and a mindmap for quick reference, this is another in our Topics Resources articles.

NVQ Guidance Articles.
Our old guidance articles are now out of date with the newer CCLD structure of the NVQ. We have, consequently, begun a re-write and have begun with the Introduction and Overview article, the Building Your Portfolio article and the first of the mandatory unit articles, NVQ Level 3 guidance CCLD 301, Part One. Next month - part two.

The Farmer Drama
Farmer MacDonald is getting older and his farm isn't what it used to be. Can he avoid closure after a stern letter from the ministry? Accompanied by a drama plan and tips for a role play area.

Clemmie's Column - The Good, the Bad, and the Toddler (20 - 22 months)
Clemmie learns the meaning of the word 'Mine' - and applies it with enthusiasm. This is the penultimate article in the series. Next month Clemmie signs off with her first experiences at nursery!

Forum Topics

Here is a selection of conversations that caught my eye recently:

Class Pets
"...I'm moving into the Foundation Stage to teach Reception from September. The space is shared with our nursery and after talking to the nursery nurse and LSA we have decided we want a pet..." Any advice?

Outdoor learning policy
"... Help! Does anyone have an example of an outdoor learning policy that they would be willing to share? Also does anyone know where I can find written evidence of why outdoor learning across the curriculum is so important? I am writing an action plan for outdoor learning and know how important it is but feel I need some backup evidence...."

Funnybones Ideas
"...just wondering if anyone has any cool fab, new and exciting ideas to use with the book, 'funny bones.' We start planning our new topic next week, titled ' Whats inside?' I hope to look at different feelings and things that make us scared, happy etc. Also good topic for looking at whats inside our body. So thought funny bones was alovely introduction...."

Snack Time Policy
"...Does anyone know of any official policy that say that children should NOT eat snack directly from the table? ...."

A very noisy class: Any tips on quietening them down?
"...I have inherited a rather loud class of children this year! My TA and I cant believe quite how noisy they are and it seems to be the general standard for the whole class not just some of them, even though we never see any particular ones shouting or raising their voice... a rather puzzling mystery! ..."

Planning Adult Led Activities in a Child Initiated Environment
"...I'm feeling a bit stuck! I can see how we can plan adult-led activities based on what we have observed but am getting bogged down in the organisation of it and need to hear other people's solutions! When and how do your staff get together to talk about and plan activities? Is one person responsible for turning all the ideas into written plans? ..."

And look - I got to the end of the discussions list without mentioning Christmas. Oops..

Believe it or not there have been a number of posts about Christmas already. Since you're all a far sighted bunch who like to plan ahead, it's probably worth pointing out that there is a discrete Christmas forum area which you can find here.

Tips and Tricks

Check through your control panel and user profile (click your username) every once in a while - they both allow you to configure your FSF settings a huge amount. From your email address and password to managing what emails you allow the site to send you, it's worth spending some time getting to know the two environments. And they allow you to tell others about yourself too!