Using the Mosaic Approach to Listen to Young Children Developed at the Thomas Coram Early Childhood centre, the Mosaic Approach uses children's photographs, tours and maps to gain an in-depth understanding of children's lives and what is important to them. Here, Sue Ridgway describes how she used this approach in her setting, and the impact it has had on the experiences of children, their families and the staff. Aug 9, 2010 Taking a Risk? The value of risk and challenge in the early years. This article examines the role of risk taking in child development and how practitioners can foster a positive attitude to risk and challenge in the early years. Aug 6, 2010 Ofsted Inspection Reports for Childminders (Part 2) In this article we look at the quality and standards of the early years provision and outcomes for children. Jun 15, 2010 The Practitioner as an Explorer: Effective Observation Techniques Observation is at the heart of effective provision, and it ensures that we keep the child at the centre of our practice. This article discusses various tools and techniques practitioners need to carry out effective observation and to support learning within the EYFS. Jun 14, 2010 Becoming an EYP: key issues raised in research conducted by staff at the University of Brighton A commissioned piece of research into the factors which help or hinder early years graduates in successfully undertaking EYPS. Jun 8, 2010 Ofsted Inspection Reports for Childminders (Part 1) What have recent Ofsted reports focused upon? In a two-part article we summarize over fifty childminders' reports from April and May 2010. How does your setting measure up? May 27, 2010 Invincible or Invisible Dads? Promoting positive partnerships with parents, with fathers particularly in mind. May 17, 2010 Donald Winnicott's Theories of Child Development: Their Relevance to Current Best Practice Donald Winnicott was a psychologist and psychoanalyst who worked predominantly with children and families.In 1957 he wrote that 'the nursery school is probably most correctly considered as an extension 'upward' of the family, rather than an extension 'downward' of the primary school'. This blossoming outwards of the early years continues to have relevance to today's practice, particularly in settings that provide care for babies and toddlers as well as preschool children. All of Winnicott's work underlines the great importance of the first months of life in a child's development and concentrates on a baby's first relationships, most notably with its mother. Apr 22, 2010 Using "The Dog Who Could Dig", by Jonathan Long and Korky Paul, as a focus for activities This is a great book for looking at things under the ground. The children's interests might take you down a number of different avenues - buried treasure, tunnels, animals that burrow or people who work underground. The story lends itself to lots of outdoor activities and lots of digging! Mar 17, 2010 Recent Ofsted Reports: What have Inspectors Focused On? (Part 4) The final part of our series on recent Ofsted reports. In this article we look at inspectors' recommendations and judgements around the EYFS theme of Learning and Development. Mar 1, 2010 Recent Ofsted Reports: What Have Inspectors Focused On? (Part 3) In our third of four articles looking at recent Ofsted reports, we outline those issues that have appeared frequently over the last three months. Here we examine the recommendations and descriptions of good practice within the EYFS theme of Enabling Environments. Feb 9, 2010 Recent Ofsted Reports: What Have Inspectors Focused On? (Part 2) In our second of four articles looking at recent Ofsted reports, we outline those issues that have appeared frequently over the last three months. Here we examine the recommendations and descriptions of good practice within the EYFS theme of Positive Relationships. Feb 1, 2010 Recent Ofsted Reports: What have Inspectors Focused On? (Part 1) Having studied over 100 Ofsted reports from the last three months, we can see certain recurrent themes. In a series of four articles we outline those issues that have appeared frequently and our first article looks at recommendations and descriptions of good practice within the EYFS theme of A Unique Child. Jan 28, 2010 Music, Personal, Social and Emotional Development......and You! In a series of articles Alison Harmer will be exploring music in relation to the six areas of learning. Here, she begins with music and PSED. Jan 18, 2010 Using "You Choose" by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt, as a Focus for Activities A new collection of ideas for activities inspired by a children's book. Suggested activities are linked to the Areas of Learning and Development, followed by possible role play areas and displays. There is also a book list with links to other books by the same author and illustrator, and with links to the same themes."You Choose" isn't a story book, but it's not a conventional non-fiction book either. It opens up the world, both near and far, to the children and asks them to think about the everyday and the unusual. Jan 7, 2010 |
| Response to the EYFS Consultation |
| New advice for risk assessment |
| Pre 1989 NNEBs recognised at Level 3 |
| High Quality Childcare and Early Education - Report |
| Changes to the Welfare Food Scheme |
| FSF - August 2009 Newsletter |
| FSF - March 2009 Newsletter |
| FSF - February 2009 Newsletter |
| FSF - January 2009 Newsletter |
| FSF - October 2008 Newsletter |
| What does it mean to be two? |
| Penny Tassoni's Practical EYFS Handbook |
| The EYFS Inspection in Practice |
| Child Development: An Illustrated Guide |
| Play and Learning in the Early Years |