Selective mutism has not been recognised medically as an anxiety disorder for very long, but is actually experienced by 1 in 140 children. It usually starts during childhood and can continue into adulthood if it is left untreated or there are significant underlying issues. What is selective mutism? Selective mutism is a form of anxiety disorder and is characterised as an inability to speak in specific social circumstances. These circumstances...Read More
Wellbeing is a concept which is very familiar to adults, and improving wellbeing is often seen as a life goal. The concept is just as relevant for early years children too and should form an intrinsic part of nursery care. Why is wellbeing important? Wellbeing in modern times represents a lot more than just being healthy or being OK, it is about flourishing and blossoming at life as a means...Read More
The wellbeing of all children at your childcare setting is of prime importance, and safeguarding forms a key element of that. What is safeguarding? The Government has recently issued guidance on safeguarding and the definitions that sit behind it (Working Together to Safeguard Children – 2018). Safeguarding is wider than child protection, which relates to protection of children from significant harm arising from neglect or abuse. Safeguarding covers the following:...Read More
From September 2018, 25 schools across England will be trialling a new set of goals for four and five year olds. These will set out where children will be expected to progress to in language and vocabulary, as well as maths and literacy. These new Early Learning Goals have been designed in an effort to create more time for pupil interaction by decreasing teachers’ workloads. They are also expected to...Read More
Are you aware of the Characteristics of Effective Learning and what they mean for practitioners? They are a key element of the EYFS and guide how children should learn from their activities, experiences and environment. The fundamental principle is around how the individual child is learning, rather than what they are learning. Practitioners should be able to show that they understand the Characteristics and also how each child applies them...Read More
