146 articles in this category

Unconscious Bias in the Observation, Assessment and Planning Process
by Dr Stella Louis and Hannah Betteridge on November 17, 2020
Dr Stella Louis and Hannah Betteridge examine the unconscious biases that impact on the Observe, Assess and Plan process and the vital ongoing work of reflecting on our views, attitudes and beliefs.   
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Intensive Interaction: an approach to support children with learning d…
by Stephen Kilgour on March 12, 2020
Stephen Kilgour, our SEND Advisor, takes a closer look at this simple but effective way to support the developing communication skills of children with complex additional support needs. This is the first article in a series on pre - verbal communic…
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The Inspiring Pedagogy and Practice of Ignorance: reflections on the u…
by Dr Rebecca Webb and Kathy Foster on July 13, 2020
Dr Rebecca Webb and Kathy Foster, 'teacher' and 'student' respectively on a Masters in Early Years Education course, write about their shared experiences of using the Scrapbook Approach to reflect on uncertainty and 'not-knowing' to inform educatio…
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The Play Development Branch Map
by Stephen Kilgour on August 19, 2020
SEND Advisor Stephen Kilgour shares the Play Development Branch Map he has designed to inform practitioners about the stages of play in a typically developing child. 
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Reflecting on our Language: Is it time we stopped using the term ‘Spec…
by Stephen Kilgour on January 26, 2021
Additional Needs Advisor Stephen Kilgour reflects on the language we use when we talk about children with additional needs. 
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The impact of physical movement on children's essential body systems
by Dr. Lala Manners on November 12, 2020
Dr Lala Manners explains some of the essential body systems, what to look out for in children who may not be experiencing enough physical activity, and how to support them. 
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Finding the motivation and wellbeing you need to follow your early yea…
by Jamel Carly-Campbell on November 16, 2020
Jamel Carly-Campbell reflects on how we can stay motivated, be mindful of our wellbeing and continue to find and follow our career pathways, especially in the middle of a global pandemic.    
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Risk-taking in the early years
by Caroline Vollans on June 11, 2024
Caroline Vollans reflects on whether we have a narrow view of risk and risk-taking in the early years. 
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How can we ensure inclusive practice for Neurodivergent children?
by Ruth Jones on January 16, 2023
Speech and Language Therapist Ruth Jones reflects on how we must sit with our own sense of vulnerability while we learn, adapt and grow, in order to be able to support the Neurodivergent children in our early years settings. 
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What can CPD focus on in the 'new-normal'?
by Jenny Barber on August 19, 2020
Early Years consultant, trainer and author Jenny Barber advises on where settings can focus their training as we learn to live and work with children in a 'new normal'. 
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Cultivating Collaborative Relationships: 5 Strategies for Parent Engag…
by Alicia Wilkins on July 15, 2024
Alicia Wilkins writes about working collaboratively with parents - from the perspective of being a parent herself, and having been an early years educator. 
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Stronger Practice Hubs
by Caroline Vollans on March 20, 2023
Caroline Vollans finds out more about the Stronger Practice Hubs that are being formed with the aim of supporting evidence based professional development and to share good practice. 
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Navigating New beginnings: A Mother’s perspective on Early Years Educa…
by Alicia Wilkins on December 19, 2023
Alicia Wilkins, a mother who has also been a teacher and a home nursery educator, shares her reflections on the transition from home to early years setting for a parent/carer. 
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Reflections on research about men working in early years
by Clarissa Frigerio on April 20, 2023
Early years educator and academic Clarissa Frigerio reflects on her research about the life experiences of men in early years education. 
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Newham Early Years Conference, January 2020
by Ben Case on January 20, 2020
On Friday 10th January, Ben traveled up to Stratford to attend the Newham Early Years conference, which is now in its 5th year! Here are his notes from the event. 
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5 Easy Steps to Write & Publish a Book with Your Child
by Winsome Duncan on May 13, 2024
Book confidence coach and best-selling author Winsome Duncan shares some tips on how to go about publishing children's writing and turning it into a real picture book. 
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Does What It Says On The Tin?
by Leslie Patterson on October 8, 2020
Leslie Patterson examines the power of 'labels' and the need to find positive language to talk about our young learners. 
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Promoting Positive Starts in Early Childhood Education and Care Settin…
by Jayne Garcia on September 14, 2023
Senior Lecturer Jayne Garcia looks at some of the theory related to transition between home and early years setting, and shares advice on how to make sure your setting is ready for each child.
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Reflecting on Kerry Murphy’s talk on ‘Neurodiversity – Affirming Commu…
by Vanna Fossella on April 15, 2024
Educator and Tapestry product support specialist Vanna Fossella shares her reflections after attending a key note talk by Kerry Murphy at the 2024 Newham Early Years Conference. 
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Attachment Theory and the Key Person Approach
by Juliet Mickelburgh on January 21, 2011
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?
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Enabling Environments
by Martine Horvath on January 21, 2011
How can we ensure that the environments we provide will extend and support children's development and learning?
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Using "You Choose" by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt, as a Focus fo…
by Juliet Mickelburgh on December 16, 2010
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 b…
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Aspects of Art: Drawing
by Juliet Mickelburgh on September 13, 2012
This is the second in a series of articles about the different aspects of art in the early years. Here we look at ways to approach drawing with young children.
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Exploring practitioners' understanding of quality
by Michelle Cottle on February 13, 2013
Michelle Cottle is a senior lecturer in early childhood studies at the University of Roehampton. Her article discusses some of the issues that may shape early years practitioners’ understandings of ‘quality’ within the context of their particular se…
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It's Good to get Global! Global citizenship in the Early Years
by Kate Lea and Oxfam Development Education on January 24, 2011
A well-referenced article, with resources and activity suggestions for introducing young children to the wider world of global citizenship.
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