The Foundation Stage Forum Community
Welcome to the FSF – a community for early years professionals. Engage in conversations, offer and receive advice and support, make connections. Discover our library of education articles and podcast episodes to enhance your reflective practice. Working together to achieve high-quality early childhood education.
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Posts:471,203
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Members:49,256
Navigating New beginnings: A Mother’s perspective on Early Years Educa…
by Alicia Wilkins
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.
Podcast: Men In The Early Years Part 3
Stephen chats with Claudio Sisera - Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs. They discuss Claudio's route into the Early Years, barriers he has faced as a man in the sector, and how his organisation is making a difference…
Specialist education consultant, Sejal Payne, shares practical strateg…
Sejal Payne offers guidance and practical suggestions about supporting learning at home for children and their families with EAL.
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Apprentices as part of Qualified Staff Ratio
Hi I think they technically can count in ratio but NOT at the level they are studying - if studying for level 3 they will count as level 2 for ratios. For your 13 children you'd need minimum of a level 3 qualified member AND at least half of any other staff qualified at level 2. So if the level 3 and two apprentices are all you have then no I dont think it works. However since ratios apply across the whole setting not per room (which I've always struggled to understand!) if there are other level 3 staff in the setting it may be. This is what I found on the kinderly website: Students on long term placements and volunteers (aged 17 or over) and staff working as apprentices in early education (aged 16 or over) may be included in the (qualified) ratios at the level below their level of study, if the provider is satisfied that they are competent and responsible (3.49). To assess competence, providers could use the criteria in Annexes C, D & E from the DfE Early years qualification requirements and standards to support them. This change means that someone studying towards an approved level 3 qualification (including qualifications at levels 4, 5 and 6) may count within the level 2 ratio, and someone studying towards EYTS or QTS may count within the level 3 ratio. For reference, not all level 6 degrees give a licence to practice. They must have been assessed in practice and be on the Early Years Qualifications List (EYQL), in which case they will count as level 3 for ratio purposes. To count as level 6 for ratio purposes someone must have EYTS, EYPS or QTS. -
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Apprentices as part of Qualified Staff Ratio
Does anyone have any clarity over whether apprentices can be included in the qualified staff ratio? For context, we have two apprentices working towards a level 3 qualification but they do NOT already have a level 2 qualification. Our other staff members are level 3 qualified. It is an ongoing debate as to whether we can legally have one level 3 staff member and two apprentices working on a day with 13 children (11x 3 yrs and 2x 2 yrs). Our chairperson claims that apprentices can count as qualified at the level they are training at if deemed competent by the manager, is this correct? -
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Cherry Garden Monitoring Screen
The new Cherry Garden Monitoring Screen is now live! This screen helps educators reflect on their learners' engagement and progress while adapting their provision to support every child confidently. As your children and provision develop, Tapestry builds a timeline of the actions taken so you can evaluate the impact of your adaptations. Learn how to use the Cherry Garden Monitoring Screen Find out more about the Cherry Garden Branch Maps, a flexible SEND assessment tool -
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Moving to Tapestry from Famly
Hi We're trialling Tapestry as we are considering moving over from Famly. I think there is no doubt that the observation, learning journey, assessments etc are better on Tapestry. But I'm wondering how people find the management side of things. Invoicing, communicating with parents (can you send group messages on Tapestry?), managing bookings, etc. Has anyone else moved from Famly to Tapestry and if so how do you find it compares? Thanks Christina- 1
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Observations?
Hello, We have been thinking about observations in Reception and just wondered if they are still being done and if so how regularly? We appreciate that we no longer need to do them but they can be useful in getting a holistic view of the child. Any thoughts would be appreciated! -
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Pre-School assistant, Chelmsford Essex
We are looking for a friendly and enthusiastic person to join our small team Part Time Pre-School / Nursery Assistant (term time only) - Working for Essex About the role Part Time Pre-School / Nursery Assistant (term time only) Permanent, Part Time £23,344 per annum, Full Time Equivalent - equal to £12.10 per hour Location: Chelmsford Working Style: Fixed-base worker Closing Date: Wednesday 22nd January 2025 at 11.59pm Please note this role is being offer as a Part Time opportunity, working 13 hours per week, term time only (38 weeks per year), with a pro rata salary of £6,874.29 Per Annum and covers the following shifts: Monday: 9am to 3.30pm Wednesday: 9am to 3.30pm To apply you must hold a level 2 or above accredited qualification in Early years childcare and education and have experience of working in an early years setting. Adult Community Learning (ACL) is ECC’s provider of lifelong learning experiences for Essex residents. ACL offers childcare facilities for parents to help them move nearer to, enter or progress within the workplace or gain skills to enhance life chances. The Nursery/Pre-school is registered with Ofsted and is also open to community children whose parents/carers are not attending ACL. Responsibilities The Nursery/Pre-school Assistant will be part of a team and will be expected to provide high standards of quality care within the nursery/pre-school with responsibilities encompassing the environment, resources and experiences offered to children and their families. They must: Ensure rich and diverse indoor and outdoor play experiences are offered taking regard of the EYFS and the individual needs of children. Be a key person carrying out all related responsibilities. Observe, support and extend children's learning. Maintain accurate and effective children’s records. Work in partnership with parents/carers and other family members. Ensure that children are kept safe and understand safeguarding, and when necessary follow Child Protection Procedures. Demonstrate good practice with regard to special needs and inclusion. Promote positive attitudes to race, culture, gender, religion and abilities. Undertake a shared responsibility for health, safety and cleanliness throughout the nursery/pre-school. Be responsible for participating in all self-development activities including appraisals and supervision meetings, team meetings etc. The Experience You Will Bring Essential: Level 2 qualification or equivalent by experience in childcare. English and Maths Skills at level 2. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with both children and adults. The ability to plan and provide activities and play opportunities to develop children’s emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities. Desirable: The ability to work effectively under a variety of circumstances and develop skill within the role. The ability to plan and provide activities and play opportunities to develop children’s emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities. First Aid training Level 3 qualification or equivalent by experience in childcare. -
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2025.02 - 4 Dates in Feb - Designated Safeguarding Lead for Education Settings (Level 3)
Designated Safeguarding Lead for Education Settings (Level 3) This is a Virtual Course over 4 days - you must attend all sessions to for completion Monday 24th February Tuesday 25th February Wednesday 26th February Thursday 27th February Each session is from 9am to 12.30pm The course will offer delegates the opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding to perform this role. Southampton City Council training includes bespoke local safeguarding updates from professional experts in their subject areas to respond to safeguarding issues within the local context. This course will: Outline the role and responsibilities of a DSL in Education Settings. Outline legal and contextual procedures in relation to the role. Explain local process for reporting Early Help and Safeguarding concerns. Overview of Local Child Protection Conferencing procedures. To understand and raise awareness of FGM and Harmful Practice. Local Intelligence reporting procedures. Outline local safeguarding arrangements and awareness of Case Reviews. Give an overview of children who are missing, exploitation and trafficking. Overview of links between absence, safeguarding and educational neglect. Please note that delegates must have camera and microphone access, and be in a private area where there are not children present due to the content being discussed. Fee for training Southampton City Council Maintained Schools: £180 Subsidised price for Southampton PVI Early Years & Childcare providers and voluntary organisations: £115 Academies, free schools and other organisations: £215 -
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Lifevac or anti choking device
Hi All Has anyone got any solid advice given by either local authority or first aid specialists on whether a nursery should have a 'LifeVac' or anti choking device?
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