I was interested to read an article a few days ago about a research project teaching teenagers the science of babies’ brain development. Secondary school pupils attended science lessons designed by researchers from the University of Oxfo…
In a recent article on the FSF, primary school teacher Clare Hancock wondered 'what will have been considered essential during these times?'
As we move forward, as schools and early years settings open their doors a little wider, as pa…
Amid the recent fuel distribution crisis there had been fears that if the problem continued for too long, some educators may struggle to get into schools and settings for their working day. With both public and private modes of transport b…
Discussions around the widening achievement gap in this country have been predominantly about how best to support schools in helping disadvantaged pupils. However, research shows that the home learning environment is most important, and t…
Last Tuesday (19/3/22), the government released their long-anticipated SEND review green paper entitled: ‘right support, right place, right time’. I was aware this date was coming and was asked to prepare some opinions on its content…
This is my final ‘coffee-break’ in a series that I have written, about getting #BackToBasics when it comes to approaches that we use to support our children’s learning. I’ve discussed the importance of a sound knowledge of child …
Admittedly, the slightly sensationalist title suggests that children don't climb trees anymore. This is not actually the case. There is a brilliant tree in my local park and children form an orderly queue to get their turn on it. It'…
Last November, during the campaign trail, Boris Johnson painfully mumbled his way through 'The Wheels on the Bus' while on a visit to a primary school. At the time my colleague Ben wrote a brilliant short piece in Nursery World about the f…
To celebrate World Book Day this month, the FSF held our first story writing competition. Children in local schools were invited to send in a story they had written. Thank you to all the children who sent in their wonderful tales. Here is …
At the end of March, The Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities Report, led by Dr Tony Sewell, was published. Before going any further, we should remember that as an education team here, we are a small group of white people. Our lived e…
...and could do well to listen to ourselves.
Taking a moment
The other day I was re-reading Joanna Grace's article about using the 'settle jar' sensory resource to support a child to regulate their emotions and feel calm. In it, Jo…
The early years is a crucial time in a child’s life where their learning and development can be rapid and where their experiences have a significant impact on their future life chances. Those of us who work with babies and young children…
‘Coffee Breaks’ are here to offer thoughts, pull strands of events together, acknowledge difficulties and celebrate good practice; a place to stop and think as you dip your biscuit into your cuppa.
So, this week’s offering is a poem…
Our recent survey of more than 200 early years practitioners and reception teachers showed that as we continue to teach and learn in the pandemic, parental engagement, communication, and the use of technology to support these, will be key.…
We all have our morning routines.
A spot of yoga. A cappuccino from the little shop at the end of your road. Or a mad, tornado-style manoeuvre from bed to bathroom to workplace. Whatever your routine, I invite you to take a moment to a…
In August, the Government announced that it was going to provide CO2 monitors for all state-funded education settings from September. Teaching unions have been asking for more ventilation approaches as children return to education after th…
Mother’s Day is coming up this weekend, and in settings and schools there may be a focus on Mummies. Perhaps cards will be made, or paper flowers, and perhaps there will be lots of conversations about what our Mummies do for us and why w…
World Thinking Day is celebrated by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts on 22nd February every year. It began in 1926, as a day for Guides to think about their fellow members all around the world and to share messages of g…
Early years educators know how important it is for parents and carers to have the confidence to engage with their child’s language development from birth. The statistics are worrying: in England, 1 in 4 five year olds are behind with the…
This week saw The Foundation Stage Forum celebrate 16 years of providing a professional place for questions, discussions, research queries and pedagogical musings! In that time we have shared joy, despair, laughter and tears . We have supp…
We attended this meeting yesterday, thank you to all our guests - it was lovely to meet you! It was a lively meeting and the passion of the early years sector was evident. Joanne McCartney AM, Deputy Mayor for Education and Childcare exp…
We attended the APPG last Wednesday at Westminster along with the PLA, CACHE, Cheryl Hadland and NDNA. Also in attendance were many representatives from our sector all eager to have MPs hear their voice. The Minister, Robert Goodwill MP, li…
