Welcome to the FSF August newsletter.
As we approach the beginning of a new academic year, there is much to think about and prepare for. Primary schools may be considering their approach to phonics teaching, in response to the DfE’s explanation about why the 2007 ‘Letters and Sounds’ handbook will soon be removed from their list of validated phonics programmes. There is also new Government guidance for schools on the teaching of early reading in The reading framework: teaching the foundations of literacy. And there will be much to think about in terms of the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of COVID safety measures in the Autumn.
The Early Years sector is experiencing a period of change, with the revised EYFS becoming statutory in September, and the new Development Matters and Birth to 5 Matters guidance documents available to support settings. Flowing with these adaptations can bring opportunities to reflect on what we are already doing well, and where we can move forward in our provision with open-mindedness and keeping children at the centre of everything.
New Content
On the FSF this month you will find an article by Nancy Stewart exploring how the new Birth to 5 Matters guidance can work for you in your setting. There are also articles by Caroline Vollans, who shares one setting’s approach to rethinking support for families with children with learning differences, and Early Years Manager Adam Marycz begins a series of 3 pieces about his reflections on Observations. In the Primary section, Emanuel Awoyelu writes about his role as SENCO.
We are sharing some podcast rewinds with you this month, looking back at some of our previous guests and conversations. Keep an ear open for our chats with Jamel C Campbell, Joanna Grace and Doreen Barton. And we have some new recordings too, including one with HMI Phil Minns and HMI Wendy Ratcliff, in which they answer questions ahead of the revised EYFS in September 2021. Find them all here.
If you are looking for ideas to share with families to do with their children over the summer, the resources we created with Learning with Parents are still available to download here. They focus on a summer of play in 5 themes, for children from Early Years to Year 6.
At Tapestry HQ, Jack and Ben from the education team recorded a video recently looking at the Areas of Concern screen in a bit more detail – a good watch as you prepare for September. And a quick reminder that the product support team will be available at customer.service@eyfs.info through the summer holidays, 9-5 every weekday.
Wishing you a happy August.
From Helen, Steve and all of us at the FSF and Tapestry.
From The Forum
Ballroom Quote!
On the FSF this month you will find an article by Nancy Stewart exploring how the new Birth to 5 Matters guidance can work for you in your setting. There are also articles by Caroline Vollans, who shares one setting’s approach to rethinking support for families with children with learning differences, and Early Years Manager Adam Marycz begins a series of 3 pieces about his reflections on Observations. In the Primary section, Emanuel Awoyelu writes about his role as SENCO.
We are sharing some podcast rewinds with you this month, looking back at some of our previous guests and conversations. Keep an ear open for our chats with Jamel C Campbell, Joanna Grace and Doreen Barton. And we have some new recordings too, including one with HMI Phil Minns and HMI Wendy Ratcliff, in which they answer questions ahead of the revised EYFS in September 2021. Find them all here.
If you are looking for ideas to share with families to do with their children over the summer, the resources we created with Learning with Parents are still available to download here. They focus on a summer of play in 5 themes, for children from Early Years to Year 6.
At Tapestry HQ, Jack and Ben from the education team recorded a video recently looking at the Areas of Concern screen in a bit more detail – a good watch as you prepare for September. And a quick reminder that the product support team will be available at customer.service@eyfs.info through the summer holidays, 9-5 every weekday.
Wishing you a happy August.
From Helen, Steve and all of us at the FSF and Tapestry.
I saw a quote a little while ago about how children's learning and development is more like dancing round a ballroom than...
Pressing the Government for support of our sector
The FSF continue to be proud sponsors of the APPG pressing the Government for support for our sector.
In the Comprehensive Spending Review the Chancellor must ensure the sustainability of the sector. We are part of the infrastructure upon which the economic recovery of our country depends. The APPG have written to the Chancellor expressing our concerns.
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