Helen

Aside from the actual premises themselves, I think the first thing that needs to happen is for the new government to do all they can to ensure early years is seen as a professional pathway with good career progression, CPD and to demonstrate respect for the jobs that educators do. We need to attract the very best to our early years courses, and to ensure newly qualified staff have ongoing development opportunities. There has to be a much better understanding around how important the first 5 years are. And I agree, finleysmaid, families with an income of over £100,000 shouldn't receive free childcare- that money would be much better allocated elsewhere.

I've been mulling this over....a lot! I have very mixed feelings- this is what the Guardian said: Under Labour’s plan, 3,334 classrooms in existing primary schools will be converted to accommodate 100,000 extra childcare places. Spare capacity is growing in primaries due to falling birth rates. The Department for Education estimates that about 85,000 places are needed for current plans. Labour said that refurbishing classrooms, which they hope will start within weeks of entering government and be complete well before the end of a first term, would cost an average £40,000 each. The total, £140m, would be funded by the party’s plans to levy VAT on private school fees. It seems to me that refurbishing classrooms to be suitable for babies and our youngest children, needs very careful thought. The classroom selected needs to be easily accessible- lots of buggies going in and out, for example, and there needs to be places for parents to speak privately to staff. Nappy changing and rest/sleep areas can't just be shoved into a corner- so we're not talking about one classroom needing to be adapted, but several areas. Having just had work done on my house, £40,000 doesn't go a very long way! On the other hand, if nursery staff were paid better than in the PVI sector, had better conditions (sick leave, pensions, etc), guaranteed CPD and career progression opportunities, and more chance of working in a high quality maintained nursery, I can see the attraction. But if the already drained PVI sector loses any more staff, it will be disastrous. Where are all these members of staff coming from? What do you think?

Welcome to the forum, Blessing 😃. Thank you for making your first posts. I totally agree- reflection is essential if we are to learn professionally and constantly improve what we offer to children and their families. There are advantages to both reflecting on our own, examining our own thoughts and feelings, and also reflecting with our colleagues about our practice and provision. Sharing ideas and reflections amongst our work colleagues is hugely beneficial- but needs skilled leaders to create and maintain a supportive, inclusive and safe environment for staff to feel comfortable. When it works well, it's a joy 😀

It does seem very strange, doesn't it? And somewhat lazy, if I'm perfectly honest! I would imagine it's because outside agencies, particularly if funding is required, need to know 'how far behind a child is'. My own view is that we should be explaining a child's unique strengths and challenges in words, not ticking age-bands, etc. I agree- with our new workforce currently in training, they need to be working with current best practice and assessing against the old development matters really isn't best practice. 😧 We are aware of many organisations using the free-to-download Cherry Garden framework which offers a flexible approach to assessing a child who may have SEND. The reflection toolkit is also proving very popular- also free. I think things will only change when settings are able to persuade LAs and outside agencies to move with the times!

I don't run my nursery anymore but when I did, we would encourage children to put their hoods up or wear hats, but we wouldn't enforce it. Could you maybe let him choose one when you next go shopping? The crazier the better! He might be more inclined to wear one then, if he's had the choice. 🙂

The bike chain I thought would be good to just stroke and wiggle and generally investigate each link. Padlock- if you get one where you spin the dials to get the correct number for unlocking, that could be a satisfying fiddle, too. 🙂

I'd also email them with a photo of where your qualification is on the document- highlighting the dates. Is there anyone in your LA who could confirm it for you?

Would a bike chain and padlock be any good?

Good luck, Poppy! You're doing everything right- and I wouldn't want the meeting recorded either. 🙂

Inspectors are generally really used to working in these situations, and can often ask questions during quieter moments when you're still with the children but they're more self-occupied. If, during a conversation with the inspector, you feel you are needed by any child, or for any situation, don't hesitate to say 'I'm sorry, I just need to pop over there and....I'll be back as soon as I can'. This shows them that you are alert to what's going on and that your priority is the children, not the inspector!

How did your meeting go? I hope you have found a way to move forward positively. 🙂

Hi mac20, Have you thought about cork flooring? We put some down at home and are really pleased with it- it's like engineered wood flooring but instead of wood, it's cork. Very hard wearing. Feels lovely underfoot, and is a great insulator. We used this white one, but there are loads to choose from. https://www.colourflooring.co.uk/collections/cork-flooring/products/camada-white-corka

Thanks for the references, Georgina- that's a helpful structure for reflective practice and is often the one that students are introduced to when starting out on their reflective journey. I've also found how useful it can be to discuss reflections with colleagues- inviting their thoughts and suggestions within a supportive environment. You can get such insight from others. I used to be a reflective practice tutor at Uni and these group sessions were some of the most enjoyable and thought-provoking. 🙂

It's a tricky one, isn't it? But if your professional opinion is that the child has now settled happily into the setting, then there is no need for his mum to stay longer than the usual drop off that other parents do. I'd start saying things like...'like the parents of all the other children'....'so it's not confusing for the children (including yours!) that you stay, but none of the other parents do' etc etc. I really like your idea of asking her if she trusts you sufficiently- that forces her hand and it will come to a conclusion one way or the other. The fact that the little boy has been with you since April strongly suggests that she is happy with your provision. It might help if you agreed to video her son 20 minutes after she's left, (do you use an online journal?) to reassure her that he is happy and busy learning and playing. Maybe say that you'd like to gradually reduce her time now- half an hour for this week, 15 minutes next. Good luck and let us know how you get on. Remember, you're the expert and you're the one in charge. 🙂

Oh no, I am so sad to hear this news. Panders was a much respected member of our forum community and we valued her greatly. The whole team at the FSF and Tapestry send their condolences- if Panders had a certain charity that she felt a connection with, we'd like to make a donation in her name, if you felt that was appropriate.