NEWS

Currently in the UK 1.9 million children are struggling with talking and understanding words. Early identification and intervention is the key to closing the gap. Early Years Practitioners play a vital role in supporting children with speech, language and communication needs, however many practitioners report that they don't feel confident in being able to identify and support children.

As a response to our needs analysis, we delivered a very timely webinar, two days after the DfE guidance update, on “Supporting your families with toilet training." The DfE guidance is full of useful milestones and tips, with this one being particularly pertinent if we are to address the challenge of children starting reception in nappies. “Starting toilet training after 2 and a half to 3 years can make it harder for some children to learn this new skill.” To sit alongside our webinar, we developed a handout for practitioners, as requested by them.

Building cultural capital helps children develop the knowledge, experiences, confidence and communication skills that will prepare them for their future success. It is seen as a way to help children achieve goals, become successful in society, and rise up the social ladder (social mobility). The bottom line is, it is about giving children the best possible start to their early education.

As the Executive Headteacher of two outstanding nursery schools, who have employed apprentices for many years, Sian Hudson talks about the value they bring, developing the next generation of skilled early years educators.

Julia Manning-Morton is an independent consultant, author, lecturer and trainer in early years care and education, whose writing and teaching is focused on enabling and enthusing early years educators to develop practice and provision that supports the wellbeing of children from birth to three years old.

Rebecca Oberg discusses how crucial the leaders role is in staff wellbeing.

On October 12th, Bradford Birth to 19's Stronger Practice Hub hosted a conference for early years workers focused on oracy and literacy. The conference also saw the launch of Friends of 50 Things, a new and exciting opportunity for partners and settings!

Kathryn Solly, a former early childhood teacher discusses leadership outside.

World Mental Health Day is on Thursday, the 10th of October. It is a day for you to speak with others and raise awareness for mental health issues. This year's theme is mental health in the workplace and we are sharing ways to open up about mental health at work.

Debi Keyte-Hartland: Associate Consultant with Early Education: This article is an adaptation from “Intelligent materials: agency and aesthetics” first published in Early Education Journal No 89 Winter 2019

Debi Keyte-Hartland: Associate Consultant with Early Education discusses how nature is a great tool in children's development.

Leslie Patterson talks about early years supermodels.

Kerry Murphy gives us an insight into play and neurodiversity.

Jacqui Lewis talks the attitudes to maths and the impact upon your teaching and children’s learning.

February news from St Edmund's Early Years Stronger Practice Hub.