Ask anybody who worked in Early Years through the pandemic if they have noticed a difference in the speech and language abilities of the children and you will hear a resounding yes. Amongst the many pieces of research being undertaken since the hight of the pandemic, the one that alarms me the most is concerning the state of children’s speech which, according to a survey by ICAN (now Speech and Language UK) in 2021, has impacted over 1.5 million children of all ages.I think we can agree that the lockdowns had a huge impact on the way children socialised, and this social isolation (if you will) has had a huge…

Many of you who follow me here and on my other social media outlets will know that I have recently lost my Mum to cancer. As I’m sure you’ll understand, this has been devastating, particularly as I live many hundreds of miles away from my parents. However, I didn’t want to focus on the negative aspect of losing my Mum, but rather celebrate her influence in my pedagogy of play. Growing up my mum was my constant companion (I’m an only child) but rather than send me to my room to play, she would co-play with me. She introduced me to play dough and messy play and encouraged my imagination.…

Introduction This is a subject that has, recently, been of great fascination to me having worked in the in the field of early years for almost 27 years. Early childhood education and establishing the groundwork for a young person’s future academic achievement are frequently linked. However, among the storybooks, paints and toys, there is a phrase that occasionally draws criticism: “play.” Let’s pause to consider the enormous significance of early childhood education before we get to the core of our conversation. Young brains are like sponges at this crucial time, soaking up knowledge, skills, and talents that begin to mould the way children grow and develop. So why is it…

Have you seen this brilliant film from the London Early Years Foundation demonstrating the important part that men play in Early Years care and education. Please take time to watch it and share

Join me on December 14th at 7pm for the Men in Early Childhood Education Webinar, where we’ll challenge the notion that ‘play’ is a dirty word in early childhood education. In this presentation, we’ll explore the vital role play serves in a child’s development, debunking misconceptions and shedding light on the profound impact it has on cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Let’s reimagine early education together and embrace the power of play as a cornerstone for building a strong foundation in our children’s lives.

Introduction In the realm of early years care and education, where curricula are meticulously crafted, standards are set, and assessments are designed, there’s a fundamental element that often gets overlooked—the heartbeat of a child. Beyond the forced learning plans, there exists an intrinsic, pulsating rhythm that is the true curriculum of a child’s education. In exploring this metaphorical heartbeat, we uncover a profound connection between the emotional, social, and intellectual aspects of a child’s development. The Emotional Symphony If the heartbeat is the rhythm, then emotions are the melody of a child’s educational journey. Emotional intelligence is an invaluable facet of learning that often takes a backseat to academic achievement.…

Introduction In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s easy for young children to become disconnected from the natural world that surrounds them. Young children are often engrossed in screens, indoor play, and structured activities. But the call to “rewild the child” urges parents, educators, and caregivers to take a step back and consider the profound importance of immersing preschool children in nature. In this article, we will explore the benefits of reconnecting children with the great outdoors and discuss how this connection can positively impact their physical, emotional, and cognitive development. The Disconnection Dilemma Before delving into the benefits of nature immersion, it’s essential to acknowledge the modern challenges that have…

So, being a manager in Early Years is tough, at least that’s how I’m finding it. I’ve been doing this now for almost 9 months and it’s been an interesting learning curve, so many things I didn’t understand that I really need to get done. One of my main issues is ensuring my rota is well balanced, it’s still a work in progress and I’m really guilty of just “plugging the gaps” myself instead of looking at creative solutions. But let’s face it, it’s quicker and easier, right? But it isn’t. What I’m realising, very quickly, is it takes its toll on me mentally and physically and I need to…