Feature Articles

Rachel Dearnley, Early Years Consultant and Trainer examines how this internationally respected, aspirational approach puts the child at the heart of the curriculum and takes account of their wellbeing, learning, tolerance and respect for cultural values.

What can schools and early years providers do to keep their pupils and children safe? Martin Hodgson provides comprehensive coverage of all the appropriate guidance on Covid-19.

Rudolf Steiner’s revolutionary ideas led to a philosophy that makes links between science and spirituality. The principles of his approach live on through Steiner Schools throughout the world. Rachel Dearnley, Early Years Consultant and Trainer, explores how his approach can be seen within the Early Years Foundation Stage.

The risks from Covid-19 are still very much present in the workplace and it is important to remember that employers have a duty of care towards their employees to protect the health and safety of their workforce. This information is being continually checked and updated.

Throughout the pandemic the Government introduced various rules and regulations for the public to follow to keep them as safe as possible from the impacts of Covid-19. Such measures included the requirement to self-isolate if displaying symptoms of Covid, returned a positive Covid test or identified as a close contact of a positive case, as well as the provision of free testing and vaccines, and support payments to individuals and businesses.

It is “everybody’s business” to promote good communication, speech and language skills in children, as it is to safeguard children. Rebecca Fisk investigates how early years providers fit into a speech, language and communication pathway.

Rachel Dearnley, early years consultant and trainer, looks at how some of the curricula and philosophies in early years are visible in the EYFS, and where we can turn to for inspiration in our practice.

Babies are born completely egocentric but over time develop the ability to see situations from others’ viewpoints. Liz Hodgman, Childcare Consultant, looks at how children’s egocentrism declines as their empathy and social skills develop and how childcare practitioners can support this process.

On 9 February 2022, Boris Johnson announced that he expects to end all Covid restrictions in England by the end of February. The current regulations, including the legal requirement for Covid cases to self-isolate for at least five full days and for SSP to be paid from day one for Covid-related absences, are in place until 24 March 2022.

Research shows that parents and carers are the most significant influence on their child’s development and that the quality of the home learning environment has a stronger effect on children’s intellectual and social outcomes than any other factor. It is therefore essential that early years providers form strong relationships with parents and support families in their understanding of their children’s learning needs.