Feature Articles

The prevalence of allergies in the UK has grown dramatically over the last 25 years, with research showing that up to 50% of children now have at least one diagnosed allergy. This has significant implications for early years providers and the care that they provide to young children. With new food allergen regulations also affecting nurseries and childminders, it is vital that childcare providers are able to deal with the responsibilities that childhood allergies pose. Elizabeth Walker looks at the issues involved.

Busy, not enough hours in the day and under pressure — and yet we will often say “yes” when we should, and need, to say “no”. Val Moore looks at the pitfalls of agreeing to things we should refuse, and offers some strategies for learning how to respectfully say “no” to others.

Leave issues are a problem — or can be if not properly handled. This is evidenced when people inconveniently want the same dates and argue length of service or family need to get their way, or ask to take their leave entitlement at times that are highly inconvenient to the employer. But when it comes to extended leave, the manager has to make a number of both objective and subjective judgments, any of which may cause outrage and bad feelings says Bob Patchett.

Recruiting staff is something that every provider needs to do from time to time. It is often time-consuming and expensive, and it is therefore essential to find the right person for the vacancy. Val Moore outlines how to be sure your provision attracts the best candidates when advertising a vacancy.

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) may at first appear to be a simple solution to security issues, but employers are required to navigate a number of legal requirements when installing these systems. Val Moore takes a close look at the obligations and implications surrounding CCTV use.

Elizabeth Walker explains how play is a child’s natural way of communicating their experiences and why this form of therapy is particularly effective in the early years, when a child’s language is still developing.

In a recent article, “Business Status”, Val Moore considered the various ways in which it is possible to run a business in the UK and concluded that formal agreements are recommended. Val Moore returns to the subject of formal agreements, this time looking at the contents of three types of agreements: for partners; directors and shareholders. The subject is complex and each business will have its own requirements, so taking professional advice is essential; but the questions and explanations set out below may help the process.

There are various types of businesses that can trade within the UK, though Scottish rules are slightly different. Val Moore takes a look at the different options.

Is it better to start your own childcare business from scratch as a new business or buy an existing one? Val Moore discusses the question.

Fathers today spend much more time with their young children than they did 30 years ago, and yet it can be a real challenge to involve fathers and other male carers in early years provisions and services. Elizabeth Walker looks at some methods of involving them.