Feature Articles

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.

As we approach the holiday season many employers will be organising a Christmas party, or it might be organised by the staff themselves. Whoever is responsible, it is still a “work” event and needs to be subject to a few ground rules, as Val Moore explains.

School readiness remains high on the political agenda amid reports of increasing numbers of children starting reception in nappies and lacking basic speech and language skills. But what does school readiness really mean and how can early years providers help to prepare children as they approach school age? Elizabeth Walker explains.

Peer observations have been used within educational establishments for a considerable length of time, but are still a fairly new concept for early years provisions, as Liz Hodgman explains.

Why is it so important that practitioners know how babies’ brains develop? Liz Hodgman explains.

To understand the difference between information and communication, and use each in its rightful place, can only improve exchanges within the provision, writes Val Moore.

Liz Hodgman reports on the government funding targeted at vulnerable children and families living in poverty or on low incomes.

E-safety should be embedded across all areas of the organisation and link to existing policies concerning behaviour, safeguarding, anti-bullying, and health and safety, says Elizabeth Walker reports.