Authors

When her school decided it needed to adopt a systematic synthetic phonics scheme, Helen Pinnington was reluctant about the benefits – and as she researched further, she became even less convinced

Sophisticated play is crucial for children’s later development and attainment, but the pandemic has resulted in many deferring to low-level play, warns Helen Pinnington. Here, she sets out how EYFS teachers could help resolve the issue

The new early learning goals may seem at odds with how children learn, but we need to look at the bigger picture, says Helen Pinnington

EYFS leader Helen Pinnington offers her reasons for ditching the rewards system

When your classroom looks like a bomb site and the bell is looming, it’s time to get serious about straightening up

New frameworks can understandably prompt worries about having to change everything, but Helen Pinnington urges caution and calm