Early Years

Monday

4th Nov 2024

EYFS: the great play-based learning debate
The function of play in early years is always contentious, writes Julian Grenier, so it’s worth exploring the evidence carefully
EYFS: the great play-based learning debate

Thursday

17th Oct 2024

EYFS: could school-based nurseries work?
The government’s plan to open thousands of new nursery classes in spare space in schools is ambitious but full of promise, writes Helen Pinnington
Nursery class

Thursday

10th Oct 2024

EYFS: what’s the right way to raise issues with parents?
As we reach the stage of the year where issues start to appear, Julian Grenier gives his tips on ensuring tricky early years talks with parents are handled sensitively
Small girl with wings

Sunday

15th Sep 2024

Stigma, safeguarding and social change: toilet training in early years
Staff report increasing numbers of children starting school without being toilet trained – but the issue is complex and requires careful consideration, writes Julian Grenier
Learner plate potty training

Sunday

11th Aug 2024

Problem-solving in early maths: 3 simple teaching tips
Teaching strategies for problem-solving is one of five approaches recommended by the Education Endowment Foundation to support young children’s maths development – and here’s how to do it
Problem-solving in early maths: 3 simple teaching tips

Monday

22nd Jul 2024

Why post-Covid education needs play
Making time for play in schools is more important than ever, Paul Ramchandani, the world’s first professor of play, tells Zofia Niemtus
Paul Ramchandani

Tuesday

4th Jun 2024

EYFS: How ditching our maths scheme is transforming teaching
Prescriptive schemes may make teaching seem simpler, says Helen Pinnington, but they can disconnect staff from vital skills
Numbered cans bean bag

Thursday

25th Apr 2024

How to ensure children are emotionally ready for school
The focus on educational school readiness is understandable, but we in the early years shouldn’t neglect our responsibility around emotional development, writes Gemma Kirby
Girl with teddy

Tuesday

16th Apr 2024

EYFS: How unusual objects can nurture curiosity and creativity
Young children rarely have the opportunity to get bored any more, says Helen Pinnington, but we can create moments of curiosity to spark their imaginations
EYFS: How unusual objects can nurture curiosity and creativity

Tuesday

9th Apr 2024

Early years: 5 simple ways to play with nursery rhymes
Nursery rhymes help to develop linguistic skills, introduce storytelling and, most of all, they’re fun – so let’s make sure we keep the tradition alive, says Michelle Windridge
EYFS: How early years teachers can make best use of nursery rhymes

Tuesday

26th Mar 2024

Reception baseline: wrong time, wrong data, wrong idea?
Three years after the introduction of the DfE’s controversial test for four-year-olds, John Morgan finds out what, if anything, the Reception Baseline Assessment has taught us about assessing early progress
Baseline assessment

Sunday

10th Mar 2024

How our ‘family zone’ is making more children school-ready
When one headteacher noticed fewer children arriving in Reception with basic skills, she knew the school needed to take action
Family zone