Closeted in the home or watched by helicopter parents children lack much of the freedom they had 40 years ago. British children’s play has been transformed in the last 100 years. In the 1960's few children did not spend all their free time outdoors, …

Small Steps: supporting engaged fatherhood

by Chris Randall on September 24, 2012

Chris Randall, an EYP in Brighton, explains how he has worked to develop the relationships between his setting and the children's fathers.

Looking back: How do we give young children a sense of the past?

by Juliet Mickelburgh on May 24, 2011

As adults, we tend to think about time in terms of chronology. Time is linear and ordered. The past stretches into the distance in one direction, the future into the other, and the present sits in the middle. We understand that the past can be recent…

Aspects of Art

by Juliet Mickelburgh on June 8, 2012

Art is a rich and magical area of learning. It can open children’s eyes to the world around them and offer them new and exciting ways of seeing, thinking and doing. But this doesn’t just happen; presenting children with the opportunity to use clay, p…

The Snowman Drama

by Jacquie Long on December 14, 2010

Another in our growing series of drama activities - the snowman drama. Especially for January and February!

Planning!

by Dee Hayday on December 17, 2010

Another humorous article from the darker corners of Dee Hayday's experiences. The usual health warnings apply!

Using "Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs" as a Focus for Activitie…

by Juliet Mickelburgh on January 18, 2011

Another collection of planning ideas using a big book as the starting point. Activities are linked to the EYFS Areas of Learning and Development, including suggestions for displays and role play areas.

Risk Assessment in Early Years settings

by Helen Edwards on January 24, 2011

An overview of the things to be considered when undertaking a risk assessment. Accompanied by two editable forms, one for recording an initial safety inspection and the second a basic form to record the risk assessment

Foundation Stage Units Part 1: developing integrated provision for nur…

by Anne O'Connor on January 24, 2011

An overview of the differing types of FSU from an experienced early years professional and author, giving pros, cons and issues around the subject.

Music, Personal, Social and Emotional Development......and You!

by Alison Harmer on December 16, 2010

Alison Harmer explores musical experiences in the early years in relation to Personal, Social and Emotional Development.

Cheerful or Cheerless Childminding in the Face of EYFS Challenges?

by Martine Horvath on January 21, 2011

Advice on how childminders can embrace the EYFS. Don't worry, be happy!

It's Good to get Global! Global citizenship in the Early Years

by Kate Lea and Oxfam Development Education on January 24, 2011

A well-referenced article, with resources and activity suggestions for introducing young children to the wider world of global citizenship.

Snacks and lunches for early years children

by Amanda Grant on February 27, 2010

A subject regularly raised in the FSF, this article gives advice on healty and tasty eating for young children. Makes your mouth water!

Ofsted Inspection Reports for Childminders (Part 2)

by Helen Edwards on December 15, 2010

A selection of Ofsted inspectors' judgements on the quality and standards of childminders' early years provision and outcomes for children.

Developing Art in the Foundation Stage: The Project!

by Sue Ridgway on May 17, 2010

A personal account of an exhilarating project to develop creative skills by Nottingham City Council.

Using "You Choose" by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt, as a Focus fo…

by Juliet Mickelburgh on December 16, 2010

A new collection of ideas for activities inspired by a children's book. Suggested activities are linked to the Areas of Learning and Development, followed by possible role play areas and displays. There is also a book list with links to other books b…

Motivational Planning

by Sue Ridgway on October 1, 2011

A description of how one setting moved away from topic planning towards a more child-centred approach.

Challenging Mathematics in the Early Years

by Anne D. Cockburn on June 27, 2011

A common perception among the general public is that it is easy to teach young children mathematics. In this article, Professor Anne Cockburn, from the School of Education & Lifelong Learning at the University of East Anglia, discusses some of the p…

Becoming an EYP: key issues raised in research conducted by staff

by Helen MacIntyre and Jen Colwell on December 15, 2010

A commissioned piece of research into the factors which help or hinder early years graduates in successfully undertaking EYPS.

Fundamental British Values- what do they mean in the early years setti…

by Ruksana Mohammed on November 3, 2015

In 2014 the Department for Education published guidance on promoting ‘fundamental British values’ in schools to ensure that young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. These values were first set out by the government in their coun…

Twenty top tips for helping to develop self-discipline for positive be…

by Martine Horvath on April 27, 2016

With increasing numbers of children being diagnosed with special educational needs such as ADHD and autism, managing challenging behaviour in a positive way is a challenge most practitioners face in their settings on a daily basis. As practitioners…

Nancy Stewart's keynote speech for TEC 2 - 'Steering the Changes: Who'…

by Ben Case on December 9, 2019

We were delighted to welcome Nancy Stewart, early years teacher, consultant and trainer, to give one of the Keynote talks at TEC 2. Read Ben's summary of her talk and watch it from the link provided.

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