Keeping up to date with FSF

[FSFRebecca]

As you know we post regular newsletters and updates about our FSF world - not the whole EYFS world ... just us!

Sometimes people miss bits and pieces, so I thought I'd make sure you didn't miss a thing by putting links and pointers here!

If you're reading this now, why don't you click on the 'follow this topic' at the top right of the post then you will get alerts when anything here is updated.

[FSFRebecca]

Here are the last few newsletters and updates in case you missed them - click on the links and it will take you to the right page on the FSF.

• July newsletter
• End of the road for PRAMS
• Updated Tapestry launch
• Ending support for iOS 7
• Baseline assessment in Reception, The EYFSP and Tapestry

[AnonyMouse_19920]

thank you - that will be very useful!

[AnonyMouse_14268]

Thank you Rebecca, that's great.

[AnonyMouse_13453]

Fabulous idea!

[AnonyMouse_9650]

Thank you

[AnonyMouse_19762]

Many thanks :1b

[FSFRebecca]

Here's our big news from this week .... we're very proud of what we do and we're so very smiley, particularly the dog.

 

If you're interested in who's who ...

Reading left to right front row: Tom, Sue, Emily, Finlay (dog), Helen, Lauren, Rebecca H and Rebecca (me!!" ::1a)

Back row Joe, Steve, Vicky, Andy and Matt

FSF advert.pdf

[AnonyMouse_11396]

Ah that's a great photo. I have had the pleasure of meeting some of you at the childcare expo in London in the past. But lovely to see a picture of you all.

[AnonyMouse_13453]

I saw the ad! It's fantastic! I felt so proud for you all.

[FSFRebecca]

... in case you thought we hadn't been busy!

• We've updated the Tapestry protocol to include new advice about setting passwords. You can see it in the resource library
• We have sent out a new FSF newsletter this week
• The buttons for you to use on your website to link people to Tapestry have been updated for our new version of Tapestry. You can access the link buttons from here - there are buttons for original Tapestry as well as for updated Tapestry

[FSFRebecca]

... Bits and pieces that we've done this week:

• In-depth discussion about 30 hours funding including links to other media regarding advice, opinion and support (end of page 2)
• Meeting notes from NDNA regional meeting regarding 30 hours funding
• Vacancy posted for East Sussex (INA needed)
• Vacancy posted for Leicester (Manager/ Deputy needed)

[FSFRebecca]

... busy busy busy at FSF

• a new article about play in early years science - read it here and talk about it here
• a new book review called 'Let's talk behaviour!' - read it here and talk about it here
• We have posted our notes from the Ofsted 'Big Conversation' in London. You can read the notes and join in our conversation on the FSF: Inspections and Inspectors

[FSFRebecca]

So... what's new?

• A new book review at 'The Nursery Year in Action' by Anna Ephgrave
• The 'Effective Primary teaching practice' report by the Teaching schools council
• Save the Children 'Untapped potential' report
• Updated Ofsted Compliance handbook
• New information regarding apprenticeship funding

[FSFRebecca]

Last month was busy ... here's an overview of what went on...

• Updates and improvements to Tapestry - follow our 'Change Log' if you want to know these at the time
• I attended the LED 30 hours meeting in London, our notes and the presentations are included in the thread.
• I represented the FSF at the petitions committee debate about early years and listened both to Caroline Dinenage and Tulip Siddiq
• We launched our Tapestry Pioneers scheme
• Good Morning Britain ran a piece about the safety of children in nurseries. We had a lively forum discussion about it.
• John Blaney (Forest School Pioneer) wrote for us about encouraging 'Street Play' in young children
• Michaela Machan wrote us a 'beginners guide to observing children' article
• Finleysmaid wrote for us about using Tapestry in her setting and about how she encourages parental involvement: Weaving play.

[FSFRebecca]

Here we are, back after Christmas ... here is what we've been up to since we last posted here!

• We have reviewed this leadership and management book: Early Childhood Education Management: Insights into business practice and leadership
• We have published an article by June O'Sullivan MBE: Have I got the power to make a difference?
• We have kept you up to date on important health and safety advice: Grapes pose choking risk - research update
• We have posted details of various funding and business updates from the sector: Early years funding and delivery changes - free PLA download, Early years national funding formula: allocations and guidance
• We have shared news articles, web commentary and twitter gems from our members and friends
• and finally we have celebrated inspections from some of our members ... we are still looking for our February cover star! (is it you?!)

[FSFRebecca]

Just in case you blinked and missed them here are some of the things we have been up to during February!

• We have attended the 'self-regulation masterclass' at The Nursery World Show and have written up our notes so that you don't miss out!
• Kate Cahill, an experienced early years teacher, advisor and inspector has written for us explaining the seminar given recently by Dr Rose Drury at the Nursery World show: Working with multilingual children in the Early Years
• Robert Heath wrote for us about his research, 'The Musical Lives of Infants', which tells us how exposure to music helps babies develop their auditory skills.
• Member WChurchill has been leading us through a thread explaining her reflections and actions as an Early Years specialist. In her thread she encourages us to do the same! Reflect on your practice
• We have shared insightful articles and reports from around the sector: observing staff, intergenerational care, how to get parents involved in children's learning
• We have kept you informed about Ofsted and DfE updates: Registering school-based childcare provision, DfE offers childminder start-up grants for 30 hours
• We have made sure that you don't miss any important news from the sector: Deloitte data, Quality in Early Years Settings and Children’s School Achievement
• We have reviewed books to help you reflect on your practice and improve your provision: Superhero and Popular Culture play
• We have highlighted relevant consultations which you should take part in: NICE: Consultation open. Child abuse and neglect
• And then ... if all this isn't enough we sent you all a newsletter containing lots more important information and links to interesting forum discussions! February newsletter

[AnonyMouse_19762]

Wow you have been busy! :1b

[FSFRebecca]

Wow you have been busy! :1b

Certainly have!!

[FSFRebecca]

Here is our regular monthly update of things that might have passed you by ... a little light Easter reading!

 

We have published articles:

• Anna Ephgrave has written for us about planning next steps when using the 'in the moment planning' approach. Planning next steps in the moment. You can talk about the article on this forum thread.
• I have written an article to help you clarify your thoughts on assessing observations. There are two versions of the article, one for those who are using Tapestry and one for those who are not. Observing and Assessing with Tapestry. Observing and Assessing without Tapestry. You can talk about the articles here.
• We have reviewed the SSTEW observation system and have asked nursery manager Vicki to try it out in her setting and report back to us. You can read what she thought here: SSTEW Scale (Sustained Shared Thinking and Emotional Well-being) - in practice

We have kept you up to date with important developments and news from the sector:

• We had breaking news announcing that the GCSE requirement for L3 had been scrapped, we told you all about the new Statutory Framework when it was published and we shared the Pre-school Learning Alliance report into 30 hours funding.
• We kept you informed about new research that had been published: 'Teachers must ditch 'neuromyth' of learning styles' and we also told about Ofsted’s new specialist adviser for early years who had been talking about disadvantaged children.
• We met with Ofsted to discuss committee run provisions and ended up talk about their new mythbusting project as well, you can see what they said about the issues that committees face here and you can add to their mythbusting project here
• And we kept you informed about important news items that help us keep children safe. Car seats and the disturbing YouTube videos that are tricking children

[FSFRebecca]

We've been very busy since our last update! Here are some of the things you might have missed....

 

We have published the following article:

• Ofsted Complaints Procedure - this article talks through the process following the receipt of a complaint about an inspection. You can talk about the article here and share your experiences with other members.

and have reviewed the following book:

• Little Meerkat's BIG PANIC - This lovely book helps you understand the ways in which the different parts of the brain work together to contribute to emotional well-being. You can comment on this thread.

We have, of course, also kept you up to date with research findings, government publications and early years commentary from across the sector. You can look back at these by following the links:

• Early years sustainability documents: this series of documents is to help owners and managers plan the finances for their setting using case studies and examples to help them.
• Can pre-school children learn to do science?: this fascinating thread compares a recent forum article about using play in science and an opinion piece from the Guardian which suggests that very young children are not doing 'proper' science.
• Ofsted logos for 'Good' providers: In April, Ofsted reissued the logos that providers can use following their inspection. You can access the logos and the 'rules' for their use from the thread.
• Background noise may hinder toddlers' ability to learn words: This research piece from 'neuroscience news' raises some interesting questions for providers - especially in terms of what music you use in your setting and how often it is played.

and finally ... this month we received the most lovely feedback from one of our members - it's feedback like this that really makes our job worthwhile and it goes to show that what we do by keeping you up to date really does make a difference to your practice and provision!

"This morning I have had a visit from a local authority advisor to have our regular 'catch up' meeting. We have a new advisor this year, which is always a bit of a challenge, however, I am very proud of my provision and very confident and able to speak passionately to anyone who is mad enough to listen!!!

So, to get to my point - she was so impressed with how 'up to date' I am with 'everything' and wanted to know how I 'know so much' - e.g. she wanted to introduce me to SSTEW, I was able to say "oh yes we use that here, i have the booklet, would you like me to show you how we use it", she talked about new STAT Framework - I was able to pull out my downloaded copy.

What I am trying to say is THANK YOU, THANK YOU and THANK YOU - the only reason that I am 'up to date' is because of you guys and the fantastic forum members. I made absolutely clear to her that the forum is where I get all my info from and what a wonderful 'tool' this is."

[FSFRebecca]

Since our last post we have sent out the June newsletter, did you see it? If you missed it, it is here: June Newsletter. In the newsletter you will find lots of links to recent articles, book reviews and active threads. We have been particularly pleased with the interest in our 'courses and events' page. All the courses advertised meet our strict criteria - Local authorities that we are working with or courses that cost less that £50 that are not part of an individual's consultancy or training company.

The general election has meant that the DfE has been quiet with few updates and announcements. However, with the unexpected election result and the new cabinet being shuffled (as we write) we are anticipating a flurry of news and intitiatives, so watch this space!

I am still looking for a recently inspected setting to take advantage of our front page slot ... could it be you?! If you would like to let us all about your inspection experience get in touch rebecca@eyfs.info. You can see on this thread the kind of information that has been shared with us previously.

[FSFRebecca]

Suddenly it's July and this thread has almost completed it's first academic year!

Since we last updated here the FSF has been hugely busy. Here are some headlines from the last month that might have slipped under your radar in the end of term excitement...

• We were delighted to announce in June our involvement in the new early years APPG (All Party Parliamentary Group), this is really big news and you can read all about it here
• We are also extremely excited about launching our new Tapestry assessment and monitoring system for KS1 and KS2, you can have a look at it here. Like EY Tapestry, trials are free!
• We have also launched Tapestry for Montessori settings. This has full links to the EY framework and full explanations to help you and your colleagues deliver a Montessori curriculum effectively and efficiently. If you are interested in trying out Tapestry for Montessori settings then you can request a trial here
• We have made sure that you have access to lots of new courses and events - many are free, they are all over the country
• We have kept you up to date with newly published research
• We have published a book review of Tools of the Mind and also of We’re OK with risky play!
• Following the General Election we have kept you informed regarding the new Education Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet
• We have posted updated guidance from the DfE: Guidance on exemptions for individual children
• All this as well as making sure that FSF threads get answered and members' questions get responses from Ofsted

If you're breaking up soon, happy summer hols!

[AnonyMouse_19762]

Thanks for all your hard work Rebecca - much appreciated :1b

[FSFRebecca]

Thanks for all your hard work Rebecca - much appreciated :1b

You're welcome ::1a

[AnonyMouse_22029]

Thank you Rebecca for the round up and all hard work you put in.

 

Hope you have a good summer too.

[FSFRebecca]

I know that some of our members are enjoying a well-earned holiday at the moment, even then I know they will working their way steadily through a lengthy 'To Do' list. Perhaps there was something posted on the forum over the last few months that you missed? Maybe there was something you meant to go back to, but never quite found the time ... is it the time now? We've been very busy since our last update, here are some of the things that might have passed you by!

• There have been some updates from the DfE relating to the upcoming roll out of the 30 hours scheme: Updated operational guidance and Childcare service compensation
• We have also introduced you to the new minister with responsibility for early years, Robert Goodwill MP
• We have published two articles in the last few weeks. One was written by Clare Warden and considers how to encourage all staff to participate fully in any new initiatives by recognising the difficult skills and attributes staff have to offer. Claire's article is called 'A Paradox of Pedagogy'. Our second article was written in-house (by me) and is the first in a series discussing how the concept of 'Next Steps' planning is used to move children along in their learning and development, you can find it here: 'Next Steps ... choose wisely'
• We continue to work with many local authorities to advertise affordable courses for all our members. You can see the courses currently available on our courses and events page.
• We also keep you abreast of news items that might be of interest: ABC talks child-led learning, Ofsted chief inspector writes about safety culture , and 'Do you stereotype children?'

We are ready for September and all the news stories and reports that will bring. You can rely on us to ensure you don't miss out!

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

[FSFRebecca]

Hello everyone and welcome to a somewhat drizzly mid-September!

I hope you are all back and settling in with your new children - the journey to the first half-term is always tricky. The children are always exhausted and the teachers are tearing their hair out that 'these are the worst ones ever!' - I promise you they are not and after 1/2 term and a bit of a rest and 'regroup' all will be well ::1a

In case you have been away from the forum and busily settling your new children, here are few things that might have slipped by you!

• As it's September, we have been giving advice, along with other experienced FSF members, to new Managers New Manager?
• We have been providing support for our weaving friends Tapestry support
• We remain vigilant in keeping you up to date with newly announced consultations, Functional Skills and feeding back Government responses, Primary assessment consultation
• We haven't let you forget about national charity fundraising days, Beep Beep!
• We have reported back on our involvement with the new early years and childcare APPG and we have asked you questions that MPs have raised, 'Are you taking in ironing?'
• And as always we have been signposting you to interesting research stories in the news, child poverty action group

Heads down towards half-term now!

[FSFRebecca]

So back to work after half-term for many of you... I hope that if you had half-term you were able to relax and rejuvenate! If you were not lucky enough to have a break then I hope you have  pencilled in some time to relax before the craziness of this 2nd half of term really gets going! 

In this latest update we are pointing you towards some of the key things that have happened in the last few weeks:

• The biggest and most exciting thing for us has been the launch of our new website last week. We are delighted with how it looks and we are busily continuing with updates and improvements to make your FSF experience even better  If you have any questions or queries please let us know!
• We have been seeking your views regarding the current state of finances in early years settings as we are meeting with ministers on November 1st as part of our involvement with the APPG early years care and education. We'd be delighted to hear from you: Business rates and 30 hours survey and request for information
• We continue to keep the courses and events page updated - if you are looking for CPD for yourself or your team you should take a look here - we have got courses from all over the country and if they are not provided by an LA then they must meet our strict criteria 'under £50 and from a reputable company (that we have heard of!)'
• We have kept you up to date with news from Ofsted and their involvement with other early years organisations
• We have kept you posted about the latest research affecting early years children: Getting ready for writing, Language as a child wellbeing indicator, Closing Gaps early, and Mothers Consistently Alter Their Unique Vocal Fingerprints When Communicating with Infants
• We have taken our new SEND Tapestry package to the Tes SEN show in London and met lots of happy forum members, if you missed us, you can see our SEND framework here 
• We have written and published the second article in our 'Next Steps' series
• We have read and reviewed several books this month: Messy Maths, Cyril Squirrel finds out about love and Let's Build! 50 exciting ideas for construction play
• We have kept you up to date with policy and procedure guidance: Updated guidance re: DBS checks
• and finally, we have alerted you to new consultations which need a response: Working Together to Safeguard Children: changes to statutory guidance

Phew, see you again soon

,

 

[FSFRebecca]

So, Happy New Year! Hopefully you are all fired up and raring to go ... since our last update here we have been very busy at FSF HQ

• We have published two new articles. One was written by leading 'men in childcare' expert David Wright 'Men in childcare, an ongoing debate'. The other, published just before Christmas, was by written by early years consultant Alistair Bryce Clegg 'Behind the Gingham Curtain'.
• We have alerted you to sector consultations that require responses: 'Consultation on L2 qualifications launched' and 'Government launches consultation on plans to modernise sex education, which includes mandatory relationships education for four-year-olds'
• We have ensured that you are informed about any new or updated guidance. Over the last few weeks we have highlighted the following for you: 'What do you serve for snack and lunch', 
• We have reported newly published material from Ofsted 'Bold Beginnings: Ofsted report on Reception classes' and have ensured that comments from across the sector have been included in our discussion thread. We have attended meetings with Ofsted and have reported on the speeches they have made: 'Ofsted's Chief Inspector at the NW business summit' and 'HMCI Amanda Spielman speech'
• We have helped our members understand the implications of different policy changes and we have helped with clarifications regarding staff qualifications: 'Funding increases, decreases and freezes explained' and 'Early years qualification confusion'
• We have also highlighted interesting research pieces from across the sector: 'Pretending to be Batman helps kids stay on task' and 'The Secret Life of 4, 5 and 6 year olds - did you watch?'

and finally

• We have begun a series of 12 forum pieces which will help you prepare efficiently for the new GDPR legislation that comes into effect in May this year. You can access the first 3 of this series from here.