Helen

I don't run my nursery anymore but when I did, we would encourage children to put their hoods up or wear hats, but we wouldn't enforce it. Could you maybe let him choose one when you next go shopping? The crazier the better! He might be more inclined to wear one then, if he's had the choice. 🙂

The bike chain I thought would be good to just stroke and wiggle and generally investigate each link. Padlock- if you get one where you spin the dials to get the correct number for unlocking, that could be a satisfying fiddle, too. 🙂

I'd also email them with a photo of where your qualification is on the document- highlighting the dates. Is there anyone in your LA who could confirm it for you?

Would a bike chain and padlock be any good?

Good luck, Poppy! You're doing everything right- and I wouldn't want the meeting recorded either. 🙂

Inspectors are generally really used to working in these situations, and can often ask questions during quieter moments when you're still with the children but they're more self-occupied. If, during a conversation with the inspector, you feel you are needed by any child, or for any situation, don't hesitate to say 'I'm sorry, I just need to pop over there and....I'll be back as soon as I can'. This shows them that you are alert to what's going on and that your priority is the children, not the inspector!

How did your meeting go? I hope you have found a way to move forward positively. 🙂

Hi mac20, Have you thought about cork flooring? We put some down at home and are really pleased with it- it's like engineered wood flooring but instead of wood, it's cork. Very hard wearing. Feels lovely underfoot, and is a great insulator. We used this white one, but there are loads to choose from. https://www.colourflooring.co.uk/collections/cork-flooring/products/camada-white-corka

Thanks for the references, Georgina- that's a helpful structure for reflective practice and is often the one that students are introduced to when starting out on their reflective journey. I've also found how useful it can be to discuss reflections with colleagues- inviting their thoughts and suggestions within a supportive environment. You can get such insight from others. I used to be a reflective practice tutor at Uni and these group sessions were some of the most enjoyable and thought-provoking. 🙂

It's a tricky one, isn't it? But if your professional opinion is that the child has now settled happily into the setting, then there is no need for his mum to stay longer than the usual drop off that other parents do. I'd start saying things like...'like the parents of all the other children'....'so it's not confusing for the children (including yours!) that you stay, but none of the other parents do' etc etc. I really like your idea of asking her if she trusts you sufficiently- that forces her hand and it will come to a conclusion one way or the other. The fact that the little boy has been with you since April strongly suggests that she is happy with your provision. It might help if you agreed to video her son 20 minutes after she's left, (do you use an online journal?) to reassure her that he is happy and busy learning and playing. Maybe say that you'd like to gradually reduce her time now- half an hour for this week, 15 minutes next. Good luck and let us know how you get on. Remember, you're the expert and you're the one in charge. 🙂

Oh no, I am so sad to hear this news. Panders was a much respected member of our forum community and we valued her greatly. The whole team at the FSF and Tapestry send their condolences- if Panders had a certain charity that she felt a connection with, we'd like to make a donation in her name, if you felt that was appropriate.

I agree- and we've very much valued your contributions here. 🙂 Being a leader/manager can be exhausting and lonely when you feel you're on your own- the exact reason we set up the FSF. I'm not sure whether facebook, twitter, instagram is useful in supporting current leaders; I've never felt they have the same ethos, or collective view of the importance of positive, kind support, as a professional discussion forum. It all gets a bit shouty and opinionated for me! 😬

When I ran my nursery, I was lucky enough to be in a network of other EYPs/managers/leaders and we decided to buddy up and swap members of staff occasionally. So, for example, one day, my deputy swapped with another deputy for the day. It was a really good way to pick up some ideas and refresh each other's practice. You might not want to do this with a setting that is your immediate competitor, though!

Hello Vandna, Welcome to the FSF! 😀 I think reflective practice can be something you build into your everyday work- I'm not working with children anymore, but when I was working in a nursery, I was consciously observing and reflecting on my interactions with the children, on the activities available and how the children were using them, on the environment and whether certain areas were getting a bit tired and needed tweaking (or a compete overhaul!). Those times for reflection were pretty quick, but often led to discussions with my colleagues later, and a decision to change things- bring in new materials/resources, change the order of events in the nursery session, etc. One thing I do remember clearly was when we had snack time followed by a Big Book story time as a whole group (18 children). It never worked! The children were raring to be active after their snack and it was difficult to get them to sit and listen to a story. After reflecting about this, and realising that we were not meeting their needs, we changed story time to before snack time, and added a lively music and movement session, with ribbons, hoops, scarves, etc for after snack. It worked a treat. 😃

I could write a thesis! To summarise, a sector that is seen for the real value it gives to children - during their early childhood and way beyond. We all know that if children have the best start, their future is happier, healthier and more economically stable (I'm preaching to the converted here, I know). We need early years to be separate from politics, I think. We can't have successive governments changing everything every few years-I don't mean curriculums, assessment etc- they will always be changing- I mean the structure and funding of the sector. It needs to have long term aims and policies that are cross party, where settings get sufficient money to pay qualified and experienced staff a good salary so that they stay, continually develop their professionals skills, and get real career satisfaction. School teachers have a defined pay scale and I think early years teachers and practitioners should have the same.