Warwickshire County Council Early Years

Creating broomsticks for a mud kitchen in early years settings can be a fun and engaging activity. Here’s a simple guide to help you make them:

Materials Needed
Sticks or branches: Look for sturdy sticks that are about 1-2 feet long.
Natural materials for bristles: You can use straw, long grass, or small twigs.
String: To tie the bristles to the stick.
Scissors: For cutting the string and trimming the bristles.

Steps to Make Mud Kitchen Broomsticks
Collect Materials: Go on a nature walk with the children to collect sticks and natural materials for the bristles. This can be a great way to engage them in the process from the start.

Prepare the Sticks: Ensure the sticks are clean and free from any sharp edges. You might need to trim them to the desired length.

Gather the Bristles: Collect enough straw, grass, or twigs to form the bristles of the broom. They should be roughly the same length.

Attach the Bristles:
Bundle the bristles together and place them at one end of the stick.
Use the string or twine to tightly wrap around the base of the bristles and the stick. Wrap it several times to ensure it is secure.
Tie a knot to keep the string in place. You can trim any excess string or bristles to make it neat.
Decorate (Optional): If you want, you can let the children decorate the broomsticks with natural materials like leaves or flowers.

Benefits of This Activity
Fine Motor Skills: Tying the string and handling the materials help develop fine motor skills.

Creativity: Children can use their imagination to create and decorate their broomsticks.

Connection to Nature: This activity fosters a connection to the natural world and encourages outdoor exploration.

Teamwork: Working together to collect materials and make the broomsticks can promote teamwork and social skills

Thankyou@Castle Kindergarten - Hylton Castle for sharing your amazing work.

COMING SOON

Designated Safeguarding Lead Network Meetings

Please see your emails for reoccurring joining link.

For childminders and nursery practitioners, having a deep understanding of child development can help you provide the best support to all children in your setting.

The Department for Education has worked with early years experts to create a free, flexible online training course that can help build on your child development knowledge.

Enrol on the training course now: child-development-training.education.gov.uk/

Did you know that Module 8: Supporting individual differences and needs has now been launched.

Setting up an inviting activity for early years children can be a fun and rewarding experience! Here are some steps and tips to help you create an engaging and stimulating environment:

1. Understand Their Interests
Observe the children to see what they are currently interested in. This could be anything from dinosaurs to building blocks. Tailoring activities to their interests will make them more engaging.

2. Choose a Theme
Select a theme that aligns with their interests. For example, if they love animals, you could set up a mini zoo with toy animals, books, and pictures.

3. Gather Materials
Collect a variety of materials that are safe and suitable for their age.

These can include:
Natural materials: Leaves, stones, sand, water.
Craft supplies: Paper, crayons, glue, scissors.
Toys and props: Blocks, dolls, cars, kitchen sets.

4. Create a Play Space
Set up a dedicated area where the activity will take place. Ensure it is safe, accessible, and inviting. Use rugs, cushions, and low tables to create a comfortable environment.

5. Set Up the Activity
Arrange the materials in an inviting way. For example, if you are setting up a painting station, lay out the paints, brushes, and paper neatly. Make sure everything is within easy reach for the children.

6. Encourage Exploration
Allow the children to explore the materials and play freely. Avoid giving too many instructions; let their creativity and curiosity guide them.

7. Be Present
Stay nearby to offer support and encouragement. Ask open-ended questions to stimulate their thinking, such as “What are you making?” or “How does this feel?”

8. Rotate Activities
Change the activities regularly to keep things fresh and exciting. You can rotate toys and materials to maintain their interest.

Thankyou@Castle Kindergarten - Hylton Castle for sharing you inspiring photographs.

Help for early years providers : SEND assessment guidance and resources Dingley’s Promise is the largest specialist provider of nursery education to children under 5 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in England. They are also a leading training provider in early years inclusive practice, committed to creating a more inclusive early years sector wh...

Using Daily Routines for Language Learning Making time to chat to your baby throughout your daily routine is important for your baby to develop their language and communication skills. Dr Guddi Singh offers some tips and different ideas of how you can make language learning fun for your baby.

When were your gas appliances last checked?
Have your gas appliances been checked in the last year? And was it by a Gas Safe registered and qualified engineer? This Gas Safety Week is all about checking - because every check counts. So, please get your gas appliances checked annually and encourage your family and friends to do the same.

For more information see the link:

Our top tips to stay Gas Safe all year round - Gas Safety Week Our ten top tips for checking your home is Gas Safe including how to check a Gas Safe Engineer, Carbon Monoxide Alarms and how to identify CO poisoning.

Did you know nappy sacks can kill small babies?
Babies naturally grasp things and pull them to their mouths, but then find it difficult to let go. Flimsy nappy sacks can easily cling to a baby’s face as they breathe in and cause suffocation or choking. Please keep them out of reach.

For more information see link:

Nappy sacks: Danger on the changing mat Most of us have heard about keeping carrier bags away from babies and little children because of the risk of suffocation. But what about nappy sacks?Nappy sacks are essential kit for many parents of babies and young

Staying safe on the school run
At school drop-off and pick-up times, roads can be especially busy. This makes crossing more difficult. And it can be really distracting for children who may forget their road safety rules, especially if they spot a friend across the road. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to help keep them safe.

For more information see link:

Road Safety For Children | Child Accident Prevention Trust Find out how to keep children safe on our roads with our hub of road safety advice and resources to share. Road safety fact sheet It can be hard knowing how best to teach your child to stay safe around roads. Our safe around roads fact sheet helps you to break it down

Frozen objects are a big hit with Early Years children! Why not freeze some numbers and counting cubes and challenge the children to figure out which frozen blocks does not contain the right amount of cubes to match the number.

Maths isn’t just about counting and numbers; the ice introduces another layer of learning. Children can observed how water, a liquid, turned into a solid when frozen. You can discussed the factors involved in freeing the numbers, and how the ice feels—smooth, cold, and sharp once broken. You could also considered whether the weather affected how quickly the ice melted, and if it was easier to break apart when left for a little while? You could even time how long it takes for the ice to fully melt.

Overall, this is a fantastic STEAM activity!

Thankyou@TinyTots Childminding for sharing your fantastic activity.

Family Information Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/warwickshire/family-information-service-newsletter-1219204-96fqcdqqps-1228508?e=9fee6585cc

Dates for your Diary
** NEW DATE**

DSL Network Meeting
Wednesday 18th September 9.30am- 10.30am- virtual via Teams
Thursday 19th September 6.30pm- 7.30pm - virtual via Teams

Autumn Term Managers meeting: Virtual
15th October 2024
6.30pm to 8.00pm
Book here: https://www.warwickshireearlyyears.co.uk/service-page/autumn-ey-managers-meetings?referral=service_list_widget

Autumn Term Managers Meeting : face to face
20th November 2024
1.00pm- 2.30pm
Venue in the South- to be confirmed
Book here: https://www.warwickshireearlyyears.co.uk/service-page/autumn-ey-managers-networking-meeting?referral=service_list_widget

Autumn Term Childminder Network Meeting: Virtual
22nd October 2024
6.30pm - 8.30pm
Book here: https://www.warwickshireearlyyears.co.uk/service-page/autumn-childminder-workshops?referral=service_list_widget

Early Years Business Spotlight sessions- Autumn Term
18th September 2024 18:30-19:30
Book here: 0f94c6b3-c0fc-49c8-a9bb-39e40ae56afd@88b0aa06-5927-4bbb-a893-89cc2713ac82" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/0f94c6b3-c0fc-49c8-a9bb-39e40ae56afd@88b0aa06-5927-4bbb-a893-89cc2713ac82

15th October 2024 11:00-12:00
Book here: f5397f0d-9e7f-4171-b8cf-9df4cc726620@88b0aa06-5927-4bbb-a893-89cc2713ac82" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/f5397f0d-9e7f-4171-b8cf-9df4cc726620@88b0aa06-5927-4bbb-a893-89cc2713ac82

A new addition to the popular Froebel Trust pamphlet collection.

Each title in the series is free to download and share.

This latest pamphlet looks at how educators can use a Froebelian approach to support children with additional needs, including:
The central importance of play
Inclusive, open-ended resources
The role of observations and much more...........
https://www.froebel.org.uk/uploads/documents/FT-Supporting-children-with-additional-needs_pamphlet.pdf

Updated 9th September 2024
Early Years Inspection handbook:

Early years inspection handbook Ofsted guidance on inspecting registered early years and childcare providers under the education inspection framework.

National Swap Ideas Day - celebrated annually on 10th September.

The day encourages us to share a creative or helpful idea with someone and trade them for their thoughts in return.

Swapping ideas these days can take many forms from sharing one to one, in groups, over the internet or through chats. Anyone is able to take part no matter how near or far they are.

So whether you have a skill or hobby that you are able to share with others, want to brainstorm new ideas for work or have always wanted to knowhow to do something yourself, this day is for you.

How will you celebrate?

Today, we're focusing on the 4 Cs of food safety – Cooking, Cross-Contamination, Chilling, and Cleaning.

Brush up on your knowledge ⬇️:

🍳Cooking: Cook food thoroughly to prevent foodborne illnesses. Make sure it’s cooked to the right temperature and is piping hot at the centre.⁣

🧽 Cross-Contamination: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods to avoid spreading bacteria.⁣

❄️ Chill: Store food at 5°C or below. Keep raw and cooked foods separate in the fridge, and make sure they are consumed within two days.⁣

🧼 Clean: Wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly before and after handling food to prevent the spread of bacteria.⁣

Book-inspired activities offer numerous benefits for young children. Here are some key advantages:

Cognitive Development: Engaging with stories and related activities stimulates brain development, enhancing memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.

Language Skills: These activities help expand vocabulary, improve comprehension, and develop early literacy skills.

Social and Emotional Growth: Through stories, children learn about emotions, empathy, and social interactions. Acting out stories can also boost confidence and cooperation.

Creativity and Imagination: Books spark imagination and creativity, encouraging children to think beyond the text and create their own stories and scenarios.

Physical Development: Activities like acting out stories or creating crafts can improve fine and gross motor skills.

Love for Reading: Making reading fun and interactive fosters a lifelong love for books and learning.

These benefits collectively support a well-rounded development in early childhood.

What book inspired activities could you do today?

Thankyou@Little Mini Lighthouse Family Day Care for sharing these truly inspiring ideas.

Potty Training - When to potty train, how to start potty training, potty training regression and bedwetting ERIC, the children's bowel and bladder charity, answer commonly asked questions about potty training, including when to start potty training, what to do when your child won't poo and more.

Conducting experiments with early years children can be a fun and educational way to spark their curiosity and introduce them to basic scientific concepts. Here are some simple and engaging experiments you can try:

1. Float or Sink
Materials: A bucket of water and various objects (e.g., stones, leaves, plastic toys). Activity: Ask the children to predict whether each object will float or sink, then test their predictions by placing the objects in the water1.

2. Magic Dancing Milk
Materials: Milk, food colouring, dish soap, and a shallow dish. Activity: Pour milk into the dish, add drops of food colouring, and then dip a toothpick in dish soap and touch it to the milk. Watch the colours dance and swirl due to the chemical reaction1.

3. Growing Beans
Materials: Dried beans, a clear plastic cup, paper towels, and water. Activity: Place a damp paper towel inside the cup and position the beans between the towel and the cup. Keep the towel moist and observe the beans sprout and grow over time1.

4. Colourful Celery
Materials: Celery stalks, food colouring, and water. Activity: Place celery stalks in cups of coloured water and watch as the celery absorbs the colour, demonstrating capillary action1.

5. Dissolving Substances
Materials: Small containers, water, and various substances (e.g., sugar, salt, oil). Activity: Ask the children to predict which substances will dissolve in water and then test their predictions by mixing each substance with water2.

These activities are designed to be simple, safe, and engaging, helping children learn through hands-on exploration and play.

What experiments could you conduct today? Do you have any other favourite?

Thankyou@Castle Kindergarten - Hylton Castle for sharing your wonderful activity.

Preparing snacks for young children and babies?

When preparing snacks for babies and young children, remember to consider the size, shape, and texture of the food. Cutting snacks into narrow strips and avoiding round or firm foods can significantly reduce the risk of choking.

Ofsted EIF inspections and the EYFS – are you ready for your inspection? We have produced a helpful FAQ document for early years providers. This document explains what different early years providers need to know about delivering the current and revised early years foundation stage (EYFS) and Ofsted inspections under the education inspection framework (EIF): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ofsted-eif-inspections-and-the-eyfs

The BBC has released a new Panorama episode focusing on children’s use of smartphones. The episode follows two families and looks at the impact when their smartphones are removed for a week. The documentary discusses online harms and how content pushed to children’s feeds affects them.

Watch the documentary: Can we live without our phones?

Panorama - Can We Live Without Our Phones? What happens when smartphones are taken away from kids for a week? With the help of two families and lots of remote cameras, Panorama finds out.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/single-headline-ofsted-grades-scrapped-in-landmark-school-reform

Single headline Ofsted grades scrapped in landmark school reform Government pushes ahead with reform agenda by scrapping single headline Ofsted judgements for schools with immediate effect

https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/research-resources/leaflets/look-say-sing-play-early-years-resources-parents?utm_campaign=20240909_KIS_CASPAR_September09&utm_content=Look%2C%20Say%2C%20Sing%2C%20Play%20early%20years%20resources%20to%20use%20and%20share%20with%20parents&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Adestra

Loose parts play is a fantastic approach in early years education that encourages creativity, problem-solving, and imaginative play. It involves providing children with a variety of materials that have no specific purpose, allowing them to manipulate, move, and combine these items in countless ways.

Benefits of Loose Parts Play
Creativity and Imagination: Children can use loose parts to create anything they imagine, from simple structures to complex designs.

Problem-Solving Skills: As children figure out how to use the materials, they develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Physical Development: Handling different materials helps improve both fine and gross motor skills.

Social Skills: Loose parts play often involves collaboration, which enhances communication and teamwork.

Cognitive Development: Children learn about concepts like size, shape, and balance through hands-on exploration.

Examples of Loose Parts
Natural items like sticks, stones, leaves, and shells.
Recycled materials such as bottle caps, cardboard tubes, and fabric scraps.
Everyday objects like buttons, beads, and string.

How to Implement Loose Parts Play
Provide a variety of materials: Ensure a diverse range of items is available for children to explore.
Create an Inviting Space: Set up an area where children feel free to experiment and play.
Encourage Exploration: Allow children to lead their play without too much adult intervention.
Loose parts play is a wonderful way to support children’s development in a fun and engaging manner.

Why not try to incorporating some loose parts play activities with your children today!

Thankyou@Little Mini Lighthouse Family Day Care for sharing your ideas.

This National Literacy Month, we're highlighting the importance of food literacy 🌍🍽️

Throughout September, we’ll be sharing essential tips on food safety and making informed choices.

From knowing how to properly store and cook your meals to decoding food labels, food literacy is essential for keeping you and your loved ones safe.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing practical information, covering the essentials of food safety.

📖💡 Ready to learn more? Visit our website for in-depth information ▶️ food.gov.uk

The Good Childhood Report from The Childrens' Society highlights the challenges faced by children - challenges that can be tackled through prevention and early intervention.

Here are their six steps to creating a better world for children:

🔹 Prevent crisis.
Ensure early intervention and preventative support is in place before children hit crisis.

🔹 Prioritise wellbeing.
Elevate children’s wellbeing to a national priority.

🔹 End child poverty.
Eradicate child poverty so no child experiences worry or unhappiness due to their financial situation.

🔹 Improve girls’ wellbeing.
Address the worrying levels of unhappiness among girls.

🔹 Reform the school experience.
End unwarranted pressures on children and instead prioritise their happiness alongside achievement.

🔹 Let children play.
Enrich their lives by providing safe, improved spaces for leisure and play so they can explore interests, develop friendships and socialise.

This is needed because their report found that:

🔹 In 2022, 15-year-olds in the UK had the lowest life satisfaction across all of Europe.

🔹 Almost 1 in 3 girls in the UK have said they have low life satisfaction.

🔹 50% of young people have said not having money has stopped them from doing something they wanted in the past few months.

Thank you for sharing this essential report. Check this link to find out why this matters: https://orlo.uk/MUrgp