Early Years

Sunday

16th Feb 2025

How to improve verbal skills in EYFS
The impact of developing confidence around talk is enormous, writes Julian Grenier – so how can we help our youngest learners in this vital area?
How to improve verbal skills in EYFS

Tuesday

14th Jan 2025

How to meet the needs of left-handers in EYFS
The world is set up for the right-handed, writes Julian Grenier, so we need to champion left-handed children in the early years
How to meet the needs of left-handers in EYFS

Monday

30th Dec 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

Tuesday

24th Dec 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

19th Dec 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

Monday

2nd Dec 2024

What school-based nurseries need to consider about disadvantage
Applications to create new early years provision must show how the least advantaged will be catered for, explains Julian Grenier
What school-based nurseries need to consider about disadvantage

Tuesday

26th Nov 2024

Dangerous staff ratios are putting EYFS children at risk
The legal minimum staff ratios for the early years are shockingly insufficient, writes this teacher, and overstretched budgets mean they are likely to be seen more often
Dangerous staff ratios are putting EYFS children at risk

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

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

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