Transition into Early Learning and Childcare.

Posted on by babssimons

January sees another group of “freshers” starting in our Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) settings. This can be an exciting and yet nervous step for both the children and their parents/carers.

Successful transitions often need good planning. This is especially the case if the child has additional support needs. Within the blog we have a range of tools and information which can be used to support enhanced transitions. These sit nicely alongside the ‘Being Me!’ documents already in place in ELC settings. These tools cover many different topics. They include timescales and the benefits of planning in partnership with parents/carers, and communication between home and the setting.

Take a look at the supporting documents within the “Preparing for change – transitions” page.  

Play Steps – UPDATED

Posted on by hcps1980

Play Steps takes a closer look at different types of play demonstrated by children in activities commonly found in Early Learning and Childcare settings.  The sections are designed to be used independently focusing on the interests of the child or the areas where specific needs have been identified. 

The updated version and more guidance can be found using the following link.

Play Steps

Understanding Children from Armed Forces Families: EARLY YEARS

Posted on by babssimons

What is it like being a young child from an Armed Forces family? One where your mum or dad, or an older brother or sister, might be serving, a reservist or a veteran? You’ve certainly learned a lot of things already in life – how to manage what seem like sudden partings, long times without them, wondering how they are. Or moving from place to place, each one fine but slightly different to the last. What might you want from your Early Learning and Childcare setting? Of course, it is the small things that make the difference, the listening and understanding, working with families and children. This new resource for early years will tell you what it is like and how to help, as well as the wealth of learning armed forces families can bring to a setting. It is one in ten families in the country so well worth finding out.

Dr James McTaggart, Early Years Educational Psychologist, Highland Council

A resource that provides an overview for Managers, Educators and Practitioners – to access visit the Learning and Knowledge Hub on the Armed Forces Families Highland website or click the image below to view the interactive book.