Like any football referee, Ofsted is bound to come in for severe criticism, and over the years it certainly has done. The damning report from the Education select committee, The Role and Performance of Ofsted, is likely to lead to significant structural and operational changes. Read More »

It’s happened, the buggy has broken the £1,000 price barrier with the anticipated UK launch of the Bugaboo Donkey. It’s predicted to be the latest ‘yummy mummy’ status symbol in parks and coffee shops around the country. But are the smug parents and carers going to be the ones who have found out the delights of baby slings and carriers rather than those who have broken the bank while purchasing a pram? Read More »

Organising fundraisers can be hard work for early years settings. First there’s the decision of what to do, sponsored walk, dressing up day, tea party? Then there’s the issue of approaching parents for money, when everyone is feeling the pinch.

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‘Teeth are not for biting’ stated the behaviour wall display at a lovely nursery I visited this week. I just question if they’re not for biting then why do we have teeth, to make our smiles nicer? Read More »

‘There is much to be proud of …’, says Dame Clare Tickell in her eagerly-awaited review of the Early Years Foundation Stage,  reflecting the views of the majority of the early years sector about the current framework.

The first signs are that there is also much to be proud of in the work of Dame Clare and her review team in coming up with recommendations that can build on the successes of the EYFS so far. There are some suggestions for amendments that would be significant, without causing huge upheaval and disruption for a workforce that has faced much change and challenge in the past few years.

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