eye is member of

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CONTENTS

S7

40

IN THIS ISSUE...

06 Opinion: Claire Kenyon

Early Years Equality protest the Government’s childcare policy.

24 Supporting service children

How early years settings can provide a protective space.

NURSERY BROMLEY

IES

ILL @FENN

: ALEX DEVER

COVER

07 Opinion: Megan Jarvie

The Spring Budget: reasons for celebration and caution.

08 Opinion: David Wright

SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan: ‘Right support, right place, right time’?

10 News analysis

‘What happened to the unique child?’

FOCUS 29 Active play and movement

Creating space for active play.

FEATURES 18 Bored out of our minds

How to use boredom constructively.

20 Transforming play

Using it to understand the world.

22 Sing a song of mathematics

Using songs to understand numbers.

26 COVID-19 Research

The impact on babies and families.

34 Using museum visits for CPD

Enhancing a community of practice and sense of belonging between staff.

37 What is Dyscalculia?

How it impacts learning and how to identify and support children with it.

REGULARS 12 Letters

Mental Health Awareness month.

13 Sector update

Where next for early years? Funding, affordability and the Budget.

40 Book reviews

Learning theories in early years and picture books for early readers.

42 Getting to know you

Shaping the future through art.

POSTER: Yoga in the early years

SUPPOTING CHILDRENS PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT WITH MOMENTS OF STILLNESS

www.earlyyearseducator.co.uk

PRACTICE INSIGHT S3 – Early years community corner A social media post earlier this month provoked my thinking about the rule often found in settings – the idea of ‘walking feet inside’.

S4 – An endless road...

Developing a strong understanding of your children is the foundation on which all best practice develops. This month’s play experience case study is evidence of that in my setting. A good number of our children have a love of all things relating to transport. I explore one way this interest has been harnessed in our provision.

S6 – Author spotlight

We are doing something a bit different this month. Here we share some social media accounts which can be used to find books covering an ever-increasing range of topics to explore with your children.

S7 – Student spotlight

Holly White shares her journey as a Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprentice at Apprenticeship Connect which resulted in her winning an impressive award.

S8 – Supporting families

Inspire baking at home with this modern and engaging home learning experience exploring the traditional tale of ‘The Gingerbread Man’ through the wonderful work of Clare Thompson.

Volume 23 No 22 • May 2023 • eye • 3