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CONTENTS

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41

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IN THIS ISSUE...

06 Opinion: Ruth Swailes

Ofsted’s inspections are inadequate.

26 Supporting service children

How settings can provide a safe space.

07 Opinion: Neil Leitch

We will fight to reverse ratio changes.

34 Supporting deaf children

How to spot and support hearing loss.

08 Opinion: June O’Sullivan

Time to fix our broken system.

10 News analysis

Stage or age? Confused early childhood education and care.

36 Review

Boogie Mites School Ready Music Programme.

38 Keeping the spark alive

The value of CPD.

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(LEYF

PRE-SCHOOL

NURSERY &

ILLE

COLV

ILL @

: ALEX DEVER

COVER

29 FOCUS Working with families

Working in partnership.

FEATURES 17 Playing it out

How early years and play therapy can cross-fertilise.

19 Transporting play

Exploring concepts and movement.

21 Helping parents to be parents

Supporting parents with their children.

24 Naturally nurtured children

Fostering skills like independence.

39 Using museum visits for CPD

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

REGULARS 12 Letters

Early years: Much more than childcare.

13 Sector update

Education Select Committee Inquiry.

40 Book reviews

Working with families building skills.

42 Getting to know you

Keeping the individual at the forefront.

POSTER: Tuning into nature with books

A SELECTION OF BOOKS TO ENCOURAGE CHILDREN AND ADULTS TO CONNECT WITH THE NATURAL WORLD

PRACTICE INSIGHT S3 – Early years community corner Social media provides us with a wealth of accessible knowledge and CPD, signposting to discussions, and toolkits. This month I share some of my favourites of recent weeks.

S4 – Exploring the life cycle of a butterfly Each spring the topic of growth and change is often at the forefront of the discussions. Examples you will often see, especially in line with National Gardening Week, involve planting flowers/food. However here is another example I use in my setting.

S6 – Author spotlight

Mitzi Harris, Early Childhood Studies student at ARU and self-published children’s author, shares her top five children’s books that inspired her as a child, and influence her as an author and student.

S7 – Student spotlight

My route to becoming a nursery manager, early childhood writer and lecturer has followed a more unconventional route. This month Adam Marycz reflects on his journey.

S8 – Working with families

Learning to write is an essential skill, but it begins with developing muscles, movements and making marks. These fun ideas will help your child develop the control needed to form letters.

www.earlyyearseducator.co.uk

Volume 23 No 23 • June 2023 • eye • 3