Nursery World - Editor's view (60)

Great news for the many early years practitioners who care for the rising number of babies and toddlers in daycare settings, with the launch of Birth to Three Matters: a framework to support children in their earliest years (see News, page 4). And in Scotland, a draft framework for those working with under-threes is being developed for consultation next year. With the Foundation Stage now established and providing strong support for practitioners teaching three-to five-year-olds, the overwhelming need has been for guidance for those caring for the youngest children. The new framework recognises that this must not be in the shape of a curriculum, but that material must acknowledge the holistic nature of children's learning and development. Many early years workers have felt at a loss when faced with 'what to do' with this age group, and the framework, which is available to everybody, should help them to avoid inappropriate practice.

With the Foundation Stage now established and providing strong support for practitioners teaching three-to five-year-olds, the overwhelming need has been for guidance for those caring for the youngest children. The new framework recognises that this must not be in the shape of a curriculum, but that material must acknowledge the holistic nature of children's learning and development. Many early years workers have felt at a loss when faced with 'what to do' with this age group, and the framework, which is available to everybody, should help them to avoid inappropriate practice.

Professor Lesley Abbott and her team, who developed the framework, will be writing a series of articles for Nursery World on good practice, and our regular series 'Caring for under-threes' will continue with a fresh focus next year, so keep reading every week.

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