Nursery World - In the frame (4)

Warmly welcomed by the early years sector, the national framework Birth to Three Matters is one year old. Mary Evans finds out how nursery chains are using the guidance to shape their own principles Childcare practitioners united in welcoming the publication of the national framework for under-threes: Birth to Three Matters, but nearly one year on is it a living document or languishing on nursery managers' shelves?

Childcare practitioners united in welcoming the publication of the national framework for under-threes: Birth to Three Matters, but nearly one year on is it a living document or languishing on nursery managers' shelves?

If the experience of several leading nursery chains is anything to go by, the framework is being extensively employed in various ways. Some chains use the framework to affirm their practice, others to shape it, or to train staff, maybe to assist parents, or as a guide to research, but it is not doing duty as a dusty bookend.

Nursery chains, through their central support staff, can spend time and effort researching different approaches to guide their practice. Perhaps this explains why so many of them describe their approach as eclectic - selecting what they see as the best facets of the various theories to shape their own house style. The most commonly cited influences are High Scope, Reggio Emilia, Montessori, treasure baskets and schemas.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included