Opinion: Letters

One of our children drew a picture of Gary while they were at nursery. It was a big picture. He had lots of arms, even coming out of his head.

We told him that the picture was lovely and asked why he'd got so many arms? The reply? 'Because Gary is very big and he needs lots of arms because he gives us lots of cuddles.'

Isn't that fab? What a lovely image to have of your childcarer.

- Nicola and Gary Dickinson, Hollyhock Childcare, Castleford, West Yorkshire

PLAYWORK GUIDANCE

In response to 'Playwork guide "too late"' (News, 6 August), we wish to clarify that as soon as it became apparent the EYFS would have a significant impact on play settings, SkillsActive began working with the DCSF and other partners to resolve and clarify issues. Way before the introduction of the EYFS in September 2008, we agreed a set of statements with the DCSF, published on the Teachernet website, that we believed would provide sufficient guidance.

When it became apparent that further detail was needed, we started working with the DCSF and Ofsted on clarifying the many and serious issues brought to us by employers. Due to the complexity of the EYFS and registration process, this has not been a quick or easy task, and issues remain unresolved. The work put in by ourselves and other organisations, however, does mean there will be significant, official clarification in the near future.

While we would have liked to have released the guidelines much earlier, conversations with partners and officials were not advanced enough for us to release a document that we felt provided enough information for the sector and would not contradict Government policy. To do so would have been irresponsible and would not have benefited the industry.

In the meantime we feel the guidelines are thorough and actively helpful to the sector. We have had positive feedback on the document from employers who are using it to explain to inspectors how they are meeting requirements through working to the Playwork Principles. The document addresses the key issues that employers have told us are important, and directly quotes from Government sources showing that playwork settings do not have to teach, do not have to record observations, and can let children decide what they want to do.

We look forward to new information in the autumn, and the review of the EYFS next year, and will continue to work hard to support playwork employers in the real world.

- Stephen Studd, chief executive, SkillsActive

ON RECORD KEEPING

I have just read the fantastic article in your 'Observation, Assessment and Planning in the EYFS' series by Helen Bromley (23 July). It put into words so well just what record keeping should be about in the early years - hands-on, play- based learning that celebrates children's achievements, rather than endless tick sheets focusing on making children 'perform'. It is refreshing and reassuring to read an article that puts into perspective just how tick sheets are for the benefit of the adult, not the child.

- Sally Quinton, Footsteps Pre-School, Bromham, Bedfordshire

SHOP THE QUICK BUCK

When I read Helen Penn's account of a visit to a nursery in a deprived area (To the Point, 30 July), and her description of a little boy toddling into the dingy, dirty hallway with a nappy halfway down his legs and being hauled up by one arm and taken away, I went cold.

Please tell me something has been done about this awful place.

- Rachel Pepa, Leicester

EDITOR'S NOTE: Ofsted has been notified and will check out whether the nursery is meeting the legal requirements for registration.

NO MORE ZOMBIES

I was disappointed that you chose to publish the piece about the out-of-school club dressing up as zombies and re-enacting the Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' video (Noticeboard, 9 July).

Personally, I don't think zombies are a fitting topic for four-year-olds. When the video was first released it was deemed too frightening to broadcast before the watershed. How times have changed.

- Louise Bowett, Cambridge

SEND YOUR LETTERS TO ...

The Editor, Nursery World, 174 Hammersmith Road, London W6 7JP, letter.nw@haymarket.com, 020 8267 8401.