Play is just as active and essential to learning for babies and toddlers as it is for older children, as <B> Julia Manning-Morton </B> explains
Parental involvement can be the best route to helping children think about their environment. <B> Penny Tassoni </B> suggests ways to get there
The combined inspection of nurseries eases the burden for providers, says Ofsted's Liz Elsom. Here she explains how to prepare for an inspection Acombined inspection is one that 'combines' the annual...
Staff training programmes by early years providers are not a case of all present and correct, say the inspectors. <STRONG> Mary Evans </STRONG> looks at how they are getting into shape
Don't ignore training staff in how to communicate with parents and outside professionals - it's a setting's vital 'window for the world', says Gill Moore Good communication is important in any...
Childminders are often quoted as earning only around 2.50 to 3 per hour. But it is worth remembering that a childminder can have up to six children under eight in her care at the same time, allowing...
Lynn Brydon is business and finance support officer at Sure Start Strategic Partnership Tyne & Wear (www.northtyneside.gov.uk)
It is now seven months since Porchea Samuels left Cape Town for London to start work at Teddies Twickenham. About her decision to work abroad, she says, 'I wanted a different working environment, and...
The new Early Years Directorate will ask for parents' views about the service when inspecting childcare providers. Alison Mercer explains what else is in store The handover to Ofsted's Early Years...