Use 50 Things before You’re 5 to support smooth transitions
We recognise that transition day for school is fast approaching and wanted to draw your attention to the 50 things resources which may be helpful to share with new parents or existing families as it provides a wealth of activities which they could engage with over the summer holiday.
Here are just a few ways in which you could promote the use of this resource:
- During your new starters meeting or when showing parents around your school, setting or provision you could share the poster cards and app with parents and encourage them to download it onto their phones.
- In your transition packs or information booklets you could also invite parents to complete some of the challenges over the summer holidays and ask them to share photos with you through your parent’s app or by bringing them into your school or setting when they start. You could also signpost parents to the 50 things Fridays posts on Warwickshire's Facebook page.
- In the new term maybe, you could have your 50 thing Friday and invite parents in to see 50 things activities in action, you could create a mini passport of activities to complete and spend time showing parents how to download and use the app.
- In the new term maybe, you could also link 50 things activities to home learning activities and share via the online apps which you use to communicate with parents.
These are just a few ideas, and we are sure you will no doubt think of many more!
If you do promote 50 things in your school or setting, please do share your ideas and photos with us. We would love to hear about and celebrate your good practice within our briefing
You can download the app here: 50 Things Warwickshire Download the app here
Early Years Webpages
We are delighted to inform you that the webpages for the Early years Quality, standards and safeguarding team are now live and can be accessed using this link.
https://schools.warwickshire.gov.uk/early-years-childcare...
Open consultations from DfE
Regulatory changes to the EYFS
The Department for Education has launched an eight week consultation on possible changes to the Early Years Foundation Stage as part of reforms they hope will help providers.
To share your views on the proposed changes please click here
The consultation closes on 26th July 2023.
Working Together to Safeguard Children: changes to statutory guidance
The DFE are seeking views on the revisions to the Working Together to Safeguard Children statutory guidance. To share your views on the proposed changes please click here.
This consultation closes on 6th September 2023
International perspectives on early years
Around the world, countries are investing increasingly in the early years. In many cases, governments are driven by the need to provide safe and healthy environments for children so that parents can re-enter the workforce. However, countries also continue to respond to growing evidence of the benefits of high-quality early years provision, both for social and educational development.
This report explores the aims and purposes of early years provision in an international context. Our insights draw on evidence from international research literature, and a survey and roundtable discussion involving academics and representatives of inspectorates from various European countries.
The insights are organised into 4 themes:
- availability and access
- workforce
- curriculum and pedagogy
- inspection and regulation
Throughout the report, we reflect on where England sits within the international context. To read the full report click here.
Supervision
Supervision is mandatory for all staff who work with children in the Foundation Stage, including all those in maintained schools, non-maintained schools and independent schools. This requirement is outlined within: EYFS: 3.22 and 3.23.
Key elements of Supervision
- Regular supervision meetings should be held for all EYFS staff, whether they are full time, part-time, volunteers, apprentices.
- Supervision meetings should provide opportunities for staff to:
- Discuss any issues – particularly concerning children’s development or wellbeing, including child protection concerns
- Identify solutions to address issues as they arise
- Receive coaching to improve their personal effectiveness
Facilitating Supervision in your school
Schools should ensure:
- A supervision policy is in place and shared with all staff
- A senior member of staff is appointed to lead on supervision and hold regular meetings with all EYFS staff
- Regular supervisions meetings are carried out throughout the year, recorded and treated confidentially
- Annual targets from appraisals are discussed and reviewed through supervision and changed or adapted as necessary
Supervision supports practitioners to reflect critically on the impact of their decisions’- Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018