Supporting children with SEND is about so much more than ticking boxes and writing plans. The real impact happens in those everyday moments. It’s in the way we respond when a child is overwhelmed, how we adapt an activity on the spot, or the small tweaks we make to help a child feel included. Plans […]
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in understanding the importance of teaching self-regulation skills to children in Early Years settings and it is now widely recognised that equipping children with their own strategies for managing emotions and behaviours is essential for their development. However, we must also acknowledge the expectation placed on […]
Hello 2025! The New Year is here, offering a perfect opportunity to reflect on your journey so far and refocus your plans and strategies for the months ahead. For all Early years settings, January is the ideal time to start with a fresh focus, plan for success, and ensure your team is prepared to tackle […]
Up to 50% of children starting reception are still in nappies or pull-ups. Some parents are being called into school up to five times a day to address their child’s toileting accidents. They have had to either give up work or remove their child altogether. Dispelling the myth of lazy parenting The usual critical voices […]
Early years education in England has become increasingly significant as research highlights the crucial role of the first five years in a child’s life. These early years are foundational for lifelong learning, development, and well-being. Early years professionals play a critical role in this process, making it a rewarding yet demanding career. With the growing […]
As educators and leaders in the Early Years sector, we understand the profound challenges that come with nurturing young minds. With 20 years of experience in this field, I recognize the stress and anxiety that can arise from the demands of our roles—managing diverse needs, ensuring compliance with regulations, and supporting our teams while striving […]
As an Early Years consultant and trainer with over 25 years of experience, I’ve come to understand one essential truth: a manager’s ability to stay connected with what is happening on the ground can make or break a setting. In the whirlwind of administrative duties, paperwork, and unforeseen issues, it’s easy to lose sight of […]
As a nursery owner, you’ve got enough on your plate with managing staff, overseeing day-to-day operations, and providing quality care for children, but with the Labour Government’s 100-Day Pledge and the 60 upcoming changes to employment law, staying compliant may feel like yet another challenge. At Gateway HR, we’re here to help you stay informed […]
Music and movement are not just fun activities for children; they are foundational elements of early learning that support a range of developmental areas. But have you ever considered how your team’s personal experiences with these activities, both as children and as educators, shape their confidence and creativity in the classroom? Understanding these experiences is […]
On September 2nd, 2024, Ofsted made a significant change to its school inspection framework by removing single-word judgements for schools and maintained early years settings. Previously, schools have been given an overall rating like ours Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate. These terms will no longer be used; instead, a new rating system will be introduced, which will still […]
Risk assessments are crucial for ensuring safety in early years environments, but too often they become just another box to tick. Understanding their true purpose is essential for protecting children, staff, families, and the business itself. A robust risk assessment process not only identifies potential hazards but also provides actionable steps to mitigate them, making […]
The Aesthetics: More Than Just a Pretty Picture In the early years, we often find ourselves creating visually appealing activities, whether it’s a beautifully arranged tuff spot or an inviting table-top setup. These attractive displays can certainly capture the children’s attention and spark their interest, and there’s nothing wrong with that! However, we must be […]