Welcome to my second blog about the revised EYFS and updated information about the world of childminding.
A petition to protect our jobs!
Our self employed status and incomes are seriously under threat by government suggestions that we might work via an agency (who take a percentage of our income, control our fees and invoicing etc) in the future.
Some reports have suggested that the agency which controls childminders might be local nurseries - can you imagine your income being reliant on referrals from the local nursery, often your biggest competition!?!
These threats to our future sustainability are linked to a report written by Conservative MP Elizabeth Truss which basically suggests that childminders are not capable of running their own businesses!
It will potentially open up a 2 tier system where nurseries and pre-schools are registered with and inspected by Ofsted and childminders no longer have individual Ofsted registration or inspection reports. We will also possibly be asked to work for less money … with more children!!
Please take a moment to read and sign this petition to protect your income and self employed status in the future -
http://www.change.org/petitions/uk-government-reject-proposals-to-deregulate-childminders
Please pass it on to all your childminder friends via Facebook, Twitter etc and write to your local MP (copy to Ms Truss and the Chief Inspector of Ofsted Mr Willshaw) and local councilors to ask for their support - the more coverage we can get on this issue, the more our businesses will hopefully be protected.
The deregulation issue is being discussed on the Childminding Forum - so don’t forget to pop back regularly for updates.
The revised EYFS - frequently asked questions
There are lots of discussion threads on the Childminding Forum asking questions about the revised EYFS (2012). I will look at a few each month but if you have any burning issues please ask on the forum where members will be happy to help you.
Ratios question - one of the most frequently asked questions relates to the issue of ratios. The variation wording which many childminders have (and need in the future) for continuity of care is missing from the revised EYFS (requirements 3.39 - 3.41).
As things stand at the moment there is no clarification on the subject from Ofsted - they are referring childminders with a concern about continuity of care ratios to the Department for Education (who wrote the EYFS). However, an Ofsted spokesperson recently advised me that a guide will be issued before September about the ratios question.
I suggest that if you think it will be a problem for you… ring Ofsted and ask them. The more childminders who speak up, the more likely it is that an answer we can understand will be in place before September.
Observations question - one of the most common questions I am being asked at the moment is whether observations of children’s learning and development must be in place for every statement in the Development Matters guidance booklet.
Childminders tell me that they are struggling to move a child up to the next age and stage of the guidance because some statements are blank as they don’t have a relevant observation to show the child has achieved something.
The Development Matters document is not a tick list - it cannot possibly list everything a child does or says... equally children do not always do everything the Development Matters document suggests.
You need to look at an overview of your observations - is the child achieving? Is the child developing well? What are parents saying? How is the child progressing? From these judgements you will know when it is time to move them up a stage.
Wrap around care question - many childminders are asking me if they can stop writing Learning Journey booklets for children who attend wrap around or holiday care only from now because the EYFS (2012) says they will no longer be relevant from September (requirement 1.3).
Ofsted have advised me that childminders must not use 2012 statutory information until 1st September 2012… and the wrap around and holiday care statement is in the statutory requirements for use after September.
So the answer is that we must continue writing children’s Learning Journey documents until after September… then, if they are wrap around (before and after school) or holiday only children we will need to chat to their parents about the best way to meet their needs while making sure that any care we offer them complements their learning experiences elsewhere.
If you have any concerns about the revised EYFS please let me know and I will attempt to answer them in future blogs.
Chat soon, Sarah
Copyright and disclaimer information
Unless expressly stated otherwise, the contents of this newsletter represent only the views of the sender, as expressed only to the intended recipient. However carefully researched my material might be it is not possible to guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any of the information contained in this newsletter. I therefore accept no liability for any inaccuracies or any loss or damage arising from the use or reliance on information obtained from this newsletter. Please see my standard terms and conditions, stated on my website, for more information.
© Sarah Neville, Knutsford Childminding, 2012
Sunday, 27 May 2012
Sunday, 29 April 2012
Welcome to my newsletter!
In this and future newsletters I would like to share information with you about all kinds of childminding related things such as…
• Changes to the EYFS and how they might affect you
• Updates to my e-books and how you can request free updated versions of the e-books you have purchased from me
• Details about changes to statutory information
• Good practice guidance to help you run your business more efficiently
• Childminding related websites and blogs that might be of interest to you
• Ways you can enhance your professional development from the comfort of your computer
• Links to information and support for childminders… and lots of other things!
If there are any subjects you would like me to write about in my e-books, mini e-books, future newsletters, blog posts etc please contact me and let me know!
The revised EYFS
Most childminders will be aware by now that the EYFS has been updated. The new version is available to download from the Foundation Years website.
I have written documents about the changes to the EYFS statutory requirements for Childminding Forum members in the ‘free downloads’ section of the forum. I have also written information guides for gold members of Childcare.co.uk - log in to your members area for more information.
Updating my e-books
I am working very hard to review and update all my e-books for the revised EYFS. When they are completed I will let you know via my newsletter so you can request a copy of the new versions.
Don’t panic though! We have until 1st September to put all the new information in place so I am taking my time and getting things right.
Music licensing rules
After long discussions with PPL, the music licensing company, Penny (a Worcestershire childminder) and I have finally helped them to reach a compromise with which everyone is happy… if you use music in your provision for personal use or to educate the children you do not need to buy a music licence. You can find a letter from PPL to clarify this decision on the Childminding Forum here.
Updated information from Ofsted
Ofsted has updated quite a few of its publications recently. You can download a copy of the April 2012 Early Years Newsletter which gives details of changes here.
Continuous professional development
Are you ready to embrace the changes to the learning and development requirements of the EYFS? From September 2012 will be 3 ‘prime’ (most important) areas of learning -
• Personal social and emotional development
• Communication and language
• Physical development
You might find it useful to reflect on when you last updated your knowledge and skills in each of the 3 prime areas of learning and attend some training or buy some e-books to find out more. I have 2 e-books for sale on my Knutsford Childminding website which will help you show evidence of CPD for physical development -
• E-book 6 - Outside play
• E-book 31 - Playing outside all year
My new logo
Do you like my new Knutsford Childminding e-books logo? It has been made for me by Richard, a childminder and logo designer who can be contacted here.
Chat soon, Sarah
Copyright and disclaimer information
Unless expressly stated otherwise, the contents of this newsletter represent only the views of the sender, as expressed only to the intended recipient. However carefully researched my material might be it is not possible to guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any of the information contained in this newsletter. I therefore accept no liability for any inaccuracies or any loss or damage arising from the use or reliance on information obtained from this newsletter. Please see my standard terms and conditions, stated on my websites, for more information.
© Sarah Neville, Knutsford Childminding, 2012
Monday, 9 April 2012
Revised EYFS – news!
Hello!
Sorry I haven’t blogged for a while – my head has been full of the revised EYFS documents, trying to sort out the changes for my lovely customers and friends on the childminding forum.
You can download the revised EYFS documents from here –
http://www.foundationyears.org.uk.
I have already written a couple of information guides highlighting the main changes to the learning and development and safeguarding and welfare requirements for gold members of www.childcare.co.uk.
I have also provided some updated information for the www.childmindingforum.co.uk in free downloads (at the top of the forum).
There are quite a few new documents...
• The learning and development and safeguarding and welfare requirements, which will be statutory from 1st September 2012
• A guide to the 2 – 3 year progress check.
• Development Matters guidance – new ages and stages information for children’s learning and development.
• A document which is supposed to show the differences between the old and new requirements. However, having compared them both carefully I think it is missing quite a lot of information!
According to the website there are even more documents to come... how exciting!
As I am sure you can imagine, I am in the midst of updating all my e-books and mini e-books at the moment. I am taking the opportunity to review and reflect on the contents and make sure that everything is just right for my customers.
I hope to have them all finished by the middle of May.
What I want to avoid is rushing and making mistakes, so I would rather take my time and read the documents properly and find ways of doing things which will make the EYFS easier for childminders.
As soon as everything is finished I will let you all know that updates are available via the Childminding Forum, here on my blog and via email.
If I do not have an up-to-date email for you and you would like to receive updated information as new e-books are released please let me know!
Thank you for your patience and support guys!
Chat soon, Sarah :))
Sorry I haven’t blogged for a while – my head has been full of the revised EYFS documents, trying to sort out the changes for my lovely customers and friends on the childminding forum.
You can download the revised EYFS documents from here –
http://www.foundationyears.org.uk.
I have already written a couple of information guides highlighting the main changes to the learning and development and safeguarding and welfare requirements for gold members of www.childcare.co.uk.
I have also provided some updated information for the www.childmindingforum.co.uk in free downloads (at the top of the forum).
There are quite a few new documents...
• The learning and development and safeguarding and welfare requirements, which will be statutory from 1st September 2012
• A guide to the 2 – 3 year progress check.
• Development Matters guidance – new ages and stages information for children’s learning and development.
• A document which is supposed to show the differences between the old and new requirements. However, having compared them both carefully I think it is missing quite a lot of information!
According to the website there are even more documents to come... how exciting!
As I am sure you can imagine, I am in the midst of updating all my e-books and mini e-books at the moment. I am taking the opportunity to review and reflect on the contents and make sure that everything is just right for my customers.
I hope to have them all finished by the middle of May.
What I want to avoid is rushing and making mistakes, so I would rather take my time and read the documents properly and find ways of doing things which will make the EYFS easier for childminders.
As soon as everything is finished I will let you all know that updates are available via the Childminding Forum, here on my blog and via email.
If I do not have an up-to-date email for you and you would like to receive updated information as new e-books are released please let me know!
Thank you for your patience and support guys!
Chat soon, Sarah :))
Saturday, 17 March 2012
Revised Eyfs - more information
I have been keeping a close watch on information coming out of the relevant authorities about the revised Eyfs which is due out soon.
I am particularly interested in how requirements for childminders will change when we are using the revised Eyfs... and of course I want to make sure I am preparing myself and my provision so I am ready to use the Eyfs from September when it will be made law.
I am reading a lot of information on various websites about the observation, assessment and planning cycle and would like to share the following with you...
Observations
What you need to do – watch and listen while children are playing on their own or with you and note their interests, learning styles, schemas, things they say and do.
Write down what children have said and done using the EYFS Development Matters document as a guide.
Include information from parents, other provisions and of course the child.
Changes –
• There will be a new Development Matters document
• You will need to link your observations to 7 areas of learning instead of 6
Assessment
What you need to do – continue writing formative (ongoing) assessments of children’s learning and development. This means continue what you already do – watching and listening as children play and considering what their play tells you about them… what they already know, how they think, what they enjoy doing etc.
Link the assessments to the EYFS revised Development Matters document
Use your observations and assessments when you are writing children’s individual planning.
Changes –
You will be asked to write a summary (summative) assessment when children are between 2 and 3 years old to share with their parents.
There will be a guidance document to help with writing the summary assessment.
Planning
What you need to do – continue observing children, noting their interests and learning styles, reflecting on what you have seen and heard and planning to meet their needs.
Think about how your resources, outings, environment, routines, activities etc support each child to learn and develop to their best potential.
Changes –
• You will need to link your planning to 7 areas of learning instead of the current 6
• For younger children (under 3s) you will need to focus your planning on 3 main areas of learning – personal, social and emotional development, physical development and communication and language.
• For children over 3 who are secure with the skills from the prime areas of learning you will look at the other 4 areas of learning in more detail as well.
I am currently researching best practice advice about how to record children's Learning Journey information... I will get back to you shortly!
Sarah :)
I am particularly interested in how requirements for childminders will change when we are using the revised Eyfs... and of course I want to make sure I am preparing myself and my provision so I am ready to use the Eyfs from September when it will be made law.
I am reading a lot of information on various websites about the observation, assessment and planning cycle and would like to share the following with you...
Observations
What you need to do – watch and listen while children are playing on their own or with you and note their interests, learning styles, schemas, things they say and do.
Write down what children have said and done using the EYFS Development Matters document as a guide.
Include information from parents, other provisions and of course the child.
Changes –
• There will be a new Development Matters document
• You will need to link your observations to 7 areas of learning instead of 6
Assessment
What you need to do – continue writing formative (ongoing) assessments of children’s learning and development. This means continue what you already do – watching and listening as children play and considering what their play tells you about them… what they already know, how they think, what they enjoy doing etc.
Link the assessments to the EYFS revised Development Matters document
Use your observations and assessments when you are writing children’s individual planning.
Changes –
You will be asked to write a summary (summative) assessment when children are between 2 and 3 years old to share with their parents.
There will be a guidance document to help with writing the summary assessment.
Planning
What you need to do – continue observing children, noting their interests and learning styles, reflecting on what you have seen and heard and planning to meet their needs.
Think about how your resources, outings, environment, routines, activities etc support each child to learn and develop to their best potential.
Changes –
• You will need to link your planning to 7 areas of learning instead of the current 6
• For younger children (under 3s) you will need to focus your planning on 3 main areas of learning – personal, social and emotional development, physical development and communication and language.
• For children over 3 who are secure with the skills from the prime areas of learning you will look at the other 4 areas of learning in more detail as well.
I am currently researching best practice advice about how to record children's Learning Journey information... I will get back to you shortly!
Sarah :)
Sunday, 11 March 2012
De-cluttering your provision
Childminders work from their homes – and homes, as we all know, vary greatly in size and available space. As we take on more children, we often find that our playrooms are so cluttered with toys and games, the children can hardly fit in!
If you notice the toddlers tripping over the babies, the pre-schoolers fighting for space with the babies and the after schoolers pulling too much from the shelves because they are overwhelmed with the choices available and the books getting trampled under-foot… then maybe it is time to make a few changes.
I have been reading up on de-cluttering as part of something I am currently writing for the childminder advertising website about the revised EYFS and the Prime Area of learning ‘Communication and Language’ and I have found it to be a very interesting subject.
During my research I have found that some childminders have found themselves marked down by Local Authorities which use FCCERS and ECCERS to grade their service because they are not offering sufficient choice or duplicates of resources etc.
However Ofsted are fine with a de cluttered environment according to letter written by Liz Elsom on the Elizabeth Jarman site about Communication Friendly Spaces (TM) - http://www.elizabethjarmantraining.co.uk.
I have found from reading Ofsted reports that inspectors like to see toys children can easily access in labelled boxes - they don't have a problem with resources being rotated if the children have free choice (photo albums or choice books) of what they want out.
However there are some parts of provision such as reading, mark making, music, dance, art etc that should always be freely available to ensure you are linking the activities you have available with all the EYFS areas of learning and development.
If you want to make changes to your provision with the aim of de-cluttering the environment, you could do it as part of an ongoing improvement project –
• Audit the resources currently available in your provision against the areas of learning of the EYFS to make sure you are keeping appropriate resources
• Read up on de-cluttering and how it helps you to work more efficiently
• Talk to other childminders on www.childmindingforum.co.uk and ask for their ideas and views - do a forum search as the subject has already been discussed a few times previously
• Show how you have involved parents and all the children in the review process
• Carry out observations of inside and outside play involving different groups and children and at different times of the day to see what is currently being used
• Make decisions about any changes you intend to do based on their comments and the spaces available etc.
You could then ask the children to help you document the changes you make adding comments from children, before and after photos etc and put it in a file for Ofsted / parents etc to show your commitment to continuous professional development.
I hope you enjoy your newly de-cluttered spaces :)
If you notice the toddlers tripping over the babies, the pre-schoolers fighting for space with the babies and the after schoolers pulling too much from the shelves because they are overwhelmed with the choices available and the books getting trampled under-foot… then maybe it is time to make a few changes.
I have been reading up on de-cluttering as part of something I am currently writing for the childminder advertising website about the revised EYFS and the Prime Area of learning ‘Communication and Language’ and I have found it to be a very interesting subject.
During my research I have found that some childminders have found themselves marked down by Local Authorities which use FCCERS and ECCERS to grade their service because they are not offering sufficient choice or duplicates of resources etc.
However Ofsted are fine with a de cluttered environment according to letter written by Liz Elsom on the Elizabeth Jarman site about Communication Friendly Spaces (TM) - http://www.elizabethjarmantraining.co.uk.
I have found from reading Ofsted reports that inspectors like to see toys children can easily access in labelled boxes - they don't have a problem with resources being rotated if the children have free choice (photo albums or choice books) of what they want out.
However there are some parts of provision such as reading, mark making, music, dance, art etc that should always be freely available to ensure you are linking the activities you have available with all the EYFS areas of learning and development.
If you want to make changes to your provision with the aim of de-cluttering the environment, you could do it as part of an ongoing improvement project –
• Audit the resources currently available in your provision against the areas of learning of the EYFS to make sure you are keeping appropriate resources
• Read up on de-cluttering and how it helps you to work more efficiently
• Talk to other childminders on www.childmindingforum.co.uk and ask for their ideas and views - do a forum search as the subject has already been discussed a few times previously
• Show how you have involved parents and all the children in the review process
• Carry out observations of inside and outside play involving different groups and children and at different times of the day to see what is currently being used
• Make decisions about any changes you intend to do based on their comments and the spaces available etc.
You could then ask the children to help you document the changes you make adding comments from children, before and after photos etc and put it in a file for Ofsted / parents etc to show your commitment to continuous professional development.
I hope you enjoy your newly de-cluttered spaces :)
Friday, 24 February 2012
Knutsford Childminding and Childcare.co.uk
I have recently started writing some Information Guides for gold members of Childcare.co.uk, the childminder advertising website.
My Information Guides can be found in the ‘Childminder Plus’ section of the website after you have logged in.
I have written about lots of different subjects including planning, meal time issues, paperwork requirements for the EYFS, making displays, the importance of active play, writing risk assessments, resourcing multiculturalism, advertising your business, communicating with parents, developing fine motor skills, food provision, managing individual needs, outside play and many more.
A recent Information Guide with advice about completing the childminder Self Evaluation Form (SEF) has been particularly well received and I was delighted to be given the following feedback on the comments page of my www.knutsfordchildminding.co.uk website –
‘Hello Sarah, I have just downloaded your SEF piece on Childcare.co.uk and have found it to be a well written and informative document! Thank you for this as it has helped me so much with my own! Martin (Bournemouth)’
I am also preparing a series of ‘reflection on provision’ guides to help childminders with self reflection to encourage everyone to regularly their provisions – Childcare.co.uk will release one a month through the year.
I have lots more ideas for Information Guides… however, if any of my lovely blog readers are also gold Childcare.co.uk members and would like to suggest titles for future guides please contact me!
Chat soon, Sarah x
My Information Guides can be found in the ‘Childminder Plus’ section of the website after you have logged in.
I have written about lots of different subjects including planning, meal time issues, paperwork requirements for the EYFS, making displays, the importance of active play, writing risk assessments, resourcing multiculturalism, advertising your business, communicating with parents, developing fine motor skills, food provision, managing individual needs, outside play and many more.
A recent Information Guide with advice about completing the childminder Self Evaluation Form (SEF) has been particularly well received and I was delighted to be given the following feedback on the comments page of my www.knutsfordchildminding.co.uk website –
‘Hello Sarah, I have just downloaded your SEF piece on Childcare.co.uk and have found it to be a well written and informative document! Thank you for this as it has helped me so much with my own! Martin (Bournemouth)’
I am also preparing a series of ‘reflection on provision’ guides to help childminders with self reflection to encourage everyone to regularly their provisions – Childcare.co.uk will release one a month through the year.
I have lots more ideas for Information Guides… however, if any of my lovely blog readers are also gold Childcare.co.uk members and would like to suggest titles for future guides please contact me!
Chat soon, Sarah x
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Characteristics of Learning
This is going to be a key area of the revised Eyfs to be considered alongside the new 7 areas of learning and development.
The characteristics of learning are -
• Active learning
• Creating and thinking critically
• Playing and exploring
I have looked at these 3 characteristics in mini e-book 70 which is for sale on my www.knutsfordchildminding.co.uk website in the 'Professional Development' section.
I hope you find it useful :)
The characteristics of learning are -
• Active learning
• Creating and thinking critically
• Playing and exploring
I have looked at these 3 characteristics in mini e-book 70 which is for sale on my www.knutsfordchildminding.co.uk website in the 'Professional Development' section.
I hope you find it useful :)
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