Introduction When it comes to children with “special educational needs” (SEN) and disabilities, we tend to see a focus on observing for concerns only, leading to valuable threads of learning being lost. This is often because we are taught that early intervention is key, and the sooner we spot those “red flags”, the sooner we can prevent a delay or SEN. However, what may initially appear to be a delay could be a gateway to a developmental difference, including autism, dyslexia, or a developmental language profile, such as being non-speaking. Our initial concerns for some children may lead to adaptations in our practice that support neurotypical progress, but for other children, we may require a more permanent change in approach … Read More
Autumn Exploratory Jelly…
It is time to get your Autumn Jelly ingredients ready! If you make some Autumn Jelly, don’t forget to share the results. This is a really simple activity that gives you lots of opportunities to explore many aspects of the EYFS. If you involve the children from the very beginning then not only will they be able to talk about and name the resources that they have collected, they will also be able to explore how the gelatine changes the water from a liquid to a solid. You can talk about how the mixture goes from hot to cold and what the final jelly feels like in their hands. There should be lots of opportunities for a variety of experiences, talking … Read More
Continuous Provision Planning
Planning for Continuous Provision can be very time consuming and what gets written on paper often doesn’t translate into actual practice. I have been working with a number of schools and settings looking at how they can make their Continuous Provision planning less of a chore and more effective so, I thought I would share what we have been doing in the hope that it might be helpful. I would always start with the question ‘What is Continuous Provision?’ It is not just provision that is continually accessible. It is a selection of resources that have been placed in areas by practitioners that continue the provision for learning in the absence of an adult. Differentiated prompt cards for children to … Read More
Scorpions In Your Sand Tray and other Outdoor Play!
This February half term I was lucky enough to be invited to go out to Brunei and work with the team at Hornbill School. The school caters for both Nepali children of Gurkha soldiers and children of serving British military and civilian MOD personnel. It has over 480 children from 3 – 11 years of age. Usually the school has around 85-90% of children with English as an additional language (EAL), with high mobility as a result of unit moves and redeployment. So not without it’s challenges! Having said that they were judged ‘Outstanding’ at their last inspection. I was working with the Senior Management Team and the Early Years Department doing a mixture of observation, action planning, data analysis, … Read More