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This week

1. Did you know
2. Website of the Week
3. Under5s Download Centre
4. Date for your Diary
5. News
6. International News 
7. More Educational Sites
 

1. DID YOU KNOW

LATEST ISSUE OF EARLY YEARS NOW ONLINE

The March 2008 issue of Early Years magazine is now online, with tips on getting kids to eat healthily, the benefits of free play, and why dads' involvement is vital to children's early learning. Plus, our regular round-ups of news, resources and books.

http://viewer.magtank.com/showmag.php?mid=sftdr&preview=1&_x=1
 

SHOCK BBC REPORT ON CHILDCARE 

Did you see Whistleblower, BBC One's flagship undercover series, on Wednesday 5 March,  which claimed to lift the lid on how nurseries are putting children at serious risk by failing to check both the criminal records and references of staff employed ?

In an exclusive interview given to the programme on condition that her identity was protected, a current Ofsted inspector alleges that Ofsted – the official body responsible for inspecting and regulating nurseries and childminders in the UK – is approving childcare facilities that should not be operating:
 
Ofsted inspector: "I am a mother of two young children and many of my colleagues have young children. Between us I would say we would inspect roughly 700 crèches, nurseries, after-school clubs, childminders, and there wasn't more than five that we would take our own children to."
 
Following the tip-off from the Ofsted inspector, BBC undercover reporter Imogen Willcocks began an eight-month undercover investigation during which she discovered that Ofsted is not only failing to adequately regulate the childcare industry in order to protect pre-school children in nurseries and in the care of childminders, but that political connections could have influenced Ofsted's decisions. 
 
The programme uncovers Ofsted documents that indicate that the Just Learning nursery in Cambourne should have been closed following the accidental death of a child in its care and critical inspection reports, but was saved from closure due to concerns about the implications for Michael Fallon MP. Michael Fallon, the Conservative MP for Sevenoaks, was the Managing Director of the nursery at the time and the documents state:
 
"If we cancel this particular setting then there are implications for Michael Fallon as he would be automatically disqualified."
 
Viewers will be shocked to see how Imogen Willcocks, a 21-year-old undercover BBC journalist with no experience of looking after children and no professional qualifications, is employed to look after young children under the age of five by two nurseries in Britain, and a leading British holiday company. Furthermore, they will see her approved as a registered childminder by Ofsted. 
 
Imogen Willcocks's undercover filming takes place at Just Learning in Cambourne (near Cambridge) and Buttons nursery in west London, as well as a Mark Warner holiday resort in Dahab, Egypt – an upmarket company that markets itself as offering "award-winning childcare". 
 
The undercover footage in the programme reveals:
 
 A Failure to Make Criminal Record and Reference Checks – The companies that featured in the programme all employed Imogen to look after young children without obtaining CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checks, or speaking to any of her referees. 
 
 Adult to Child Ratios Are Not Met – The required adult:child ratios were not always met – on several occasions at Buttons nursery Imogen is seen left in sole charge of up to 13 pre-school children, at Mark Warner an extra child arrives at the crèche but no one knows who she is, and on one occasion at Just Learning Imogen and another member of staff are left caring for 23 children. This was despite complaints from members of staff concerned about child welfare and safety. 
 
 Health & Safety Compromised – The BBC reporter was given no practical training to ensure that she could deal with emergency situations whilst looking after the children. And the health and safety of the children was compromised on a number of occasions – the undercover BBC reporter discovered, for example, potential choking hazards in the sandpit at Just Learning (which she removed and disposed of), at Buttons nursery she found pieces of glass in the garden and witnessed maintenance work involving power tools being carried out whilst the children were in the same room. At Mark Warner, the BBC reporter was asked to accompany and supervise young children on a sailing trip without enough safety helmets for all the children, and take young children into the water without any assessment of her swimming ability. Also at the Mark Warner resort in Egypt, a room listening service designed to check on children every 30 minutes whilst their parents are out, was found to be inappropriate because the staff could only listen at the door – they couldn't see if the children were all right or go into the rooms. Indeed, a Mark Warner nanny told the BBC undercover journalist that before the journalist arrived in April 07, a girl under the age of five had escaped through the window of a room and was found wandering around the complex within metres of the pool. 
 
 No Training – None or negligible training was given to the undercover BBC reporter in any of her jobs. This is despite the fact that Mark Warner for example told her that she would receive training before starting the job.
 
 Illegal Working on Tourist Visas – Mark Warner employees at the resort were found working illegally on tourist visas because, according to one member of staff, Mark Warner are "too cheap to cough up and pay for [work] visas". 
 
 Infrequent Inspections – Ofsted fails to make frequent inspections of nurseries – with the Buttons nursery in west London having nearly four-and-a-half years between inspections. 
 
 Illegally Low Pay – BBC undercover journalist, Imogen Willcocks, earned £100 a week (about £2.50 an hour) whilst at Buttons nursery – well below the national minimum wage. Staff at Buttons nursery are discouraged from discussing their pay: the nursery manager told Imogen "a couple of months ago we called people out because they've been discussing wages. That's confidential you mustn't do that." 
 
Imogen's findings go some way towards understanding the Ofsted Whistleblower's comments in the programme: 
 
"Ofsted reports are not worth the paper that they're printed on."
 
"Anybody can approach Ofsted, talk a good talk and really become registered [as a childminder]."
 
"I've taken a great risk talking to you but I don't believe and many of my colleagues don't believe that we protect children anymore."
 
"Inspectors will go out to undertake an inspection and are literally skimming the surface. We are told consistently and constantly 'if you go in and you don't see a problem, don't look for one. Get in there, take a quick look and get out'. The number one priority for all inspectors is to meet their targets because if they don't then they are disciplined. So targets take priority over safeguarding of children."
 
The critical Ofsted report following the inspection of Just Learning in Cambourne that occurred after 10-month-old Georgia Hollick died accidentally at the nursery in April 2006 found serious problems there. There was no criticism of the nursery at the inquest. Documents obtained by the programme show that Ofsted took into account the consequences the closure of the nursery and disqualification from running it could have on the then Managing Director when considering what action they should take. The Managing Director at the time was Michael Fallon, Conservative MP for Sevenoaks, who remains on the Board of Just Learning.
 
Since filming, the Directors of Just Learning have written to parents announcing the closure of their Cambourne nursery following the Ofsted reports and the BBC's investigation and have admitted that the BBC has made them aware of "a serious breach of recruitment policy last year".
 

Members of the early learning forum can coment on the programme here
http://www.earlylearningforums.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=2092

NDNA RESPONDS TO NEWS OF ALLEGED UNACCEPTABLE PRACTICE SHOWN ON 'WHISTLEBLOWER' PROGRAMME
 

NDNA highlights that vast majority of nurseries work hard to exceed stringent Ofsted standards 
 

National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) has responded to the BBC ‘Whistleblower’ programme that alleged that unacceptable practice has taken place at the Just Learning nursery in Cambourne. 

Whilst recognising that the practices alleged to have been discovered by an undercover reporter at the nursery would be absolutely unacceptable in any childcare setting, NDNA highlighted that this is an isolated case and that it was important to remember that the vast majority of nurseries provide a very high standard of care.

Purnima Tanuku, Chief Executive of National Day Nurseries Association comments: “The allegations that are being made as part of the BBC’s Whistleblower programme are extremely serious. The National Standards which Ofsted inspect against are there to ensure children are safe and happy whilst at nursery and contravening any of these is unacceptable. Every child has the right to be cared for in an environment that meets their needs and ensures their well-being and safety. It is absolutely right action is taken against any childcare setting that does not meet the stringent minimum standards. The last Ofsted report for this particular nursery reflected how Ofsted demanded a strict course of improvement following finding of failings in childcare practice. Whilst we cannot comment specifically on the accusations against the nursery, we would like to highlight that staff references and Criminal Record Bureau checks must be carried out as standard by any nursery as it forms an essential part of child protection. Parents who want to understand more about this should refer to their parent’s handbook which explains more about an individual nursery’s policies and procedures, or speak to the nursery manager.” 

She continues: “Whilst we recognise the very serious nature of alleged incidents at this nursery, it is important to remember that this is a minority case. Nurseries work hard to ensure that they meet and go above the stringent standards set by Ofsted, and 96% if all nurseries are rated as outstanding, good or satisfactory. Parents who are concerned about any aspect of the quality of care and education can contact Ofsted who will make a full investigation into any complaint and take appropriate action. There are almost 15,000 day nurseries in the UK, looking after thousands of children in a caring environment. Whilst we do believe it is vital that any case of poor quality care is exposed and addressed, it is crucial that we do not let one case overshadow the excellent work happening in nurseries which are staffed by highly committed childcarers. NDNA would urge everyone to remember that this is an isolated case and if they have any concerns or queries to talk to their child’s nursery.” 
 

ABC LEARNING PUTS US BUSINESS and UK BUSY BEES VOUCHER BUSINESS UP FOR SALE

Stricken Australian childcare provider ABC Learning has appointed Morgan Stanley to help divest itself of 60% of its US Childcare operations and 100% of its UK Nursery Voucher business.

Eddy Groves Chief Executive said "The transaction we have announced today in the US and the proposed sale of our UK vouchers business will have no impact on our Australian and New Zealand business, which continues to perform well. The management team and I remain, as always, passionately committed to delivering the highest possible standards of early childhood education to many thousands of Australian and New Zealand children."
 
 

2. WEBSITE OF THE WEEK

Playgroup Network

Playgroup Network is a national educational charity which is committed to supporting its members with advice, news, training and insurance as well as access to other professional bodies in the growing field of early years care and education. The aim of the association is to enhance the development and education of children under statutory school age by encouraging parents and carers to understand and provide for the needs of their children through community groups

http://www.playgroup-network.org.uk/main.php3?page=home
 
 

3. UNDER5S DOWNLOAD CENTRE

DON'T FORGET - you can find 24 different plans in the Download Centre and  all of our planning is available to download today. 

Don't miss the fantastic Let's Sign signing resources. 

Childminders - if you are struggling with Birth to Three, take a look at the Birth to Three Planning Guidance. 

http://cnb-host4.clickandbuild.com/cnb/shop/under5s?op=catalogue-categories-null

EARLY LEARNING FORUMS 

Join Us ! 

To discuss early years issues. To find support and advice on early years education. To relax and chat amongst friends. Come on in and have a look... 

http://www.earlylearningforums.co.uk 

4. DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

The Scottish Learning Festival 2008 

The Scottish Learning Festival 2008 is proudly supported by HMIE and will take place on 24 and 25 September at the SECC and Clyde Auditorium in Glasgow. 

The Festival hosts a combination of energetic keynote addresses, expert-led spotlight sessions, over 150 seminars and Scotland's largest and only education exhibition, providing delegates with the following opportunities: 

a) professional development 
b) sharing skills and knowledge 
c) celebrating good practice 
d) investigating and experimenting with new products, services and technologies. 

The conference programme will be available in late April 2008.
 

SURE START SHOWS POSITIVE IMPACT ON LIVES OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES - BUT MINISTERS SAY MORE TO DO
 

Children behave better and are more independent if they live in areas with Sure Start Children's Centres, according to an independent evaluation report published today.

Other findings show that parents have more positive parenting skills and provide a better home learning environment for their children, helping prepare children to do well at school and make the most of their talents.
 

Speaking at the first ever National Conference for Children’s Centre leaders Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families Ed Balls welcomed the news that there are now almost 2,500 centres working with over 2 million children. But he acknowledged that there was more to do and pledged a package of measures to take the Sure Start work out into communities where it is needed most. 
 

The package includes: 
• An additional two outreach workers at each centre in the 1500 most disadvantaged areas, as part of the overall funding for children’s centres announced in August 2007 
• A review of practice on outreach work to clarify what makes good outreach work, with further training and development material and activities later this year
• £7m funding over the next 3 years to allow 5,000 practitioners to take up new training opportunities
• New guidance to help centres work with black and minority ethnic families 
 

Secretary of State for Children Ed Balls said: “Our new department and the Children’s Plan put families at the heart of everything we do – and Sure Start centres are the best way for us to help all families early on. Parents bring up children not the Government – and this research shows that Sure Start centres can help parents give their children the best start in life.
 

“I want to make sure all families can benefit – which is why we are putting in place a package of measures, backed up with funding and new outreach workers to reach out to the most disadvantaged families.”
 

The outreach workers will provide effective home visiting and other support that can make a real difference to families who cannot or choose not to access services, providing important information and access to services such as childcare and family support.
 

Also speaking at the conference Children’s Minister Beverley Hughes said: “This independent report shows that Sure Start is beginning to have real and demonstrable benefits for the lives of children and families, helping improve parenting and lay the foundations for children’s happiness, well being and future success.
 

“Sure Start was never an event. It is a journey – to transform local services for the under fives and their families. It is at the heart of our aspirations to give every child the best start, to reduce social inequality and end child poverty. These results are testimony to the commitment of all those working to bring alive the Sure Start vision and give us cause to be cautiously optimistic that Sure Start can make a real difference.”
 

Beverley Hughes also launched a new national network for Sure Start Children’s Centre leaders, a communications toolkit and a brochure with a summary of services offered by centres. 
 

The National Evaluation of Sure Start is based at the Institute for the Study of Children, Families & Social Issues, Birkbeck, University of London. The Executive Director, Professor Ted Melhuish said “We have found that the impact of Sure Start Centres has improved. This probably reflects the improvements in the quality of services being delivered, children’s greater exposure to the services and enhanced efforts to reach the most vulnerable.” 
 

Research Director of the evaluation, Professor Jay Belsky, added that “These latest findings indicate that Government has responded thoughtfully to previous evidence, using research to inform social policy.”
 

Bernadette Duffy, Manager of the Thomas Coram Sure Start Children’s Centre in Camden, said: “It is great to see that the evidence from national research is now showing the difference children’s centres can make. Over the last few years at Thomas Coram I think we have focused much more on what makes a real difference for children. The families who use the centre reflect our local community much more and most children have reached or exceeded expectations for their age when they leave us and transfer to primary school. For us it is about the centre provision complementing and supporting the home, it is about parents and practitioners working together to achieve the best for each and every child.”
 

In addition, the evaluation shows that the positive impacts of Sure Start extended across all population sub groups including workless households, lone parent and teenage parent families. This is a significant improvement on the previous 2005 interim NESS report which found evidence of varied experiences for different groups. 
 

The positive results are encouraging, given that other research shows that young children whose social development is enhanced, and whose family life is more nurturing and stimulating, perform better socially and academically as they grow up.
 

Sure Start is at the heart of the Government’s transformation of services for children and families and the development of a new national network of provision for the under fives. It is also a key plank of our commitment to eradicate child poverty, tackle head on the effects of deprivation and unlocking the talents and abilities of every single child.
 

Sure Start Local Programmes (SSLPs) were set up between 1999 and 2003 in the most disadvantaged areas of the country. From 2003 onwards the Government began to introduce a universal programme of Sure Start Children’s Centres, and by 2006 all SSLPs became children’s centres. 
 

There are now nearly 2,500 centres open, with almost two million families now benefiting from the range of services on offer. The core offer includes early learning and childcare, parenting advice, health services and help finding work or training. The Government is committed to having 3,500 children’s centres by 2010, one for every community, so that every child and family can benefit from the services on offer through Sure Start Children’s Centres. 
 

NDNA WELCOMES POSITIVE SURE START EVALUATION BUT HIGHLIGHTS INVOLVEMENT OF PVI SECTORS VITAL TO CONTINUED SUCCESS OF INITIATIVE
 

NDNA welcomes new report but says long-term direct investment vital to continued success 
 

National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) today welcomed the positive evaluation of Sure Start and the recognition of the impact it is having upon families but highlighted that the continued involvement of the PVI sector would be essential to the success of children's centres.

Responding to the latest report 'The Impact of Sure Start Local Programmes on Three Year Olds and Their Families,' NDNA welcomed how the programme is supporting children get the best start in life but warned that a commitment to long-term investment is essential.

Purnima Tanuku, Chief Executive of NDNA comments: "NDNA welcomes the recognition of how Sure Start is making a real contribution to families. The evidence demonstrates how the programme is positively supporting children's behaviour, independence and health. Childcare and other services provided as part of Sure Start can also help parents, for example by supporting them in providing a better home learning environment. However, for these benefits to continue for years to come NDNA believes that it is essential that the private, voluntary and independent sectors play a full role in the delivery of childcare as part of Sure Start Children Centres. Already, 57% of childcare provision in the most disadvantaged areas is delivered by the PVI sector but longer term direct investment is required so that these services can continue at an affordable price for parents as costs rise."

She continues: "In addition, whilst we welcome the investment in outreach workers which will help ensure that the programme can engage with new groups, it is essential that the Government makes a commitment to continuing with this so the programme can continue to support new families. Initiatives such as home visiting are effective, but costly, so it is important that investment is made to cover the costs of this. We also hope that the Government will showcase examples of good practice from the PVI sectors as part of the planned training materials, as many are already supporting the Sure Start programme and making a positive difference to the lives of children and families. We look forward to further reports highlighting the contribution Sure Start is making to the groups who will benefit the very most and seeing the PVI sectors playing an increasing role in effective delivery of the programme."  
 

6. INTERNATIONAL NEWS

USA

Partnering for preschool: A study of center directors in New Jersey's mixed-delivery Abbott program

Since 1999, New Jersey’s court-ordered Abbott Preschool Program has provided publicly funded early education services in a mixed-delivery system of private child care centers, Head Start centers, and public schools. It has sought to place preschool teachers on an equal footing with K-12 teachers in terms of pay and qualifications, and its system of “wrap-around” care has extended part-time preschool to a 10-hour-per-day, year-round program. Private child care and Head Start directors, along with public school administrators, have borne front-line responsibility for implementing this ambitious educational reform. Through 30-minute interviews with 98 private child care and Head Start directors in 16 of the state’s 31 Abbott school districts in February-May 2007, this study has compiled first hand accounts of this experience and suggestions for improving the program. 

All directors identified positive contributions of the Abbott Program to their centers. As most had hoped, Abbott enabled many children in need to have access to more and better services. Three interwoven features of the program enabled them to transform their centers: support for staff, stable and sufficient funding for materials and operations, and resources to offer comprehensive services to children and families.

The full report can be read here

http://www.irle.berkeley.edu/cscce/pdf/partnering_preschool_report08.pdf
 
 

Children Who Do Not Get Enough Sleep Sustain More Injuries

Lack of adequate sleep can lead to increased injuries among preschool children, new research shows. This study published in Public Health Nursing shows that the average number of injuries during the preschool years is two times higher for children who don't get enough sleep each day. 
 

Each year approximately 20-25 percent of all children in the United States sustain injuries that require medical attention. Childhood injury is one of the 10 Leading Health Indicators being tracked over the next 10 years by the U.S. Public Health Service. 

Christina Koulouglioti, Ph.D., R.N., and colleagues, Dr R.Cole & Dr H.Kitzman, of the University of Rochester School of Nursing collected data from nearly 300 mothers and their preschool children over the course of 2 ½ years. Mothers reported on their child’s sleep, and data on injuries were collected through self-report and medical records. The study was funded by the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. 

The study found a direct negative relationship between children’s sleep and injuries. Children who get an adequate amount of sleep sustain fewer injuries. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that children three to six years of age get 11 hours or more of sleep a day.

The increased risk of injuries associated with inadequate sleep was significant even after taking into account factors including maternal age, education, and the child’s temperament. The ethnic and socioeconomic diversity of participants shows the relevancy of this issue across different backgrounds.

“The results of our study have significant implications for the prevention of injuries,” Koulouglioti concludes. “The findings provide additional support for the essential role of poor sleep as a risk factor for injuries among preschool children.”
 

AUSTRALIA

Toddlers' Intake Exceeds Energy Needs

Australian toddlers are consuming more energy than they need, putting them at risk of overweight and obesity, according to new research in Nutrition & Dietetics published by Wiley-Blackwell.

Researcher Dr Karen Webb said the 16 to 24 month old children consumed on average 10 per cent more kilojoules than their estimated energy requirement. She said small, ongoing excesses in energy intake could lead to overweight or obesity in the long-term. 

‘Our study provides preliminary data on the eating habits of young children. The results could be used to help develop dietary guidance for young children, and to help plan early intervention to prevent childhood obesity,’ said Dr Webb. 

Dr Webb and colleagues surveyed the diets of 429 Australian toddlers and compared their energy and nutrient intakes to Australian nutrient reference values. The study is the first to look at the dietary intake of very young Australian children.

The toddlers’ diets were generally adequate, with at least 90 per cent meeting their estimated average requirement for the majority of vitamins and minerals. But intakes of iron, dietary fibre and vitamin C were low in comparison with reference standards, while sodium intakes were too high.

‘These young children are still drinking a relatively large amount of milk in this transitional diet phase and this mixed milk and solid food diet generally provides all the nutrients needed for this age. But the variety of solid foods consumed was rather narrow and not always the healthiest,’ said Dr Webb. 

She recommended parents encourage variety by offering children wholegrain breads and cereals, lean meat and plenty of fruit and vegetables.

Claire Hewat, Executive Director of the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA), said early childhood was a critical time for growth, development and establishing lifelong eating habits. 

But she said Australia lacked an official dietary selection guide for very young children. 

‘As part of DAAs comprehensive obesity strategy, we are calling on the government to develop national nutrition guidelines for children below five years. And these need to be applied to early childhood services, such as pre-schools and day care centres,’ said Ms Hewat. 
 
 

7. MORE EDUCATIONAL SITES 

For more educational sites visit 

Sites for Teachers 

http://www.sitesforteachers.com/perl/rankem.pcgi?id=under5s
 

Kind regards 
 

The Under5s Team 
Http://www.under5s.co.uk