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| home> newsletter archive 2008 > under5s newsletter no.02 |
| under5s - under5s newsletter no.02 |
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| Under5s Newsletter No.02 |
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This week 1. Did you know
1. DID YOU KNOW Free training for early years practitioners Supporting parents' engagement in their children's learning is an effective way to make a difference to children's lives and outcomes, and PEAL (Parents, Early Years and Learning) training and resource materials have been produced to assist practitioners as they offer this support. There has been a very positive response to the training, which is underway across England as part of the Government's Early Learning Partnerships project. The DCSF is funding training costs for children's centre staff, childminders, and private and voluntary sector practitioners in day nurseries and playgroups for courses undertaken before 31 March 2008. At the time of writing, 7 January 2008, there are still some places left in some areas of the country. Funding also covers the costs of trainees achieving a national qualification in parental support for young children's learning, and the training is additionally being delivered to local authority advisers as part of the Parents as Partners in Early Learning Programme. In addition to PEAL, the DCSF is also funding 15 sub-contracted organisations to deliver complementary training to encourage parental support in young children's learning, again available for free until the end of March 2008. This training is under way across England and the majority of it is accredited. There are still some places available at the time of writing. Peal website
MAKE 2008 YOUR NATIONAL YEAR OF READING
Ed Balls joined the Prime Minister, children,
writers, and reading champions at 10 Downing Street today to launch the
National Year of Reading. He called for every employer, school, library,
college and local authority to get involved and sign up to the National
Year of Reading by logging on to the National Year of Reading website at
http://www.yearofreading.org.uk
. Anyone can sign up to the National Year of Reading website for information on local activities. . But there are also plenty of easy steps that anyone can take right now. Employers can make their work place more reader-friendly by turning their old smoking rooms into mini-libraries and arranging places for quiet reading. . Parents can spend ten minutes a day reading with their children. Adults can join their local library or a reading group, or start reading a newspaper or magazine on the way to work. The 2008 National Year of Reading is a year-long celebration of reading, in all its forms. It will help to build a greater national passion for reading - for children, families and adult learners alike. The Year will encourage people to read in businesses, homes, and communities around the country, providing new opportunities to read and helping people to access help and support through schools and libraries. Campaigns and activities throughout the year will inspire everyone to read more, with a focus on reluctant readers, those with low confidence, and boys and dads. 146 local reading coordinators in local authorities across England will work with local education, community, library and leisure services, businesses and the media to deliver National Year of Reading campaigns and activity for their local communities. Children from City of London Academy and Loxford School of Science and Technology created 'reading corners' with beanbags and cushions at Downing Street. Having a quiet, comfortable place to read is important in helping anyone to develop a love of reading. Ed Balls said: "I want every school, college, library and employer to pledge to join in with the Year of Reading by signing up online. If local communities, authors, broadcasters, celebrities and employers come on board we can really bring about a long-term change in the nation's attitudes to reading. "Books are at the heart of the Year's activities but all reading 'counts'. Newspapers, magazines, poetry, song lyrics, screenplays and blogs will all feature as part of the Year's activities. "There has been a huge amount of attention recently on reading at school, and rightly so. Every child must be able to read and write confidently; that is one of the highest priorities of this government. We are investing in high-quality phonics materials, free books for babies and children, catch-up support and small group tuition to help everybody achieve that goal. "But the National Year of Reading is about much more than children's achievement at school. It is about the potential of reading to open doors. "We need children, adults, and families to be reading because they love it and appreciate the opportunities that reading brings - not because people like me say it's important. And it's never too late to improve your reading skills. "We're at an important point in the history of reading. Changes in technology are redefining the way that we read, write and communicate, and opening up the world of words to new audiences. Anyone can be an author, publisher or critic online, as well as a reader. But at the same time we're seeing huge interest in traditional forms of reading, with the help of publishing phenomena like Harry Potter which are rekindling young people's love of books." NDNA ANNOUNCES SCOTTISH NURSERIES TO
RECEIVE INCREASED SUPPORT
New Development Officer will support Scottish
day nurseries to build networks
National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA)
has announced that member nurseries in Scotland are to receive increased
support through the appointment of a part-time Development Officer who
will help build networks to share information, advice and good practice.
Made possible with a donation of funds
from the former Scottish Independent Nurseries Association (SINA), NDNA
is currently recruiting a Development Officer for an initial one year post.
A new development for NDNA Scotland, the Development Officer will help
create networks for day nurseries throughout Scotland to encourage representation
and communication with local authorities and offer nurseries opportunities
for mutual support.
In addition, the new post-holder will offer
information and support to member day nurseries and provide another route
for the feedback of ideas and issues to NDNA nationally. The officer will
also work with local authorities to encourage the sharing of information,
good business practice, membership and highlight the issues day nurseries
face.
Purnima Tanuku, Chief Executive of NDNA
comments: "We are delighted that this support means we will have someone
who is 'on the ground' for our Scottish members. Recently, we have worked
to strengthen the voice of members in Scotland and in addition to a range
of support, we now have both a policy committee and representation on our
Board. Now, this appointment will ensure that Scottish members are supported
in creating local networks that will help them run their businesses more
effectively, as well as offering a vital way for the views of day nurseries
to be represented at a local and national level. Although this post is
initially for one year, we are looking to build our Scottish infrastructure
and secure further funding."
Jacqui Drinkwater, owner of the Corner
House Day Nursery in Edinburgh and the NDNA National Chair for Scotland
adds: "NDNA has been working to build support for members in Scotland,
and I am pleased that these funds will ensure that there is a physical
presence in Scotland for members. As National Chair for Scotland, I believe
that the creation and support for networks will be a key way for us to
ensure that the views of members are heard at all levels, and the appointment
of the Development Officer will also be a great way to strengthen local
support and representation. Speaking on behalf of members in Scotland,
I am sure that the new person will be warmly welcomed and we look forward
to seeing the Development Officer coming into post."
NCB INITIATIVE WINS LOTTERY FUNDING The National Children's Bureau (NCB) has been awarded £161,491 to develop better activities and approaches to play for the benefit of young children whose parents are in custody through its two-year Locked in Play initiative. The project will work in partnership with staff in prisons to develop new play programmes, provide training for prison staff and improve play facilities. Initially the project will be located in four secure settings across England, with a view to expanding to other areas in the future. Jo Butcher, Assistant Director of Well-Being
at NCB, explains: 'Some 150,000 children each year are affected by the
imprisonment of a parent. Relationships between young parents in custody
and their children are often fragile and play is essential to promoting
positive health and well-being, enabling both parent and child to bond
and explore, and have fun together.'
2. WEBSITE OF THE WEEK Year of Reading The 2008 National Year of Reading is a
year-long celebration of reading, in all its forms. It will help to build
a greater national passion for reading – for children, families and adult
learners alike
http://www.yearofreading.org.uk/index.php?id=1
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 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 Care for the Family Playtime Parent and Toddler Conference (South) 10/05/2008 Feedback from delegates in previous years has been outstanding. Seminars for this year include:
First ticket £15, subsequent tickets in booking £10 each. Location: Milton Baptist Church
http://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/playtime
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| 5. NEWS
FUNDING ANNOUNCED TO HELP IMPROVE CHILDREN'S
SPEAKING AND LISTENING SKILLS
Two hundred children in Wales will have
help to improve their speaking and listening skills, as part of a new partnership
launched by the National Childminding Association (NCMA). The Welsh Assembly
Government has awarded Capacity Building Funding to support the new partnership
project between NCMA and Elizabeth Jarman Ltd, who are specialists in developing
effective learning environments.
The project, "Communication Friendly Spaces
in the home environment" will include the delivery of a customised training
and development programme by Elizabeth Jarman and her team for 10 Network
Coordinators and 50 registered childminders within approved Children Come
First networks in Wales.
Catrin Fletcher, NCMA's Director, Wales said: "NCMA in Wales is very excited to be working
in partnership with Elizabeth Jarman Ltd with funding from the Welsh Assembly
Government.
"NCMA knows that communication is a crucial
area of child development, and a recent survey by the charity I CAN suggested
that too many children across the UK are starting school without the vital
communication and linguistic skills they need to be effective learners.
"We are keen to ensure that registered
childminders in Wales continue to be involved in improving outcomes for
children and are provided with continuous opportunities to develop their
practice. Registered childminders provide a unique childcare setting within
their own home, and the programme will be a useful tool in supporting the
development of communication and language skills."
The project will raise awareness of the
importance of the learning environment through:
A customised training and development programme, designed to deepen understanding of the impact that the physical environment can have on children's speaking and listening skills and demonstrate what this means specifically for the home context. Training ten Network Childminders in Communication Friendly Spaces and its development programme for a local level. Training 50 registered childminders. A bilingual photographic exhibition to
raise awareness of the impact of the environment on children's development.
Elizabeth Jarman, developing the project, said: "The award from the Welsh Assembly Government
acknowledges the significant impact that the physical environment can have
on children's language development. It's essential to raise awareness of
this so that practitioners can develop spaces that effectively nurture
and support children's language skills. A bilingual photographic exhibition,
to be held in Wales this year, will celebrate the achievement of practitioners
involved in this project. We are delighted to be contributing to this exciting
piece of work."
The intended future roll-out of the Communication Friendly Spaces programme will help local authorities to achieve targets on improving speaking and listening skills and demonstrate to families how to use their home environments to support their own children's language skills. SPORTING HEROES PLEDGE THEIR SUPPORT
TO HEALTHY BODY, HAPPY ME CAMPAIGN
Colin Jackson CBE and Linford Christie
OBE support importance of healthy lifestyles for children
National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA)
has announced that two high profile sporting stars have pledged their support
to its healthy body, happy me campaign which aims to ensure that children
have the 'energy for play, learning and fun.' NDNA also revealed that the
2008 official week for the campaign will be taking place between 10-14
March.
Sports stars Colin Jackson CBE and Linford
Christie OBE have both added their own endorsement to the campaign, which
encourages nurseries to help children discover the benefits of healthy
lifestyles through a programme of healthy fun activities and menus.
Launched in 2007, hundreds of NDNA member
nurseries pledged their support and held themed events during the official
week to celebrate their commitment. Bigger and better than ever in 2008,
there are five new themed days for nurseries to participate in and promote
to parents, MPs, councillors and the wider community how they support parents
in ensuring that children learn good habits from an early age, including
the benefits of nutritious meals and exercise.
This year, all NDNA member nurseries will
receive a support pack full of activity ideas, a wall chart, seeds and
balloons to help them enjoy a successful themed week. Nurseries can opt
for as many or as few of the themed days as they like, and by registering
their support members with NDNA will receive extra resources electronically
and be entered into a competition to receive a cooking session with award
winning nutritionist Ady Delaney from Eatright UK.
Linford Christie OBE comments: "I believe
strongly that an active lifestyle is an important part of staying happy
and healthy. If children can be encouraged to enjoy sports from an early
age, then it is likely that they will continue to make the right choices
as they get older. I fully support this campaign which aims to ensure that
all children have the energy for play, learning and fun by promoting the
importance of healthy lifestyles."
Colin Jackson CBE says: "Childhood obesity
is a major concern in the UK, so it's vital that initiatives such as 'healthy
body, happy me' exist to promote the importance of an active childhood.
I believe that it is important to introduce children to a healthy lifestyle
as early as possible, as this will have a positive effect on their future."
Purnima Tanuku, Chief Executive of NDNA
concludes: "Day nurseries play such a vital role in helping children discover
the benefits of healthy choices, and we are delighted that this has been
recognised by two sporting role models. The packs we will be sending, which
include lots of resources including seeds for the seed to snack day and
display materials, should really help our members get fully involved in
the campaign. This is a real opportunity for day nurseries to highlight
the fantastic work that they do in this area, and we look forward to hearing
about the fun events that our members have hosted for children, parents
and the local community."
The five themed days that nurseries can
choose from are:
· Monday: time to get active - supported by Yoga4 Nurseries · Tuesday: Stop the Rot day with Oral-B Stages · Wednesday: Big Breakfast day · Thursday: from Seed to Snack day supported by Eatright UK ·
Friday: let's make some noise day supported by The Bongo Club
CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND LEADS WITH MAJOR INTERNATIONAL ARTS PROGRAMME IN 2008 Children in Scotland will be taking the lead on the arts with a major international programme planned for 2008. The programme, Picture this ... Young children and the arts, will be launched with the publication in March of Children in Europe issue 14, which is published in 12 languages across 14 countries. The new issue of the magazine will examine the variety of ways the arts are used in learning, social and emotional development and communication, and in promoting inclusion. This will be followed by an event at the Edinburgh International Book Festival in August, and a children's art competition held across Scotland, Ireland and other partner countries. The programme will culminate in December
2008 with a major
Bronwen Cohen, chief executive of Children in Scotland, highlighted the importance of the arts in children's lives. She said: "The arts can enrich and transform the lives of children and contribute to lifelong creativity and wellbeing. They play a crucial role in social inclusion, bringing generations together, and in the form of art therapy for children. And we should not forget the contribution of the arts workforce in Scotland and across Europe - there is an interest in the role the arts plays in every children's service." The arts programme will be supported by the Scottish Arts Council, Learning Teaching Scotland, and local authorities including Glasgow, Stirling and Edinburgh. Joan Parr, head of education at the Scottish Arts Council, said: "We are currently exploring ways of fulfilling the potential of every young person in Scotland; nurturing the creativity of young people is central to that process. We look forward to working with Children in Scotland to create a forum for international debate and sharing of best practice in the crucially important area of arts provision for young people." Bernard McLeary, chief executive of Learning and Teaching Scotland, said: "This programme of events will bring together professionals from a range of organisations to share their experiences and best practice currently on-going in Scotland, and offer opportunities for collaboration to develop our children's experiences of the arts." Bronwen Cohen added: "Our arts programme for 2008 will be informed by the moments in children's lives where they engage with the arts - moments which can be very significant for children, supporting their ability to deal with less happy experiences and helping to build resilience." Children in Scotland is asking families
to contribute to the arts
For more information visit
6. INTERNATIONAL NEWS USA FAMILY FACTORS CRITICAL TO CLOSING ACHIEVEMENT GAP Gaps in the critical home conditions and experiences of young children mirror achievement gaps that begin early in life and persist through high school, according to a new report from ETS. The report has been endorsed by the National Urban League and both organizations call on leaders and policymakers to improve not only schools, but also home and family conditions, to help all students succeed. The Family: America's Smallest School examines the family and home experiences that influence children's learning. Factors include single parent families, poverty and resources, parents talking and reading to children, quality day care, and parental involvement in school. The report was written by Paul E. Barton and Richard J. Coley of ETS's Policy Information Center. It includes a preface and endorsement by Marc H. Morial, president of the National Urban League. "When parents, teachers and schools work together to support learning, students do better in school and stay in school longer," says Barton. "Our analysis shows that factors like single-parent families, parents reading to children, hours spent watching television and school absences, when combined, account for about two-thirds of the large differences among states in National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reading scores." Findings in the report show that: Thirty-two percent of U.S. children live in single-parent homes, up from 23% in 1980. Thirty-three percent of children live in families in which no parent has a full-time, year-round job. By age 4, children of professional families hear 35 million more words than children of parents on welfare. Half of the nation's two-year-olds are in some kind of regular day care. Seventy-five percent are in center-based day care rated of medium- or low-quality. A comparison of eighth-graders in 45 countries found that U.S. students spend less time reading books for enjoyment - and more time watching television and videos -than students in many other countries. "It's understandable that education reform efforts would focus on improving schools," says Coley. "In the broader arena of public policy, however, we will have to go far beyond this focus if we hope to significantly improve student learning and reduce the achievement gap. If we are to improve America's academic standing within the global community, and close our all-too-persistent achievement gaps, we must help assure nurturing home environments and supportive, encouraging family lives for all students." Other highlights from the report include: Forty-four percent of births to women under 30 are out-of-wedlock. Nationally, 11 percent of all households are "food insecure." The rate for female-headed households is triple the rate for married families. Sixty-two percent of high SES kindergartners are read to every day by their parents, compared to 36 percent of kindergartners from low SES groups. One in five students misses three days or more of school a month. The United States ranked 25th of 45 countries in students' school attendance. "The important educational role of parents is often overlooked in our local, state, and national discussions about raising student achievement and closing achievement gaps," notes Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, former president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and former mayor of New Orleans. "This report supports the League's Blueprint for Economic Equality - the Opportunity for Children to Thrive. In this guiding principle, we assert that every child in America deserves to live a life free of poverty that includes a safe home environment, adequate nutrition, and affordable quality health care. We further assert that every child in America deserves a quality education that will prepare them to compete in an increasingly global marketplace." Download the full report, "The Family: America's Smallest School," for free at http://www.ets.org/familyreport. AUSTRALIA REGIONAL VICTORIA A WINNER IN $38M EARLY CHILDHOOD PLAN Twenty-six rural and regional local government areas have been identified as priority locations for new children centres under a $38 million boost to Victoria's early childhood services, the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development, Maxine Morand, said today. They are Southern Grampians, Wangaratta, Baw Baw, Horsham, Campaspe, Indigo, Greater Geelong, Wyndham, Corangamite, Wodonga, Central Goldfields, West Wimmera, Pyrenees, East Gippsland, Swan Hill, Mount Alexander, Moyne, Hepburn, Bass Coast, Towong, Benalla, Mansfield, Colac-Otway, Mildura, Loddon and Moorabool. The children centres, to be built in partnership with local councils, schools and community organisations, will deliver a range of early childhood services, including childcare, kindergarten, maternal child health and early intervention services in one convenient building. Ms Morand said under the plan, rural and regional kindergartens can also now apply for grants of between $5,000 to $100,000 for upgrades and refurbishments. "Victoria is experiencing the biggest baby boom in 35 years - which is why investment in quality early childhood services and infrastructure is so important," Ms Morand said. "Last financial year, there were 70,158 births recorded across Victoria, a 10 per cent increase from 2004-05. "At the same time, new parents are returning to work earlier than before, so we have to better plan early childhood services to help families maintain work and life balance." Guidelines for the Children's Capital Program, launched by the Premier, John Brumby, today (19/12/07) outlined funding over four years as follows; · $20 million in grants of up to
$500,000 to build at least 40 children centres
The funding (detailed above) includes $5 million in grants for up to 5 councils to redevelop local early childhood services. In these cases, funding to build a centre will be conditional on developing an approved plan to streamline services. Ms Morand urged rural councils, community organisation and schools to apply for children's centre grants. Priority funding will be given for children centres built near or on school sites. She said co-locating children's centres with schools had great benefits for a child's development. "Investing in early childhood services will have life-long benefits for children and their families," she said. "Integrated services provide the best opportunity to ensure a smooth transition to school." The Brumby Government has previously delivered more than $23 million to help fund 55 integrated children centres across the State - including 23 in regional and rural Victoria. Ms Morand also urged community based kindergartens and child care centres to apply for refurbishment grants. She said applications for the first of four rounds of new funding were now open. Grant applications for children centres, council redevelopments and kindergarten and childcare renovation and refurbishments close on Friday, 4 April next year. Applications for minor capital grants close on Thursday 24 April next year. Application guidelines and grants forms are at: 7. INTERNATIONAL EVENTS USA Hawaii May 20 - 23, 2008 Working Forum on Men in Early Childhood Education The Working Forum on Men in Early Childhood Education reflects the global surge of interest in changing roles for men and women in the care and education of young children. The Working Forum on Men in Early Childhood Education creates a global meeting place where women and men from many cultures and nations will reflect on the value of gender balance in ECE, the benefits and barriers to men's full participation, and identification of actions to promote this important issue worldwide. http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/wf/projects/men_ece/index.php 8. 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
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