Ask anybody who worked in Early Years through the pandemic if they have noticed a difference in the speech and language abilities of the children and you will hear a resounding yes. Amongst the many pieces of research being undertaken since the hight of the pandemic, the one that alarms me the most is concerning the state of children’s speech which, according to a survey by ICAN (now Speech and Language UK) in 2021, has impacted over 1.5 million children of all ages.I think we can agree that the lockdowns had a huge impact on the way children socialised, and this social isolation (if you will) has had a huge…

Many of you who follow me here and on my other social media outlets will know that I have recently lost my Mum to cancer. As I’m sure you’ll understand, this has been devastating, particularly as I live many hundreds of miles away from my parents.However, I didn’t want to focus on the negative aspect of losing my Mum, but rather celebrate her influence in my pedagogy of play. Growing up my mum was my constant companion (I’m an only child) but rather than send me to my room to play, she would co-play with me. She introduced me to play dough and messy play and encouraged my imagination. With…

Join me on December 14th at 7pm for the Men in Early Childhood Education Webinar, where we’ll challenge the notion that ‘play’ is a dirty word in early childhood education. In this presentation, we’ll explore the vital role play serves in a child’s development, debunking misconceptions and shedding light on the profound impact it has on cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Let’s reimagine early education together and embrace the power of play as a cornerstone for building a strong foundation in our children’s lives.

Introduction In the realm of early years care and education, where curricula are meticulously crafted, standards are set, and assessments are designed, there’s a fundamental element that often gets overlooked—the heartbeat of a child. Beyond the forced learning plans, there exists an intrinsic, pulsating rhythm that is the true curriculum of a child’s education. In exploring this metaphorical heartbeat, we uncover a profound connection between the emotional, social, and intellectual aspects of a child’s development. The Emotional Symphony If the heartbeat is the rhythm, then emotions are the melody of a child’s educational journey. Emotional intelligence is an invaluable facet of learning that often takes a backseat to academic achievement.…

Introduction In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s easy for young children to become disconnected from the natural world that surrounds them. Preschoolers are often engrossed in screens, indoor play, and structured activities. But the call to “rewild the child” urges parents, educators, and caregivers to take a step back and consider the profound importance of immersing preschool children in nature. In this article, we will explore the benefits of reconnecting children with the great outdoors and discuss how this connection can positively impact their physical, emotional, and cognitive development. The Disconnection Dilemma Before delving into the benefits of nature immersion, it’s essential to acknowledge the modern challenges that have led…

With schools in Scotland currently on their summer break, this got me thinking back to my time in settings where the emphasis was on the perceived need for ‘school readiness’ and how we should deviate from our usual diet of play opportunities for those children about to transition, but is that right?With many more years in the sector under my belt, I know that play is paramount to the secure development of preschool children, as it encompasses a wide range of activities that support their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. In Scotland, “Realising the Ambition” emphasises play-based learning as a fundamental approach in early childhood education (Scottish Government, 2020).…

I was recently asked by the lovely Elly Roberts, editor of Early Years Educator Magazine, to write a thought provoking letter for publication. I chose to focus on the word play and how we are sometimes hesitant to use this word when describing what we do in Early Years. You can read my letter by clicking the EYE logo below.

As you know, normally I’m the one asking the questions. However when I spoke to the lovely Vanessa Dooley for a recent episode of circle time, I was asked to talk to Vanessa for her own podcast, “Are you ready for your inspection?” Don’t forget, you can find out more about what Jigsaw have to offer (as well as more podcasts) on their website at www.jigsawearlyyearsconsultancy.com/

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not going all bah humbug on you, I do love Christmas (my tree went up on the 27th November if you must know!) However, I’ve been talking to colleagues this week and we’ve all been commenting on how the children seem more fractious and behaviour is more challenging than usual. December is upon us! Maybe it’s because I found Mine Conkbayir’s “Introduction to Neuroscience” course absolutely fascinating, and a real benefit to my practice, but I’m able to understand better what is happening to my children – sensory overload. Stop and think about it for a moment, we are being constantly bombarded by messages…