Review of 2011

So what were the most important developments and reports in the childcare / education sectors in 2011? If you missed any, read on to find out...<br /><br />Probably the most significant event of the year was the publication in March of the <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.education.gov.uk/tickellreview" target="_blank">Tickell Review of the Early Years Foundation Stage</a>, which has implications for all early years practitioners. Among the report's many points were recommendations to cut the number of Early Learning Goals from 69 to 17, and a change in focus to three 'prime' areas of learning. A simple guide to the proposals is available by <a href="http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/news/rss/1063538/EYFS-REVIEW---handy-guide-proposals/" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.<br /><br />Other major government projects included the publication in May of the <a href="http://www.education.gov.uk/munroreview/" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Munro Review of Child Protection</span></a>, which investigated procedures for safeguarding children and the role of social workers, and the <a href="http://www.education.gov.uk/nutbrownreview" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Nutbrown Review</span></a>, which is currently ongoing and is examining qualifications and career pathways in the foundation years - its final report is due next year. Those with an interest in special educational needs will have found the <a href="https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/Green-Paper-SEN.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Support and Aspiration</span></a> green paper which was published in March of great interest.<br /><br />Annual reports from well known organisations are also a handy way of gauging current issues surrounding the sector. Some of the most useful ones from this year include the <a href="https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/OSR17-2011-Main%20report.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Childcare and Early Years Providers Survey</span></a>, the <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/annualreport1011" target="_blank">Ofsted Annual Report</a>, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's <a href="http://www.jrf.org.uk/sites/files/jrf/poverty-social-exclusion-assessment-full.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion</span></a>, and the <a href="http://www.crae.org.uk/assets/files/CRAE%20State%20of%20childrens%20rights%20Dec%202011.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">State of Children's Rights in England 2011</span></a>. For a more international flavour, try looking at the OECD's <a href="http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/61/2/48631582.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Education At A Glance 2011</span></a>, or UNICEF's <a href="http://www.unicef.org.uk/Documents/Publication-pdfs/sowc2011.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">State of the World's Children 2011</span></a>.<br /><br />Picking out individual publications from the hundreds that come out every year is always difficult, but some of the ones that seem particularly relevant to readers of this site include the recent <a href="http://www.centreformodernfamily.com/Portals/0/Images/pdfs/SW_Report_Family_SP.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Family: Helping to Understand the Modern British Family</span></a>, and the Institute for Fiscal Studies' <a href="http://www.ifs.org.uk/bns/bn122.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Does When You Are Born Matter?</span></a> which examines the claim that summer born children face an educational disadvantage. While <a href="http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/0/28/48980282.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Investing in High-Quality Early Childhood Education and Care</span></a> is a brief report from the OECD which highlights evidence that points to the benefits of providing support for children from a young age.<br /><br />And some other miscellaneous stuff... Teachers TV was axed this year, although its full archive is available for free from the <a href="http://www.teachersmedia.co.uk/" target="_blank">Teachers Media</a> site. The <a href="http://dera.ioe.ac.uk/" target="_blank">Digital Education Resource Archive</a> (DERA) was launched, and provides full access to a growing number of educational reports published by government departments over the last 17 years. <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b011vnls" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Poor Kids</span></a> and <a href="http://www.channel4.com/programmes/educating-essex" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Educating Essex</span></a> were two TV programmes which dealt with different aspects of childhood, and are well worth watching if they get repeated in the future. And closer to home, one of the most popular posts on this site this year turned out to be one about <a href="http://bcftcschildhoodeducation.blogspot.com/2011/02/childrens-songs.html" target="_blank">children's songs</a>... hardly 'academic', but quite interesting...<br /><br />At the start of 2011, <span style="font-style: italic;">Nursery World</span> published an article outlining professionals' <a href="http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/news/rss/1047720/Analysis-Early-Years-Sector-2011-Hopes-fears/" target="_blank">hopes and fears for the childcare sector in 2011</a> - how far do you think these have been met? And what are the challenges for 2012? The Social Market Foundation's recent report <a href="http://www.smf.co.uk/assets/files/publications/SMF%20The%20Parent%20Trap.PDF" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Parent Trap</span></a> outlines some of the issues facing the sector over the next 5 years.<br /><br />If I've missed anything, feel free to share it with other site users by leaving a comment underneath this post, otherwise that's your lot for this year. Get in the festive mood by enjoying the video below, in which veteran music legend Bob Dylan dances in a red hat and gets excited about his impending visit from Santa. Maybe he's just a big kid too...<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/a8qE6WQmNus" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="284" width="504"></iframe>

Review of 2011

So what were the most important developments and reports in the childcare / education sectors in 2011? If you missed any, read on to find ou...

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An Introduction to Child Protection Legislation in the UK

I'm a couple of months behind with this one, but better late than never... In October the <a href="http://www.nspcc.org.uk/" target="_blank">NSPCC</a> published <span style="font-style: italic;">An Introduction to Child Protection Legislation in the UK</span>. This is a 13 page guide to all of the major parliamentary Acts covering child protection, providing brief, simple overviews of each one, and also helping to put them into context with supplementary information. As an introduction to this complicated subject, it should be very useful.<br /><br />To read the guide in full, <a href="http://www.nspcc.org.uk/inform/research/questions/child_protection_legislation_in_the_uk_pdf_wdf48953.pdf" target="_blank">click here</a>.

An Introduction to Child Protection Legislation in the UK

I'm a couple of months behind with this one, but better late than never... In October the NSPCC published An Introduction to Child Prot...

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On Your Marks

The <a href="http://www.resolutionfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Resolution Foundation</a> has just published a new report entitled <span style="font-style: italic;">On Your Marks: Measuring the</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> School Readiness of Children in Low-to-Middle Income Families</span>. The rationale for this research is explained in <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/joepublic/2011/dec/14/low-to-middle-income-families-help" target="_blank">this article</a> by one of the Foundation's directors. To view the full report, <a href="http://www.resolutionfoundation.org/media/media/downloads/On_your_marks.pdf" target="_blank">click here</a>.

On Your Marks

The Resolution Foundation has just published a new report entitled On Your Marks: Measuring the School Readiness of Children in Low-to-Mid...

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Children's Centres & Needy Families

The <a href="http://www.nfer.ac.uk/" target="_blank">NFER</a> has just published <span class="title"><a href="http://www.nfer.ac.uk/nfer/publications/LGTC01/LGTC01.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Targeting Children's Centre Services on the Most Needy Families</span></a>. This report </span>explains how local authority and children’s centre staff are defining, identifying and prioritising families in greatest need of support, and the practical implications of targeting for local authorities, for children’s centres and for policy.

Children's Centres & Needy Families

The NFER has just published Targeting Children's Centre Services on the Most Needy Families . This report explains how local authority ...

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State of Children’s Rights in England 2011

Today the <a href="http://www.crae.org.uk/" target="_blank">Children's Rights Alliance for England</a> has published its annual <span style="font-style: italic;">State of Children’s Rights in England </span>report. This year's edition marks the 20th anniversary of the UK ratifying the UN Conention on the Rights of the Child, and reviews how the government has performed in terms of acting on UN recommendations to strengthen children's rights. The main points are summarised in <a href="http://www.cypnow.co.uk/go/news/article/1108026/government-falls-short-childrens-rights-claims-charity/" target="_blank">this article</a> from <span style="font-style: italic;">Children & Young People Now</span>.<br /><br />To read the full report, <a href="http://www.crae.org.uk/assets/files/CRAE%20State%20of%20childrens%20rights%20Dec%202011.pdf" target="_blank">click here</a>.

State of Children’s Rights in England 2011

Today the Children's Rights Alliance for England has published its annual State of Children’s Rights in England report. This year's...

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The Modern British Family

The Centre for the Modern Family is a new think tank which aims to investigate what constitutes a 'family' in Britain today. Today sees the publication of its first report <span style="font-style: italic;">Family: Helping to Understand the Modern British Family</span>, which concludes that the traditional idea of <a href="http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/news/rss/1107898/Married-24-children-no-longer-typical-family/" target="_blank">'married with 2.4 children' is no longer the norm</a>. The report also identifies ten new family types based upon age, the individuals involved and their attitudes.<br /><br />The full text of the report is available from <a href="http://www.centreformodernfamily.com/Portals/0/Images/pdfs/SW_Report_Family_SP.pdf" target="_blank">this link</a>, though further supplementary information is also available from the <a href="http://www.centreformodernfamily.com/" target="_blank">Centre's website</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ta9HzqZJ9sBLydtnhWxMlv0lcWG9l9cvX044b3LlrBorsrTFFVqx3X8n-9qe0G8SHWcDBuS9rgPNCoOC67pQ8j8hNQxRlKlvcScp3vaMHpIFeFHDVXHVkxlZ_ufpKuOlJn6E17Z0qw/s1600/FamilyPic.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683024325701514946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ta9HzqZJ9sBLydtnhWxMlv0lcWG9l9cvX044b3LlrBorsrTFFVqx3X8n-9qe0G8SHWcDBuS9rgPNCoOC67pQ8j8hNQxRlKlvcScp3vaMHpIFeFHDVXHVkxlZ_ufpKuOlJn6E17Z0qw/s200/FamilyPic.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 174px;" /></a>

The Modern British Family

The Centre for the Modern Family is a new think tank which aims to investigate what constitutes a 'family' in Britain today. Today s...

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Redesign

Regular visitors will have noticed a different look to the site in recent days - I've made some changes to colour schemes, fonts and chosen a new background image more in keeping with the site's subject matter, but all of the content and archives are unchanged. Also, if you're visiting these pages using a mobile device then you'll be shown a simpler, stripped down version of the site, although all posts are still available in full, and you can switch to the full version if you'd prefer. Any feedback that users have on these changes is welcomed.

Redesign

Regular visitors will have noticed a different look to the site in recent days - I've made some changes to colour schemes, fonts and cho...

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OnTheWeb

After a gap of a few months, there's a welcome return for <a href="http://www.nfer.ac.uk/what-we-offer/information/ontheweb/" target="_blank">OnTheWeb</a> service from the <a href="http://www.nfer.ac.uk/" target="_blank">NFER</a>. This is a monthly newsletter which rounds up details of new reports from the educational sector and provides links to the full text of items - well worth checking on a regular basis! The latest issue is available now from <a href="http://www.nfer.ac.uk/what-we-offer/information/ontheweb/pdfs/oct11.pdf" target="_blank">this link</a> - although some of the items it mentions have already been featured on this site, there are details of approximately 100 reports in total, which are listed by subject headings.

OnTheWeb

After a gap of a few months, there's a welcome return for OnTheWeb service from the NFER . This is a monthly newsletter which rounds up...

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Joyful Reading

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKoKWgS1CzqtYjDD1eAWuoVkjSvtD_9ww10vrD4R2UuwSgCyhZXVdcdWfUczzu-yzUdclQkBHk7l5IBEMNHHelQr0UJq3ZHXCrvPLQHy_3OCsnUJS67mdXAJUc5knQ_YmLiVjo6wWp9W0/s1600/DSC03208%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKoKWgS1CzqtYjDD1eAWuoVkjSvtD_9ww10vrD4R2UuwSgCyhZXVdcdWfUczzu-yzUdclQkBHk7l5IBEMNHHelQr0UJq3ZHXCrvPLQHy_3OCsnUJS67mdXAJUc5knQ_YmLiVjo6wWp9W0/s320/DSC03208%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Reading has been on my mind a lot lately.  I was searching through research on how children learn to read and the best methods for teaching reading.  We know that the best methods don't work with every child and that some questionable methods seem to work with some children.  I was challenging my reading class to make sure they always use multiple methods to reach children who are struggling with the reading process.  One thing research clearly indicates is that it is the attitude of the teacher that is the number one factor in reading success in a classroom.<br />It is often difficult to help a struggling child keep a positive attitude about reading.  For many children it becomes a daunting and impossible task.  It is up to the adult working with the child to do everything possible to instill in the child a desire to be successfull and a feeling that she can become a reader.  That is a challenge for us all.  How do we help the child become excited about something that  she feels unsuccessful doing?  I think that tracking (grouping children by ability) is one of the mistakes teachers often make.  Reading researchers indicate that tracking is one of the worst things that can be done for a child on or below reading level.  She has no models for success and she may mentally label herself as "dumb."  Those are hard issues to overcome.  Mixed level groups and activities seem to be the most successful for struggling readers.  I had a lot of success in my own classroom with mixed groups.  It was a beginning step to instilling that desire to read in a child who originally had that excitement when she started school.

Joyful Reading

Reading has been on my mind a lot lately.  I was searching through research on how children learn to read and the best methods for teaching ...

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Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion 2011

The 2011 edition of <span style="font-style: italic;">Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion</span> has just been published. This is an annual report from the <a href="http://www.jrf.org.uk/" target="_blank">Joseph Rowntree Foundation</a>, which uses official government data to examine in detail issues such as low income, poor education and community problems. Regular readers of this site will probably be most interested in the report's 3rd chapter which focuses on children, providing statistical analysis as well as contextual information.<br /><br />The full report can be accessed from <a href="http://www.jrf.org.uk/sites/files/jrf/poverty-social-exclusion-assessment-full.pdf" target="_blank">this link</a>. A <a href="http://www.jrf.org.uk/sites/files/jrf/MOPSE-2011-summary.pdf" target="_blank">summary version</a> is also available.

Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion 2011

The 2011 edition of Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion has just been published. This is an annual report from the Joseph Rowntree Foun...

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The Parent Trap

Yesterday saw the publication of <a href="http://www.smf.co.uk/assets/files/publications/SMF%20The%20Parent%20Trap.PDF" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Parent Trap: Illustrating the Growing Cost of Childcare</span></a>. This report from the Social Market Foundation examines the different forms of childcare support which are available, and how the amount that families have to pay for formal childcare is likely to change over the coming years. A summary of the report's main points are provided by the author in <a href="http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/news/1106797/Childcare-becoming-dangerously-unaffordable/?DCMP=ILC-SEARCH" target="_blank">this <span style="font-style: italic;">Nursery World</span> article</a>.

The Parent Trap

Yesterday saw the publication of The Parent Trap: Illustrating the Growing Cost of Childcare . This report from the Social Market Foundation...

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Digital Education Resource Archive (DERA)

Following several recent requests about obtaining official documents, today's post is a reminder about the <a href="http://dera.ioe.ac.uk/" target="_blank">Digital Education Resource Archive (DERA)</a>. This site is hosted by the Institute of Education at the University of London, and offers free access to governmental reports. As a lot of government websites have been reorganised in recent years (particularly since the 2010 General Election), it's a very useful source for tracking down reports which no longer seem to be available.<br /><br />At present DERA contains over 5000 items, although more are being added every week.

Digital Education Resource Archive (DERA)

Following several recent requests about obtaining official documents, today's post is a reminder about the Digital Education Resource Ar...

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Ofsted Annual Report

The latest Ofsted annual report has been published today, and contains information on schools, children's centres, teacher education and more. Press reaction to the report has been mixed; the BBC highlights some points about <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-15829233" target="_blank">coasting schools</a>, while <span style="font-style: italic;">Children & Young People Now</span> has chosen to focus on <a href="http://www.cypnow.co.uk/go/news/article/1105362/childrens-services-successfully-addressing-weaknesses/" target="_blank">improvements across children's services</a>.<br /><br />The different section of the report and various supporting resources are available from <a href="http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/annualreport1011" target="_blank">this link</a>.

Ofsted Annual Report

The latest Ofsted annual report has been published today, and contains information on schools, children's centres, teacher education and...

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Children Who are Read To Just Know More!

We were discussing in our reading class this week how research indicates that children who are read to on a regular basis simply know more when they get to school.  Besides preparing the child to be a reader, being read to increases vocabulary and allows for more discussion and conversation. Combine that with the regular model of reading fluency from the adult and you have a prescription for a successful reader. We also know that children must be explicitly taught reading kills. Having the language background of hearing and participating in stories provides a wonderful foundation for those reading skills to make sense. It also provides a connection between print, reading and talking. That connection is not automatic with many children. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKTx690PpfeYpGOs9LB4j1qxa4cIbBiqkNs8ZoC5sElTP__5vS7IImWReF8Tz-SO9aipqd3_WC5VQf-3k2xVpNTgKDDV3KRVRqYpFmLxD06_jG0ATFo78Rdw2qKX9hcxzLce2VC2k574/s1600/Trent.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKTx690PpfeYpGOs9LB4j1qxa4cIbBiqkNs8ZoC5sElTP__5vS7IImWReF8Tz-SO9aipqd3_WC5VQf-3k2xVpNTgKDDV3KRVRqYpFmLxD06_jG0ATFo78Rdw2qKX9hcxzLce2VC2k574/s200/Trent.JPG" width="150" /></a></div> We don't know for sure what type of a world our child will have in 15 years. One way we can help him is to arm him with skills he will need no matter what the world looks like. Reading is one of those skills.

Children Who are Read To Just Know More!

We were discussing in our reading class this week how research indicates that children who are read to on a regular basis simply know more w...

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Sowing The Seeds

Readers with an interest in outdoor learning may want to take notice of a new publication from Tim Gill. The report, entitled <a href="http://www.londonsdc.org/documents/Sowing%20the%20Seeds%20-%20Full%20Report.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sowing the Seeds</span></a>, examines the amount of opportunities that children from London have to spend time in natural green spaces, and argues that regular exposure to such environments is <a href="http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/news/1105007/Children-growing-disconnected-natural-world/" target="_blank">important for children's emotional and physical wellbeing</a>. Those with an interest in forest schools will also find plenty of useful material in the report.<br /><br />Tim Gill was also the author of the influential 2007 report <span style="font-style: italic;">No Fear</span>, about the importance of risk in childhood - see <a href="http://bcftcschildhoodeducation.blogspot.com/2007/11/child-safety.html" target="_blank">previous post</a> for details.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KCYwgap2wUNmKAkX4QmjrXuCiIfqcSWOfZfdrma0LOAZAaA6swA49_oI8FLWhdrKFYpqIJuc85CIkh9_lJKSU0TMA7dWFPSaZD11vBzCPyOLTPdT5qPf7Q5jMqsB-Y-jrMu-BT5HqA/s1600/cutekids.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676330182262169026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KCYwgap2wUNmKAkX4QmjrXuCiIfqcSWOfZfdrma0LOAZAaA6swA49_oI8FLWhdrKFYpqIJuc85CIkh9_lJKSU0TMA7dWFPSaZD11vBzCPyOLTPdT5qPf7Q5jMqsB-Y-jrMu-BT5HqA/s200/cutekids.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" /></a>

Sowing The Seeds

Readers with an interest in outdoor learning may want to take notice of a new publication from Tim Gill. The report, entitled Sowing the See...

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Safeguarding Children Across Services

<a href="https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/DFE-RR164.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Safeguarding Children Across Services: Messages from Research</span></a> is a recent publication from the Department of Education. The report provides an overview of 15 separate studies carried out within England, and is aimed at professionals who engage with child protection in their everyday work.

Safeguarding Children Across Services

Safeguarding Children Across Services: Messages from Research is a recent publication from the Department of Education. The report provides...

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Anti-Bullying Week

Today is the beginning of <a href="http://www.antibullyingweek.co.uk/" target="_blank">Anti-Bullying Week</a>, an annual event supported by various charities and other organisations to raise awareness of the problems that bullying can cause. So it's with good timing that the NFER has just published <a href="http://www.nfer.ac.uk/nfer/publications/ASUR01/ASUR01.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sticks and Stones May Break my Bones but Being Left on my Own is Worse</span></a> - this report covers the results of a survey which asked children whether they had experienced bullying over the last 12 months, and if so why they think they may have been bullied.<br /><br />To see a list of all previous posts on this subject, click on 'Bullying' in the 'Hot Topics' menu on the right of the page.

Anti-Bullying Week

Today is the beginning of Anti-Bullying Week , an annual event supported by various charities and other organisations to raise awareness of ...

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Missing Out

Today the <a href="http://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/" target="_blank">Children's Society</a> has published <a href="http://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/sites/default/files/tcs/Images/missing_out.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Missing Out: a Child Centred Analysis of Material Deprivation and Subjective Well-Being</span></a>. This is a study of what items and experiences children themselves think are necessary for a ‘normal kind of life’, whether lacking these items and experiences is related to their self-reported well-being, and which items or types of items seem to be the most important. A summary of the main points can be found in <a href="http://www.cypnow.co.uk/go/news/article/1102691/material-deprivation-harms-childrens-wellbeing/" target="_blank">this article</a>.

Missing Out

Today the Children's Society has published Missing Out: a Child Centred Analysis of Material Deprivation and Subjective Well-Being . Th...

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Investing in High-Quality Early Childhood Education and Care

The <a href="http://www.oecd.org/" target="_blank">OECD</a> has just published <a href="http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/0/28/48980282.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Investing in High-Quality Early Childhood Education and Care</span></a>. This is a briefing document which outlines the benefits of quality provision in the early years, and provides some comparisons between different social groups and countries.<span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);" class=" down" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link"></span></span>

Investing in High-Quality Early Childhood Education and Care

The OECD has just published Investing in High-Quality Early Childhood Education and Care . This is a briefing document which outlines the b...

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Apps for Children

Today's post isn't really about new research, but there's an interesting article on the <span style="font-style: italic;">Guardian</span> website which talks about the growing market for iPad and mobile <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/appsblog/2011/nov/02/kids-apps-leapfrog-sesame-street" target="_blank">apps which are aimed at children</a>. Most of the high profile apps to date contain a mixture of fun and educational content - speaking as someone with a four year old niece who's currently very keen on the <span style="font-style: italic;">Angry Birds</span> game, it does seem that this is an area that will continue to develop. If it's something that interests you, then you may find the <a href="http://www.bestkidsapps.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Best Kids Apps</span></a> website useful.<br /><br />Also interesting is the video below entitled <span style="font-style: italic;">A Magazine Is an iPad That Does Not Work</span>, in which a one year old child struggles to understand why she cannot interact with a printed page. Does this show how deeply technology will be embedded in the lives of future children?<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aXV-yaFmQNk" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="236" width="420"></iframe>

Apps for Children

Today's post isn't really about new research, but there's an interesting article on the Guardian website which talks about the ...

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Does When You Are Born Matter?

The issue of summer-born children is in the news again, with new research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) which claims that children born in the summer in England are at <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-15527145" target="_blank">an academic disadvantage throughout school</a>. By contrast, babies born in September are more than three times less likely to be viewed as "below average". You can read the full text of the report - entitled <span style="font-style: italic;">Does When You are Born Matter? The Impact of Month of Birth on Children’s Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Skills in England</span> - by <a href="http://www.ifs.org.uk/bns/bn122.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.<br /><br />This topic has been examined several times in recent years. For further reading try Cambridge University's <a href="http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/digitalAssets/169664_Cambridge_Lit_Review_Birthdate_d3.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Birthdate Effects: A Review of the Literature from 1990-on</span></a>, the NFER's <a href="http://www.inca.org.uk/Relative_Age_Review_February_2009.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Influence of Relative Age on Learner Attainment and Development</span></a>, or the DfE's 2010 report <a href="https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/DFE-RR017.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Month of Birth and Education</span></a>.

Does When You Are Born Matter?

The issue of summer-born children is in the news again, with new research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) which claims that chil...

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It's All Bones

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQfgSne7JLhbPAYK0UlM299Bp6GzAJhyphenhyphen3EsRTGHfVdtC8nx0eJe0zxpZqENfph6Y5UvgmGsqmcz0dQ-H7CGcu5OQXL5z9Ot9ea-WfnsyyKZFkqczjD0SnJPpIdL8b1r7BiGdGkUY0X-A/s1600/2011-10-21_12-07-38_953%255B1%255DAudrey+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQfgSne7JLhbPAYK0UlM299Bp6GzAJhyphenhyphen3EsRTGHfVdtC8nx0eJe0zxpZqENfph6Y5UvgmGsqmcz0dQ-H7CGcu5OQXL5z9Ot9ea-WfnsyyKZFkqczjD0SnJPpIdL8b1r7BiGdGkUY0X-A/s320/2011-10-21_12-07-38_953%255B1%255DAudrey+2.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>I was helping in my grandchildren's classrooms recently and was struck by the thought of how easily children will take control of their learning if given a chance.  One of the components of the HighScope curriculum, which I think is the most child-friendly approach to early learning, gives the child an opportunity each day to <em>plan</em> what she is going to accomplish within the guidelines of what is happening the classroom.  This opportunity to plan gives the child control of her learning and gives her a stronger sense of direction and purpose for the play and learning of the day.  I was assigned to help a kindergarten class make skeletons out of macaroni.  Although I did not have the opportunity to allow the children to plan everything they might do for the day, I decided to allow as much planning as possible.  I was given directions for a skeleton project, but decided to allow each child the opportunity to plan how to complete the project.  What great ideas they each had!  I was again reminded about allowing the child to take control of the project and not get caught up in <em>the directions </em> that we adults may want to give. After all, it should be her project, not a copy of what the teacher wants to see.  That is how I learned that penne pasta makes pretty good ribs on a skeleton.

It's All Bones

I was helping in my grandchildren's classrooms recently and was struck by the thought of how easily children will take control of their ...

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National Adoption Week

Today is the first day of <a href="http://www.nationaladoptionweek.org.uk/" target="_blank">National Adoption Week</a>, which has been an annual event since 1997 and aims to raise the profile of adoption services throughout the UK. The Week is co-ordinated by the <a href="http://www.baaf.org.uk/" target="_blank">British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF)</a>, who provide guidance and support for all aspects of adoption, and their website is a fantastic source of information, containing news, free reports, statistics and more.<br /><br />Site users with an interest in adoption may also want to look at the <a href="http://baafadoption.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">BAAF blog</a> or their <a href="http://www.baaf.org.uk/res/links" target="_blank">links page</a> for details of other organisations that work in this area. The <a href="http://www.adoptionresearchinitiative.org.uk/" target="_blank">Adoption Research Initiative</a> and <a href="http://www.tactcare.org.uk/" target="_blank">TACT</a> websites are also well worth a visit.<br /><br />If you know of another particularly useful adoption resource, feel free to share it by leaving a comment below.

National Adoption Week

Today is the first day of National Adoption Week , which has been an annual event since 1997 and aims to raise the profile of adoption servi...

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Nutbrown Review of Early Education and Childcare Qualifications

Today sees the launch of the Department of Education's <a href="http://www.education.gov.uk/nutbrownreview" target="_blank">independent review of early education and childcare qualifications</a>. The review is being led by Cathy Nutbrown, a professor of education at the University of Sheffield, and will be examining qualifications and career pathways in the foundation years. Parents, employers and early years workers are invited to submit evidence and their views on how qualifications should be developed in the future.<br /><br />You can read more about the review in <a href="http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/news/1101262/Government-launches-Professor-Cathy-Nutbrown-review-early-education-childcare-qualifications/" target="_blank">this <span style="font-style: italic;">Nursery World</span> article</a>; evidence can be submitted until 23 December.

Nutbrown Review of Early Education and Childcare Qualifications

Today sees the launch of the Department of Education's independent review of early education and childcare qualifications . The review i...

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Foundation Years

The <a href="http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/" target="_blank">Foundation Years</a> website has existed for a while for use by parents, but has now been revamped to offer plenty of information for professionals who work with children from pregnancy to age 5. The site will continue to evolve over the coming months, but already contains news stories, useful publications, links and themed areas. It's well worth bookmarking the site and checking it on a regular basis.

Foundation Years

The Foundation Years website has existed for a while for use by parents, but has now been revamped to offer plenty of information for profe...

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Where Now for UK Parenting?

Today sees the beginning of <a href="http://parentsweek.org.uk/" target="_blank">Parents Week</a>, an annual event run by the <a href="http://www.familyandparenting.org/" target="_blank">Family & Parenting Institute</a>. To mark the occasion, the charity has invited 30 leading commentators and academics to examine parenting from a range of perspectives, and you can read their thoughts and contributions by clicking <a href="http://www.familyandparenting.org/Parenting" target="_blank">this link</a>.

Where Now for UK Parenting?

Today sees the beginning of Parents Week , an annual event run by the Family & Parenting Institute . To mark the occasion, the charity h...

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CORE

Not a post about a specific childcare resource today, but rather one about a general research tool which the site's users may find helpful...<br /><br />In recent years, many Universities have begun to set up Open Access research repositories, where various academic papers, conference presentations, journal articles and more produced by the academics at these institutions can be found. Access to these collections is generally free, but finding the material relies on the user knowing where the item they want is held.<br /><br />Now a new service called <a href="http://core.kmi.open.ac.uk/search" target="_blank">CORE</a> aims to improve the visibility of these items by allowing users to search across 142 Open Access research repositories simultaneously. Once you've carried out your search, all of your results also have information about the authors, date, peer review etc of each item, so you know exactly what it is you're looking at, as well as a link to the full text.<br /><br />I've carried out a few searches around various childcare / education topics, and was impressed with the range of material that's available out there. So it might be worth bookmarking this site in addition to the other places that you usually look for research information.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-OVvA3K6BcfNkanOl8Ihz2XhsKaESKRpawt_Pjg1TGUV7eGmPF0BKJzr8FH6WKGU0dqXEmpN8MHip68EbASbE4kbnssJPU5p493iBaEfY0J4JLjaLnTGMkHq0T3bBnbfEzu3vmukfQ/s1600/ResearchPic.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662580172875042098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-OVvA3K6BcfNkanOl8Ihz2XhsKaESKRpawt_Pjg1TGUV7eGmPF0BKJzr8FH6WKGU0dqXEmpN8MHip68EbASbE4kbnssJPU5p493iBaEfY0J4JLjaLnTGMkHq0T3bBnbfEzu3vmukfQ/s200/ResearchPic.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 156px;" /></a>

CORE

Not a post about a specific childcare resource today, but rather one about a general research tool which the site's users may find helpf...

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Following up with my last blog post about the Common Core State Standards I have been interested in how the new standards constantly stress using a piece of literature and a piece of informational text when teaching each reading lesson.  I have challenged my student teachers to do this as they are using the CCSS lesson plan format to teach reading.  I have been impressed with how successful their lessons have been when incorporating the two different types of texts.  My understanding is that one of the reasons the CCSS include both types of texts in every lesson is that students graduating from high school had much weaker comprehension skills when using non-fiction texts than they did for fiction material.  The emphasis is to teach children how to use different strategies for different purposes.  It is appropriate that it would begin in kindergarten where comprehension strategies are being established.  I have been challenging every early childhood teacher to choose a fiction and a non-fiction text, read both to their group and then discuss the differences in the text and the format of the books.

Following up with my last blog post about the Common Core State Standards I have been interested in how the new standards constantly stress ...

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Routledge Education Class of 2011

It's special offer time again... Publishers Routledge are offering free full access to the most downloaded articles of the last year from their collection of education journals. The articles are divided into 10 categories to help you navigate them quickly, and approximately 150 articles are included. Many of the titles are not usually available through the resources available to UCB students.<br /><br />To take a look for yourself, <a href="http://www.educationarena.com/journalPromotions/mostDownloaded/classof2011/" target="_blank">click here</a>.

Routledge Education Class of 2011

It's special offer time again... Publishers Routledge are offering free full access to the most downloaded articles of the last year fro...

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New from the Department of Education

A new batch of reports have just been released by the Department of Education. There are too many to list all of them here, but here's a pick of the titles that this site's users might find most relevant:<br /><ul><li>The <a href="https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/OSR17-2011-Main%20report.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Childcare and Early Years Providers Survey 2010</span></a> gives a very detailed overview of provision of these services in England. A summary of the main findings can be <a href="http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/news/rss/1096346/OVERVIEW-Childcare-Early-Years-Providers-Survey-2010/" target="_blank">found here</a>.</li><li><a href="https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/Childhood%20bereavement%20literature%20review.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Childhood Bereavement: A Rapid Literature Review</span></a> is a useful introduction to the issues surrounding children's grief.</li><li><a href="https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/DFE-RR156.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Review of Best Practice in Parental Engagement</span></a> examines the effectiveness of interventions aimed at supporting and improving parental engagement in the education of children aged 5-19.</li><li><a href="https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/DFE-RR151.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">A Profile of Teachers in England from the 2010 School Workforce Census</span></a> contains information on the teacher workforce, covering topics such as pay, ethnicity, gender, performance, qualifications and much more.</li></ul>A full list of the Department of Education's publications is <a href="https://www.education.gov.uk/publications" target="_blank">available here</a>.

New from the Department of Education

A new batch of reports have just been released by the Department of Education. There are too many to list all of them here, but here's a...

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Key Stage One Statistics

The Department of Education have just released the latest set of statistics on pupils achievement in Key Stage One assessments. The figures measure children's progress in reading, writing, speaking and listening, mathematics and science, and provide a detailed breakdown of the results by areas such as gender, ethnicity and other categories.<br /><br />The full set of results can be <a href="http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s001022/sfr22-2011v2.pdf" target="_blank">accessed here</a>. A overview of the main trends is provided in <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2011/sep/29/seven-year-olds-struggle-at-school" target="_blank">this Guardian article</a>.

Key Stage One Statistics

The Department of Education have just released the latest set of statistics on pupils achievement in Key Stage One assessments. The figures ...

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Common Core Standards and Early Childhood

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-vsLWoAVMbUzI6anoOvgBiYaubN1qlp-mbsLe2jIlwiHOkku3i_5kpVe7zc3WOeNnFBksQQ1Z9Aex5dVOtaJfoZpOKROv-S9S4zUMsvk_UiaBtg4dD4p2aTChwpHP_0gg7iX7UoE3s4/s1600/PICT0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-vsLWoAVMbUzI6anoOvgBiYaubN1qlp-mbsLe2jIlwiHOkku3i_5kpVe7zc3WOeNnFBksQQ1Z9Aex5dVOtaJfoZpOKROv-S9S4zUMsvk_UiaBtg4dD4p2aTChwpHP_0gg7iX7UoE3s4/s320/PICT0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I was sitting in a meeting recently with a group educators and we were talking about the impact of the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS) on early childhood.  I mentioned that I had spent the summer on a state committee looking at our preschool language arts standards and making sure they are preparing a child for success in meeting the new standards when she attends kindergarten.  Our committee discovered that our preschool standards were very strong in preparing a child for that success.  We also discovered, however, that we did need to change some terminology and begin to help educators make that smooth transition from preschool to the CCSS in kindergarten.  We also learned that it will be good practice to begin to talk more about fiction, non-fiction and the writing process, which in preschool is drawing and responding to stories and texts.  The CCSS is a different direction, but in my opinion, a good direction.  Through those standards we can help children delve more into the reading and writing process and more thoroughly understand the printed word.  I hope early childhood educators will help children in this learning process and realize that remaining developmentally appropriate will help children be successful with these new standards.

Common Core Standards and Early Childhood

I was sitting in a meeting recently with a group educators and we were talking about the impact of the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS...

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Child Abuse and Neglect in the UK Today

The <a href="http://www.nspcc.org.uk/" target="_blank">NSPCC</a> has just published a major new study into the prevalence of child abuse and neglect. The new report is the result of over 6000 interviews with a random sample of parents and young people, and follows on from another major study which the charity published in 2000.<br /><br />The full text of <span style="font-style: italic;">Child Abuse and Neglect in the UK Today</span> is <a href="http://www.nspcc.org.uk/Inform/research/findings/child_abuse_neglect_research_PDF_wdf84181.pdf" target="_blank">online now</a>. You can also access a range of statistics and further reading on child protection by <a href="http://www.nspcc.org.uk/Inform/research/statistics/statistics_wda48748.html" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Child Abuse and Neglect in the UK Today

The NSPCC has just published a major new study into the prevalence of child abuse and neglect. The new report is the result of over 6000 in...

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School Rules

A few slow news days so here's another retro educational film from the archives. This one is from 1953 and is entitled <span style="font-style: italic;">School Rules: How They Help Us</span>. As you might expect, the 10 minute clip explains the importance of obeying rules to children, and especially takes time to explain why exceptions can't be granted.<br /><br />Would such a film have a place in the modern school? And what advice do you think an updated version might include in 2011?<br /><br /><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="379" width="480"><param value="true" name="allowfullscreen"><param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess"><param value="high" name="quality"><param value="true" name="cachebusting"><param value="#000000" name="bgcolor"><param name="movie" value="http://www.archive.org/flow/flowplayer.commercial-3.2.1.swf"><param value="config={'key':'#$aa4baff94a9bdcafce8','playlist':['format=Thumbnail?.jpg',{'autoPlay':false,'url':'SchoolRules_512kb.mp4'}],'clip':{'autoPlay':true,'baseUrl':'http://www.archive.org/download/SchoolRules/','scaling':'fit','provider':'h264streaming','showCaptions':true},'canvas':{'backgroundColor':'#000000','backgroundGradient':'none'},'plugins':{'controls':{'playlist':false,'fullscreen':true,'height':26,'backgroundColor':'#000000','autoHide':{'fullscreenOnly':true}},'h264streaming':{'url':'http://www.archive.org/flow/flowplayer.pseudostreaming-3.2.1.swf'},'captions':{'url':'http://www.archive.org/flow/flowplayer.captions-3.2.0.swf','captionTarget':'content'},'content':{'display':'block','url':'http://www.archive.org/flow/flowplayer.content-3.2.0.swf','bottom':26,'left':0,'width':640,'height':50,'backgroundGradient':'none','backgroundColor':'transparent','textDecoration':'outline','border':0,'style':{'body':{'fontSize':'14','fontFamily':'Arial','textAlign':'center','fontWeight':'bold','color':'#ffffff'}}}},'contextMenu':[{},'-','Flowplayer v3.2.1']}" name="flashvars"><embed src="http://www.archive.org/flow/flowplayer.commercial-3.2.1.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" cachebusting="true" bgcolor="#000000" quality="high" flashvars="config={'key':'#$aa4baff94a9bdcafce8','playlist':['format=Thumbnail?.jpg',{'autoPlay':false,'url':'SchoolRules_512kb.mp4'}],'clip':{'autoPlay':true,'baseUrl':'http://www.archive.org/download/SchoolRules/','scaling':'fit','provider':'h264streaming','showCaptions':true},'canvas':{'backgroundColor':'#000000','backgroundGradient':'none'},'plugins':{'controls':{'playlist':false,'fullscreen':true,'height':26,'backgroundColor':'#000000','autoHide':{'fullscreenOnly':true}},'h264streaming':{'url':'http://www.archive.org/flow/flowplayer.pseudostreaming-3.2.1.swf'},'captions':{'url':'http://www.archive.org/flow/flowplayer.captions-3.2.0.swf','captionTarget':'content'},'content':{'display':'block','url':'http://www.archive.org/flow/flowplayer.content-3.2.0.swf','bottom':26,'left':0,'width':640,'height':50,'backgroundGradient':'none','backgroundColor':'transparent','textDecoration':'outline','border':0,'style':{'body':{'fontSize':'14','fontFamily':'Arial','textAlign':'center','fontWeight':'bold','color':'#ffffff'}}}},'contextMenu':[{},'-','Flowplayer v3.2.1']}" height="379" width="480"></embed> </object>

School Rules

A few slow news days so here's another retro educational film from the archives. This one is from 1953 and is entitled School Rules: How...

Read more »

Education At A Glance 2011

One for the number crunchers today - the OECD has just published <a href="http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/61/5/48631550.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Education At A Glance 2011</span></a>, its annual report comparing a mass of information on education in 34 different countries, from school right up to University level. A handy summary of much of the data is available from <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2011/sep/14/education-spending-class-sizes-school-funding#" target="_blank">this link</a>.<br /><br />For further information about education systems in different countries, the <a href="http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/education/eurydice/index_en.php" target="_blank">Eurydice</a> and <a href="http://www.ibe.unesco.org/en.html" target="_blank">International Bureau of Education</a> sites are well worth a visit.

Education At A Glance 2011

One for the number crunchers today - the OECD has just published Education At A Glance 2011 , its annual report comparing a mass of informat...

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Children's Well-Being in the UK, Spain and Sweden

A major new report from <a href="http://www.unicef.org.uk/" target="_blank">UNICEF</a> has put the the issue of children's wellbeing in the UK under the microscope. It's not the first time that the charity has published research about this topic - in 2007 its report <a href="http://www.unicef.org.uk/Documents/Publications/rc7_eng.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">An Overview of Child Well-Being in Rich Countries</span></a> made headlines for placing the UK at the bottom of a league table of 21 developed nations.<br /><br />UNICEF's latest research aims to explore the issue of wellbeing in more detail by making detailed comparisons of children's experiences from just three countries: the UK, Sweden and Spain. The findings are wide ranging: a key challenge for parents in the UK was <a href="http://www.cypnow.co.uk/go/news/article/1091715/uk-parents-struggle-find-time-children/" target="_blank">being able to spend sufficient time with children</a>, while another cause for concern was <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-14898614" target="_blank">a culture of materialism and consumer pressure</a>. Further analysis of the points raised by the report is covered by <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14899148" target="_blank">this BBC article</a>.<br /><br />The full title of UNICEF's new report is <span style="font-style: italic;">Children’s Well-being in UK, Sweden and Spain:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> The Role of Inequality and Materialism</span> and it's available from <a href="http://www.unicef.org.uk/Documents/Publications/IPSOS_UNICEF_ChildWellBeingreport.pdf" target="_blank">this link</a>. A shorter <a href="http://www.unicef.org.uk/Documents/Publications/UNICEFIpsosMori_childwellbeing_reportsummary.pdf" target="_blank">summary version</a> is also available, and there's even a simple <a href="http://www.unicef.org.uk/Documents/Publications/Child_Friendly_Report060911%20final%20from%20Ipsos.pdf" target="_blank">children's version</a>.

Children's Well-Being in the UK, Spain and Sweden

A major new report from UNICEF has put the the issue of children's wellbeing in the UK under the microscope. It's not the first tim...

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Getting Ready for Kindergarten

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLiGp_8cOw9Bl1-IJkMBQnvgOAHKPPvhzN2HmMtvv6XPKSlPFiWWLtoSjNNykCmzC5wfYLs-bnkSOVFSNHENd0lDQ0_fj-bhyphenhyphenMDTJcS-nVbspKwij3C-8TLKTwz5HxcN0LhyphenhyphenmsClvARSM/s1600/29145b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLiGp_8cOw9Bl1-IJkMBQnvgOAHKPPvhzN2HmMtvv6XPKSlPFiWWLtoSjNNykCmzC5wfYLs-bnkSOVFSNHENd0lDQ0_fj-bhyphenhyphenMDTJcS-nVbspKwij3C-8TLKTwz5HxcN0LhyphenhyphenmsClvARSM/s320/29145b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> I have spent many years working on helping children be prepared for kindergarten. I have always thought that it was imperative that parents know what truly is important as their child moves into the foundation year of school. When I began teaching kindergarten approximately 25 years ago, many of the children in my class had never attended a preschool. I remember that I preferred that a child not even know how to write her name to having her arrive at school writing it incorrectly (all in capitals). I could teach a child to write her name correctly, but it was twice as difficult to un-teach a child with a learned bad habit. We know that there are critical preschool skills that are important for kindergarten success (being able to identify alphabet letters) and there are skills that are actually not so critical prior to beginning kindergarten (knowing letter <em>sounds).</em> I'm pleased that we completed an <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=29145&es=10490500000"target="'_New">I'm Ready for Kindergarten</a> backpack this year. It contains parent-friendly activities that zero in on skills that will be critical for kindergarten success. It is my hope that it will assist parents and preschool workers in preparing our young ones for what I consider their most important beginning. I have two grandchildren who started kindergarten this year. They have had lots of support along the way and I feel confident they are ready for this big step. I wish I could help every kindergartner be that prepared.

Getting Ready for Kindergarten

I have spent many years working on helping children be prepared for kindergarten. I have always thought that it was imperative that parent...

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Effective Relationships with Vulnerable Parents

The <a href="http://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/" target="_blank">Action for Children</a> charity has published new research which examines how childcare professionals can develop effective relationships with vulnerable parents, and how such relationships can make a difference for children and young people. The report concludes that <a href="http://www.cypnow.co.uk/go/news/article/1089967/action-children-gets-results-assertive-approach-parents/" target="_blank">an assertive approach from practitioners is essential</a> to challenge parents to take ownership of issues that need to be addressed.<br /><br />The full text of <span style="font-style: italic;">Effective Relationships with Vulnerable Parents to Improve Outcomes for Children and Young People</span> is <a href="http://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/media/1109148/effective_relationships_with_vulnerable_parents_to_improve_outcomes_for_children_and_young_people.pdf" target="_blank">online now</a>. Action for Children have also produced a <a href="http://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/media/1109012/action_for_children_skills_framework.pdf" target="_blank">skills framework</a> for professionals working in this area, and an <a href="http://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/media/1109018/action_for_children_organisational_framework.pdf" target="_blank">organisational framework</a> outlining support and procedures which should be in place.

Effective Relationships with Vulnerable Parents

The Action for Children charity has published new research which examines how childcare professionals can develop effective relationships w...

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Is it Legal? A Families' Guide to the Law

The <a href="http://www.familyandparenting.org/" target="_blank">Family and Parenting Institute</a> has recently published the 4th edition of its booklet <span style="font-style: italic;">Is It Legal? A Families Guide to the Law</span>. This contains simple advice about some of the questions you may have about children's rights and related issues, and is well worth bookmarking as something you may want to refer to in the future.<br /><br />To access the booklet, <a href="http://www.familyandparenting.org/Resources/FPI/Documents/Is%20it%20legal_%20guide%20Accessible%20.pdf" target="_blank">click here</a>.

Is it Legal? A Families' Guide to the Law

The Family and Parenting Institute has recently published the 4th edition of its booklet Is It Legal? A Families Guide to the Law . This co...

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The Childcare Trap

Today the <a href="http://www.daycaretrust.org.uk/" target="_blank">Daycare Trust</a> publishes the results of a survey into childcare costs in the UK. Over 4000 parents were interviewed in spring this year to explore their views on access to childcare and the impact of childcare costs on family incomes and work prospects. Among the findings are that the current cost of childcare is <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-14806886" target="_blank">putting some families into debt</a>.<br /><br />You can access the briefing of <span style="font-style: italic;">Making Work Pay: the Childcare Trap</span> by <a href="http://www.daycaretrust.org.uk/data/files/Research/making_work_pay.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

The Childcare Trap

Today the Daycare Trust publishes the results of a survey into childcare costs in the UK. Over 4000 parents were interviewed in spring this...

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Good Practice in Autism Education

Features that represent 'good practice' in autism education have been identified in new research published by the <a href="http://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/" target="_blank">Autism Education Trust</a>. The report, which was written by a team from the IOE's Centre for Research in Autism and Education, examined practices in schools which Ofsted had judged to be 'outstanding', with a view to making recommendations for other institutions. Among the features identified were a <a href="http://www.cypnow.co.uk/go/news/article/1088556/key-features-quality-autism-education-revealed/" target="_blank">unique curriculum and the importance of staff training and support</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br />The full text of <a href="http://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/%7E/media/AET2/Main%20site%20images/resources/AET%20good%20practice%20report0308.ashx"><span style="font-style: italic;">What is Good Practice in Autism Education?</span></a> is available now. If you have an interest in this topic, then these previous posts from <a href="http://bcftcschildhoodeducation.blogspot.com/2008/11/educational-provision-for-autistic.html" target="_blank">November 2008</a> and <a href="http://bcftcschildhoodeducation.blogspot.com/2007/04/autism.html" target="_blank">April 2007</a> should also be useful.<br /><br />

Good Practice in Autism Education

Features that represent 'good practice' in autism education have been identified in new research published by the Autism Education T...

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We Need Good People to be Teachers

School began at the university again last week. It is difficult to believe that another school year has begun. I am teaching an "Introduction to Teaching" course this semester and I have a wonderful group. I am thrilled with the caliber of people who are considering being a teacher. It always reminds me of the hope I have for the best people to be in the classroom. I know it doesn't always happen because a teacher's salary is not very tempting, at least in my state. It is also a demanding and difficult job at times. I hope, however, that most of these top students decide to stick it out and become an educator. It sometimes becomes difficult for me to put a positive spin on negative reports in the media. But, I just try to constantly remind them that the most magical place on earth can be an effective classroom, because it changes a child's life. Many of the folks in my class this morning are there because they had a great teacher who made their life better. I wish all teachers realized what a difference they can make.<div>I was also thinking this week about my student teachers from last year who are now beginning their teaching career in a classroom. What an experience they are having and will continue to have if they keep their focus on why they decided to teach. Some of the best people I have ever met were in that group and I know they will influence lives for the better.</div><div>The best and the brightest, with the focus on the kids, makes all the difference for a child.</div>

We Need Good People to be Teachers

School began at the university again last week. It is difficult to believe that another school year has begun. I am teaching an "Intr...

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Setting the Baseline: Reading Report

Yesterday saw the publication of <a href="http://bit.ly/mU5DdD" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Setting the Baseline</span></a>, a new publication from the National Literacy Trust which reports on the findings of an online survey conducted with over 18000 8-17 year olds in November and December of last year. The authors regard the results as portraying children as <a href="http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/news/3834_the_reads_and_the_read-nots" target="_blank">read and read-nots</a>, with many children saying that they barely read books at all, while others get through more than ten a month. Other findings included the preference of many children to <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2011/aug/23/survey-children-reading-habits" target="_blank">read online information rather than traditional comics</a>.<br /><br />

Setting the Baseline: Reading Report

Yesterday saw the publication of Setting the Baseline , a new publication from the National Literacy Trust which reports on the findings of ...

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Men Working in Childcare

A common enquiry I get is for information about men working in childcare. Ironically, this morning's episode of <span style="font-style: italic;">Woman's Hour</span> on Radio 4 had a feature about this topic - <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b013f0xm/Womans_Hour_Esther_Rantzen_on_loneliness_Tracie_Bennett_on_Judy_Garland" target="_blank">click here</a> to listen to the programme (for the next 7 days anyway), the relevant section begins at about 28 minutes.<br /><br /><br /><br />For further information on this topic, Heather Rolfe's 2005 report <a href="http://www.cyc-net.org/pdf/meninchildcare.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Men in Childcare</span></a> is certainly worth a look - this was commissioned by the Equal Opportunities Commission. The issues surrounding the subject are also neatly summarised by a 2003 Daycare Trust leaflet entitled <a href="http://www.koordination-maennerinkitas.de/uploads/media/Owen-Charlie-Men_s-Work_02.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Men's Work? Changing the Gender Mix of the Childcare and Early Years Workforce</span></a>, and by Claire Cameron's 2007 paper <a href="http://eprints.ioe.ac.uk/4811/1/Cameron2007MenCIEC7_1.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Men in the Nursery Revisited</span></a>.<br /><br /><br /><br />For further reading ideas, try the <a href="http://www.meninchildcare.co.uk/index.htm" target="_blank">Men in Childcare</a> website or <a href="http://www.longfordchildcare.ie/documents/Men%20in%20Childcare%20Resource%20list.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Men in Childcare Ireland: Resources List</span></a>.

Men Working in Childcare

A common enquiry I get is for information about men working in childcare. Ironically, this morning's episode of Woman's Hour on Rad...

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Parenting

A lot of debate concerning the UK riots over the past few days has focussed on the ages of those involved, and the fact that many of them appear to be schoolchildren. In particular, there have been plenty of discussion articles on the role of the parents of those involved such as <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/aug/10/uk-riots-liberal-right-parent" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">'Being Liberal is Fine, but We Need to be Given the Right to Parent'</span></a>, as well as <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/aug/10/proper-parenting-prevent-riots" target="_blank">this piece</a> from an employee of the Parenting UK charity. Unsurprisingly, there are strong views on all sides.<br /><br /><br /><br />The impact of parenting styles on a child's development and life chances has been an area that's attracted a lot of interest in recent years, so it's worth looking at what some of the research actually says. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has carried out a lot of work on this topic - take a look at <a href="http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/parenting-and-different-ways-it-can-affect-childrens-lives-research-evidence" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Parenting and the Different Ways it can Affect Children's Lives</span></a> for no less than 7 reviews of research on different aspects of parenting.<br /><br /><br /><br />Other reports come from various sources. Only last month the think tank CentreForum published <a href="http://www.centreforum.org/assets/pubs/parenting-matters.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Parenting Matters: Early Years and Social Mobility</span></a>, while in January the Demos think tank released <a href="http://www.demos.co.uk/files/Home_Front_-_web.pdf?1295005094" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Home Front</span></a>, which investigates the links between low incomes and parenting styles. Looking back a little further to 2007, the Centre for the Wider Benefits of Learning authored <a href="http://www.learningbenefits.net/Publications/ResReps/ResRep22.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Parenting Behaviours and Children’s Development from Infancy to Early Childhood</span></a>.<br /><br /><br /><br />Quite a few studies regarding this area were also carried out by the previous government. Picking out the most useful ones is difficult, but readers may find <a href="https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/RR433.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Impact of Parental</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Involvement, Parental Support and Family Education on P</span><span style="font-style: italic;">upil Achievements and Adjustment: A Literature Review</span></a> and <a href="https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/NESS2007FR023.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Family a</span><span style="font-style: italic;">nd Parenting Support in Sure Start Local Programmes</span></a> of interest.<br /><br /><br /><br />If the above just seems like too much reading(!), the <a href="http://www.parentchannel.tv/" target="_blank">Parentchannel</a> website is full of free videos with advice on good parenting techniques. Or for a different take on things, you may want to watch a 2008 video from Teachers TV entitled <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.teachersmedia.co.uk/videos/japan-teaching-respect-and-manners" target="_blank">Teaching Respect and Manners</a>, which examines how Japanese schools encourage good citizenship in children from an early age.<br /><br /><br /><br />For further links to resources on parenting, have a look at <a href="http://www.delicious.com/allthecoloursfade/parents?setcount=50" target="_blank">my 'Parents' bookmarks</a> on the Delicious site, though be aware that some of the older links may no longer be working.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqZUz4tVhPt0DuyY2XkkRu6LjSsq_VSpMRyeBgiaB8fDrw_nSNiOCyRg4KuObmvlxhPz21HqkoaOvMBJAZlieWNjVFVhqCIWitgUmCLpP1WHo8-yleHFnqOY-qTaRi_rvRU2KFfjocw/s1600/Holly%2526FreyaPark.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639553611306783698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqZUz4tVhPt0DuyY2XkkRu6LjSsq_VSpMRyeBgiaB8fDrw_nSNiOCyRg4KuObmvlxhPz21HqkoaOvMBJAZlieWNjVFVhqCIWitgUmCLpP1WHo8-yleHFnqOY-qTaRi_rvRU2KFfjocw/s200/Holly%2526FreyaPark.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 219px; height: 164px;" /></a>

Parenting

A lot of debate concerning the UK riots over the past few days has focussed on the ages of those involved, and the fact that many of them ap...

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The Hummingbird Knows

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEcvSpr9CCfCpqEM81ZU2cm39aiuZ3S_i7kpWw6ZCWySK7yXrXwRx1V2sxhpAJ_fyEDQy8H-l2afW6kzP3CM7XqscJS4J1xLBjCnQtzQPbDCa2t53wLcBhRGo1KWma6Hw1Tjd7hKNp1c/s1600/9-08+007.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638901155435717202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEcvSpr9CCfCpqEM81ZU2cm39aiuZ3S_i7kpWw6ZCWySK7yXrXwRx1V2sxhpAJ_fyEDQy8H-l2afW6kzP3CM7XqscJS4J1xLBjCnQtzQPbDCa2t53wLcBhRGo1KWma6Hw1Tjd7hKNp1c/s200/9-08+007.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I have always been able to attract hummingbirds wherever I have lived. For many years, whether in the country, the suburbs or in the middle of downtown, I have always had at least one hummingbird feeder. While some acquaintances have struggled to attract the little creatures, I have always been able to coax them to my feeders. Those adaptable birds have even found me in the middle of the city. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Currently, during the summer months, I sit on my front porch most mornings reading the paper. With the hummingbird feeder nearby, I get to witness their early morning visits for food, their rituals for attracting the opposite sex and the fierceness they exhibit when defending their territory. These birds seem to adapt to any situation that provides them with food.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Hummingbirds are such busy creatures, rarely stopping for longer than a few seconds. Our lives have become much like that busy bird. With the advent of so much time-saving technology, multi-tasking is a common practice and is becoming an essential skill. I often think about the young children we are teaching now. We have no clue what it will be like in the future when they are adults. Yet, we are supposed to be educating them for that future. Think how in the last 5 years our cell phones have changed from being a convenient phone connection to housing our entire schedule and life information. How can we educate our children for the changes that will occur during the next 5, 10 or 20 years? </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I think the answer is teaching children thinking skills and allowing them to take charge of their learning. I don't think filling out worksheets will prepare a child for the year 2025. However, encouraging a child to discover the answer to a problem on their own just may be the best preparation for an unpredictable future.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I suppose, just like the hummingbird, we will all adjust to changes in the environment. However, the best thing we can do for children is to prepare them to think through problems and be willing and able to tackle new information. I hope our children will have the skills to find the feeder in the middle of the city whatever future form that may take.</div><br /><br />

The Hummingbird Knows

I have always been able to attract hummingbirds wherever I have lived. For many years, whether in the country, the suburbs or in the middle ...

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Free Play Articles

Yesterday was <a href="http://www.playday.org.uk/" target="_blank">Playday</a>, an annual event which celebrates the right of children to play, and the role that it has in their development. To mark the day, publishers Routledge are offering free access to a range of journal articles about different aspects of play for the whole of August. If you're considering doing a dissertation in this area, or just want to know more about the subject, this is a great opportunity to do some in-depth reading.<br /><br />For links to the various articles, <a href="http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/access/playday.pdf" target="_blank">click here</a>.

Free Play Articles

Yesterday was Playday , an annual event which celebrates the right of children to play, and the role that it has in their development. To ma...

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Parenting Matters: Early Years and Social Mobility

A new report from the <a href="http://www.centreforum.org/" target="_blank">CentreForum</a> think tank contains for promoting important parenting skills, through <a href="http://www.cypnow.co.uk/go/news/article/1083412/introduce-five-a-day-campaign-promote-good-parenting-think-tank-urges-government/" target="_blank">the use of a 'five a day' approach</a>. Such activities might include regular playing and talking with a child, and ensuring that they are fed nutritious food. The basis for such advice stems from the report's key assertion that "what parents do is ultimately more important than who parents are."<br /><br />The full text of <span style="font-style: italic;">Parenting Matters: Early Years and Social Mobility</span> is <a href="http://www.centreforum.org/assets/pubs/parenting-matters.pdf" target="_blank">online now</a>. The issues raised by the report were also discussed on <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9555000/9555766.stm" target="_blank">this morning's <span style="font-style: italic;">Today</span> show</a> on Radio 4.

Parenting Matters: Early Years and Social Mobility

A new report from the CentreForum think tank contains for promoting important parenting skills, through the use of a 'five a day' a...

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Supporting Families in the Foundation Years

The Department for Education has recently set out its policy vision regarding the early years sector, in a major document entitled <span style="font-style: italic;">Supporting Familie</span><span style="font-style: italic;">s in the Early Years</span>. This new publication combines the government's response to various reviews of recent months, including <a href="http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110120090128/http://povertyreview.independent.gov.uk/media/20254/poverty-report.pdf" target="_blank">Frank Field’s poverty review</a>, <a href="http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/g/graham%20allens%20review%20of%20early%20intervention.pdf" target="_blank">Graham Allen's work on early intervention</a>, and the <a href="http://www.education.gov.uk/tickellreview" target="_blank">Tickell review of the EYFS</a>. Topics covered by the new report include the future shape of Foundation Years services, the role of early years workers, and proposals to identify and disseminate good practice.<br /><br />To read the full text of <span style="font-style: italic;">Supporting Families in th</span><span style="font-style: italic;">e Early Y</span><span style="font-style: italic;">ears</span>, <a href="http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/s/supporting%20families%20in%20the%20foundation%20years.pdf" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPs9-RV3hPhzuRMeZx7g3gi7pFeuJTn_rOsDd-6RlunUj0_X7mHr9tPb-r4sgTVBA5aWoUBh61xy6739qmiI1WtVEMARB2GeUh59hGv1oSxLHUlbzJhU-mVCA_q-Kd1fBtYSILDTmkQw/s1600/BlogPic.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636280850073874258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPs9-RV3hPhzuRMeZx7g3gi7pFeuJTn_rOsDd-6RlunUj0_X7mHr9tPb-r4sgTVBA5aWoUBh61xy6739qmiI1WtVEMARB2GeUh59hGv1oSxLHUlbzJhU-mVCA_q-Kd1fBtYSILDTmkQw/s200/BlogPic.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" /></a>

Supporting Families in the Foundation Years

The Department for Education has recently set out its policy vision regarding the early years sector, in a major document entitled Supportin...

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There's More Than One Answer

While teaching a creativity workshop recently, the discussion turned to how important <em></em>divergent<em></em> thinking is to problem solving skills. Divergent thinking allows children to look at a problem and explore the many ways it can be solved. I dislike scenarios where there is only one answer. I know that 2 + 2 will always equal 4, but for problems that offer the possibility of multiple answers, we should give children that opportunity.<br />I am a big believer in classroom meetings and introducing problems to children. Teachers often try to solve all the problems and make all the decisions. Parents do the same at home. I often use one example from my own classroom. In exasperation one day I noticed that the art center was a mess after we 'cleaned up' the room. I could have lectured or told the children how disappointed I was in their lack of follow-through. Instead, I drew the students' attention to the art center and asked if they could identify what was wrong. Of course they knew the center was not cleaned up properly. I asked for volunteers to clean the center. After it was appropriately cleaned I drew attention to how it should look after clean up. I then asked the children what we were going to do about the problem of having centers left in disarray. They had a variety of ideas, which we adopted as our procedures, and the problem of messy learning centers improved 100%.<br />Lecturing to the children was one ineffective approach to the problem. However, using several suggestions from the children solved the issue. Divergent thinking can rule the day!

There's More Than One Answer

While teaching a creativity workshop recently, the discussion turned to how important divergent thinking is to problem solving skills. Dive...

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Unsure About Sure Start

Anyone with an interest in the children's sector should take the time to listen to the latest episode of the <span style="font-style: italic;">Analysis</span> series on Radio 4, which investigates <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-14079117" target="_blank">what the Sure Start programme has achieved for children</a> in the 12 years since it was set up. The programme was initially broadcast last night and is due to be repeated on Sunday 17th July at 9:30pm, or you can listen via iPlayer for the next couple of weeks by <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b012fc5q" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.<br /><br />For further information about the debate surrounding the success or otherwise of Sure Start, try looking at <a href="http://bcftcschildhoodeducation.blogspot.com/2010/12/sure-start-success-or-not.html" target="_blank">this previous post</a> or the DfE's November 2010 report <a href="https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/DFE-RR067.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Impact of Sure Start Local Programmes on Five Year Olds and their Families</span></a>.

Unsure About Sure Start

Anyone with an interest in the children's sector should take the time to listen to the latest episode of the Analysis series on Radio 4...

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Bumper Crop of New Research

There have been several new reports in recent days which may interest visitors to this site, so without further ado:<br /><ul><li>The Cabinet Office has today published <a href="http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/sites/default/files/resources/earlyintervention-smartinvestment.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Early Intervention: Smart Investment, Massive Savings</span></a>. This is a report from Graham Allen MP which calls for more money to be spent <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-14009261" target="_blank">improving the lives of children from deprived backgrounds</a>.</li><li>New DfE research has concluded that a shortage of high quality childcare could <a href="http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/news/rss/1078132/Shortage-high-quality-childcare-hamper-rollout-free-places-disadvantaged-two-year-olds/" target="_blank">disrupt the roll-out of free places to disadvantaged two-year-olds</a>. The full report for the study can be accessed by <a href="https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/RSG/AllPublications/Page1/DFE-RR131" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.</li><li><a href="http://www.grandparentsplus.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/GP_OlderGrandparentsOnline.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Too Old to Care?</span></a> is the title of a new report from the Grandparents Plus charity, which argues that many social workers consider grandparents over the age of 65 <a href="http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/news/rss/1078120/Grandparents-too-old-care/" target="_blank">too old to raise their grandchildren</a>.</li><li>The latest report from the EPPSE Project is entitled <a href="https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/RSG/AllPublications/Page1/DFE-RR128" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Performing Against the Odds</span></a>, and examines how parents of disadvantaged children can play a role in helping their achievement.</li><li>The DfE has also just published <a href="https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/RSG/AllPublications/Page1/DFE-RR134" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Investigating the Role of Language in Children's Early Educational Outcomes</span></a>, which examines the impact of the early communication environment in the first two years of a child's life.</li></ul>Finally, it's <a href="http://www.mendcentral.org/aboutus/mendin2011/moveitweek" target="_blank">National Childhood Obesity Week</a>. To mark the event, research carried out by the University of Worcester has found that <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/jul/03/obesity-children-exercise-parents" target="_blank">many parents are overestimating the amount of exercise that children take</a>.

Bumper Crop of New Research

There have been several new reports in recent days which may interest visitors to this site, so without further ado: The Cabinet Office has ...

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Sometimes It's Just a Slinky

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2rYqQI4bO8mdyXlRjQWWXVr0gZ8P3LcSY4PVlo0b2LZvyCISKum1Icd0EwhprdXARpKjwe8K3SouNK1Hj3QhvGHaHAxhS2ZY1de8hooD-mPCtDnkuS8AULkCMQUJQyAKN71huqGVs-U/s1600/Hollister+6-11+004.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624219276455032498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2rYqQI4bO8mdyXlRjQWWXVr0gZ8P3LcSY4PVlo0b2LZvyCISKum1Icd0EwhprdXARpKjwe8K3SouNK1Hj3QhvGHaHAxhS2ZY1de8hooD-mPCtDnkuS8AULkCMQUJQyAKN71huqGVs-U/s200/Hollister+6-11+004.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" /></a><br />A group of us were looking at new early childhood product possibilities recently and we saw this large, colorful slinky. Everyone was so excited and thought it was so cool. A product developer said, "Yes, everyone thinks it is great. But what do you do with it?" That became the big question. They gave me the slinky to try out with my grandchildren to see if we could think of activities to do with the slinky. This was a difficult assignment. Because the slinky is prone to knot and bend and really was too big to do the token 'walking down the stairs.' We did have fun shaking it up and down like a parachute, but beyond that there wasn't much to do with it. I certainly realized I couldn't write an activity guide to accompany the slinky. It was a lesson learned about how sometimes things are cute and attractive, but not very useful in building skills. I see early childhood products like that occasionally. Sometimes they're just a slinky.

Sometimes It's Just a Slinky

A group of us were looking at new early childhood product possibilities recently and we saw this large, colorful slinky. Everyone was so exc...

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One Million Reasons for Reform

Similar to my <a href="http://bcftcschildhoodeducation.blogspot.com/2011/06/children-and-big-society.html">last post</a>, todays post also deals with a report looking at the Big Society agenda and children's services. <span style="font-style: italic;">One Million Reasons for Reform: Unleashing the Potential of the Voluntary Sector in Early Years Services</span> has been published by <a href="https://www.acevo.org.uk/">ACEVO</a>, and examines the future role of voluntary services within the early years sector. Among the recommendations are calls for the government to <a href="http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/news/rss/1077635/Call-closer-links-voluntary-sector-Government-enable-charities-run-early-years-settings/">create a level playing field between charities and the public sector</a> when bidding for services.<br /><br />To view the full report, <a href="http://www.acevo.org.uk/document.doc?id=1575">click here</a>.

One Million Reasons for Reform

Similar to my last post , todays post also deals with a report looking at the Big Society agenda and children's services. One Million Re...

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Children and the Big Society

A recent report from the Respublica thinktank examines the potential impact of the government's Big Society and localism agenda on the lives of children and their families. The publication notes that while progress has been made in family policy during the past two decades, there is a need to protect parks, play schemes, community projects and other services from closure.<br /><br />The full text of Children and the Big Society is <a href="http://www.respublica.org.uk/sites/default/files/ResPublica%20Children%20and%20the%20Big%20Society.pdf" target="_blank">online now</a>.

Children and the Big Society

A recent report from the Respublica thinktank examines the potential impact of the government's Big Society and localism agenda on the l...

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Free Nursery Education

New figures from the Department of Education show that more than 86 per cent of all three- and four-year-olds who are entitled to free nursery places are <a href="http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/news/1076513/Number-children-free-nursery-education-rises/" target="_blank">taking up the full 15-hour offer</a>. Well, their guardians are taking up the offer on their behalf, but you know what I mean...<br /><br />A detailed breakdown of the statistics is <a href="http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s001009/index.shtml" target="_blank">available online</a>. Definitely one for the numbercrunchers among you :-)

Free Nursery Education

New figures from the Department of Education show that more than 86 per cent of all three- and four-year-olds who are entitled to free nurse...

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Refugee Week

It's <a href="http://www.refugeeweek.org.uk/" target="_blank">Refugee Week</a>, which seems a fairly good excuse to look at resources from recent years which examine various aspects of the experiences of refugee and asylum-seeking children in the UK.<br /><br />Several reports have covered the circumstances of children when they first arrive in the country. The Office of the Children's Commissioner has investigated this topic by publishing <a href="http://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/force_download.php?fp=%2Fclient_assets%2Fcp%2Fpublication%2F465%2FLanding_in_Kent_-_The_experience_of_unaccompanied_children_arriving_in_the_UK.pdf"><span style="font-style: italic;">Landing in Kent: the Experience of Unaccompanied Children Arriving in the UK</span></a> in February of this year, and <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.statewatch.org/news/2008/mar/uk-claiming-asylum-screening-unit.pdf" target="_blank">Claiming Asylum at a Screening Unit as an Unaccompanied Child</a> </span>in 2008. Also useful is <a href="http://www.4children.org.uk/uploads/information/Families_New_to_UK.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Families New to the UK: Confident Families in Cohesive Communities</span></a>, a report released by the 4Children charity earlier this year.<br /><br />The body which is responsible for monitoring migration is the <a href="http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/" target="_blank">UK Border Agency</a>. In 2009 they published a <a href="http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/policyandlaw/consultations/closedconsultations/keepingchildrensafe/codeofpracticechildren?view=Binary" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Code of Practice for Keeping Children Safe from Harm</span></a>, which outlines the procedures which are in place to protect children's interests.<br /><br />A number of charities have carried out studies which examine services available to refugee families and the difficulties that they can face in adapting to a new country. Some of these include:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.unicef.org.uk/Latest/Publications/Levelling-the-Playing-Field/" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Levelling the Playing Field</span></a> (UNICEF, March 2010)</li><li><a href="http://www.nspcc.org.uk/Inform/research/Findings/breaking_the_wall_of_silence_report_wdf66135.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Breaking the Wall of Silence: Practitioners’ responses to trafficked children and young people</span></a> (NSPCC, June 2009)</li><li><a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/rcpp/assets/attachments/738_746_EN_original.pdf"><span style="font-style: italic;">Does Every Child Matter? Children Seeking Asylum in Britain</span></a> (Refugee & Migrant Justice, March 2009)</li><li><a href="http://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/sites/default/files/tcs/research_docs/Living%20on%20the%20edge%20of%20despair%20-%20Destitution%20amongst%20asylum%20seeking%20and%20refugee%20children.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Living on the Edge of Despair: Destitution Amongst Asylum Seeking and Refugee Children</span></a> (Children's Society, February 2008)</li></ul>Although now a few years old, Jill Rutter's 2003 report <a href="http://www.jrf.org.uk/sites/files/jrf/1859351395.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Working with Refugee Children</span></a> still contains plenty of useful information on how immigrant children can be supported. Also worth a read are the OECD's 2009 publication <a href="http://www.bmukk.gv.at/medienpool/18822/eduwhatworksmigrantpolicy.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">What Works in Migrant Education?</span></a> and a report from the CfBT Education Trust entitled <a href="http://www.cfbt.com/evidenceforeducation/PDF/91097_AsylumRefugee_NFERReport.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Supporting Asylum Seeker and Refugee Children</span></a> which was published in 2007.<br /><br />Finally, for a more local flavour, in February 2009 the Joseph Rowntree Foundation published <a href="http://www.jrf.org.uk/sites/files/jrf/2193-migrants-policy-engagement.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Empowering Birmingham's Migrant and Refugee Community Organisations</span></a>, with a view to influencing future policy in this area.

Refugee Week

It's Refugee Week , which seems a fairly good excuse to look at resources from recent years which examine various aspects of the experie...

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Childcare for Working Parents

Finding childcare outside of the typical working day is becoming a greater problem for working parents, according to a new report from the <a href="http://www.resolutionfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Resolution Foundation</a>. At present, many nurseries are open from 8am - 6pm, which creates a <a href="http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/news/rss/1075698/Nursery-opening-hours-no-match-24-7-culture/" target="_blank">problem for parents who work at weekends or during the evenings</a>.<br /><br />The full text of <a href="http://www.resolutionfoundation.org/media/media/downloads/Chilcare_Report_June_2011.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Childcare: Failing to Meet the Needs of Working Parents</span></a> is now available online. A further, more detailed report will be published later this year.

Childcare for Working Parents

Finding childcare outside of the typical working day is becoming a greater problem for working parents, according to a new report from the R...

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Spotlight on Kinship Care

Children's charity <a href="http://www.buttleuk.org/" target="_blank">Buttle UK</a> has just published a report entitled <span style="font-style: italic;">Kinship Care</span>, which investigates how many children are being brought up by relatives other than their mother or father. The research is based on data from the 2001 census, and found that many such arrangements between parents and relatives were informal, which meant carers were <a href="http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/news/rss/1075585/Rise-number-children-cared-relatives/" target="_blank">not entitled to any financial support from social services</a>. The report also explores issues such as the ethnicity of such children, and the areas of the country where kinship is most prevalent.<br /><br />Both the full version of the report and an executive summary are available from <a href="http://www.buttleuk.org/pages/kinship-care-report-june-2011.html" target="_blank">this link</a>.

Spotlight on Kinship Care

Children's charity Buttle UK has just published a report entitled Kinship Care , which investigates how many children are being brought...

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Never Give Up!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4APW1PnzS16m6jXENIPStV3jwUN6ytHm40jGlLlfIW0GQkAlRqyhIrPUO7DvbBXuDdykWg67BOGOJVKejQLh221YMsnKUdRvMM9vpuLCXZV5OloKHYl6nZ2YiBvr-Hl2YgSHu2Yl5c10/s1600/Pride+6-11.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617425318032016146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4APW1PnzS16m6jXENIPStV3jwUN6ytHm40jGlLlfIW0GQkAlRqyhIrPUO7DvbBXuDdykWg67BOGOJVKejQLh221YMsnKUdRvMM9vpuLCXZV5OloKHYl6nZ2YiBvr-Hl2YgSHu2Yl5c10/s200/Pride+6-11.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 120px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><br /><div>I ran a half-marathon yesterday and was suffering the last few miles. I had purchased running shoes which had been 'fitted by experts' that did not provide the support that I needed to run 13 miles. I broke my foot in a car accident in 1996 and that old injury came back yesterday at about mile 9 because the shoes I was wearing did not provide enough cushion to run that distance. I regularly considered stopping to walk, even though I knew that I was running a very fast race (for me). I tried running with my foot at a different angle, lengthening my stride, shortening my stride, running on a different part of my foot, etc., until I finally found a way to make the discomfort bearable. I finished the race well ahead of my usual running time. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>I was thinking about this yesterday, as I was trying to recover, and I thought of the number of classrooms I had been in this year that experienced discomfort, gave up and started to walk. I know that we have very challenging behavior issues today in our school classrooms. However, I do get frustrated when I see the teacher has 'given up' because 'nothing works.' It is my belief that a teacher should never 'give up' on helping a child achieve acceptable behavior in the classroom. The teacher needs to try difference angles, maybe lengthen or shorten the stride of what is happening. But, continuing to do the same unsuccessful intervention is fruitless and may lead to reinforcing the negative behavior. If I choose to run another race in the very same shoes I used yesterday, the same thing will occur and will probably eventually lead to an injury or weakness. Why do some teachers think that if they continue to use an intervention that does not work, it will eventually work (the big culprit here is 'time out')? </div><br /><br /><br /><div>My student teachers this last year will tell you that I continually reminded them that they might have to try 20 intervention ideas before they find something that works for a child that is disruptive. When a teachers tells me that 'nothing works,' I tend to think that she just doesn't want the child to comply bad enough. If the teacher did, she would continually be trying new things or looking for additional resources. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>I'm glad I persevered enough and found a way to make it to the finish line yesterday. It wasn't easy, but at the finish line it certainly was rewarding. Helping a child curtail disruptive behavior isn't easy, but it can provide long-lasting rewards.</div>

Never Give Up!

I ran a half-marathon yesterday and was suffering the last few miles. I had purchased running shoes which had been 'fitted by experts...

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Poor Kids

A lot of the chatter on Twitter today among the various children's organisations revolves around <span style="font-style: italic;">Poor Kids</span>, a documentary which was shown last night on BBC1. The film follows different children who live in poverty in different parts of the UK, and they talk to the camera about their experiences of their home lives and issues such as food and money.<br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b011vnls/Poor_Kids/" target="_blank">watch the documentary</a> on iPlayer for the next seven days. <a href="http://endchildpoverty.org.uk/" target="_blank">End Child Poverty</a>, the <a href="http://www.cpag.org.uk/" target="_blank">Child Poverty Action Group</a> and the <a href="http://www.jrf.org.uk/" target="_blank">Joseph Rowntree Foundation</a> are all websites which can provide further infomation on the issues raised.<br /><br />For previous posts linking to child poverty research (and there's been plenty in recent years), click on the 'Child Poverty' link in the 'Hot Topics' column on the right hand side of this page.

Poor Kids

A lot of the chatter on Twitter today among the various children's organisations revolves around Poor Kids , a documentary which was sho...

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Technology in the Early Years

A new study from the Open University claims that many nursery staff and parents are not allowing preschool children to engage with ICT, believing that <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2011/jun/07/early-years-anxiety-digital-technology" target="_blank">"new technologies might damage children's wellbeing, social interaction and learning."</a> However, Dr Rosie Flewitt, the lead researcher for the project, argues that "If early years education <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>continues to focus exclusively on traditional forms of literacy, then it will be failing to provide all children with the skills they will need at school and in their future lives."<br /><br />More information about the research can be found at the website of <a href="http://www.open.ac.uk/blogs/multimodalliteracies/" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Multimodal Literacies in the Early Years</span></a>. The very latest output is available in the June 2011 issue of the <span style="font-style: italic;">Qualitative Research</span> journal, which UCB students can access in full via the Sage Journals Online site in Athens.

Technology in the Early Years

A new study from the Open University claims that many nursery staff and parents are not allowing preschool children to engage with ICT, beli...

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National Literacy Trust First Annual Survey

The <a href="http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/" target="_blank">National Literacy Trust</a> has just released the results of its first annual online survey, which was carried out during November / December of last year with young people aged 8-17. The survey focused on young people’s attitudes towards reading, writing and communication skills as well as technology use, and also included a question about book ownership.<br /><br />Among the key findings were a strong link between literacy skills and educational attainment, and the statistic that three in ten UK children <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/jun/01/three-in-10-uk-children-own-no-books" target="_blank">do not own a book of their own</a>. To read the survey in full, <a href="http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/assets/0000/9502/Book_ownership_2011.pdf" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgwPAgOCWYEXz4bsa85o6JeQHVtZC8xbMoh_3fMfoFyYtzUnHg90fx4iStZ97PlsFJtt6PsRCeGGTpanSYKeDS1tv9qfMFpauih0JvN41kHIp-qrYm5EFLlm0scfFKXcyrOz9ZvmG9A/s1600/ChildReading.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613262981293326050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgwPAgOCWYEXz4bsa85o6JeQHVtZC8xbMoh_3fMfoFyYtzUnHg90fx4iStZ97PlsFJtt6PsRCeGGTpanSYKeDS1tv9qfMFpauih0JvN41kHIp-qrYm5EFLlm0scfFKXcyrOz9ZvmG9A/s200/ChildReading.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 142px;" /></a>

National Literacy Trust First Annual Survey

The National Literacy Trust has just released the results of its first annual online survey, which was carried out during November / Decemb...

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Early Childhood Standards

I am currently working on a committee for my state to see how closely our preschool standards are aligned in preparing children for the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for kindergarten. It is always delightful to work with a group that is in tune with what is developmentally appropriate for early childhood children. A number of times during our meetings we have come to the conclusion that it is most appropriate for a certain skill to begin in kindergarten, not preschool. It has also been a pleasant discovery to find that our state preschool standards are providing adequate preparation for most kindergarten skills that are in the CCSS.<br /><br /><br />While serving on this committee, I have expressed my desire that we provide a usable document that an early childhood teacher can use "at a glance" to prepare her lesson plans. Sometimes we create large documents that many teachers do not take the time to read completely or we use terminology that is not always easy to understand. While I think it is critical for us to create a solid complete document, I also think it is important to have a simpler road map for teachers to use on a daily basis. Unfortunately, teachers don't always have access to complete professional development to help them 'decipher the code' of a government document. Hence, my request that we make a document usable for the masses. We must do that if we want the standards taught regularly in the classroom.

Early Childhood Standards

I am currently working on a committee for my state to see how closely our preschool standards are aligned in preparing children for the Comm...

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New DfE Research

The <a href="http://www.education.gov.uk/" target="_blank">Department for Education</a> tends to release a batch of research reports at the end of each month, and the latest ones have just been published. There are too many to list all of them here, but some of the new material which seems particularly useful is linked below. Remember that if the prospect of reading a 100+ pages report is too daunting, then the executive summary will give you a quick flavour of the content!<br /><ul><li style="font-style: italic;"><a href="https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/DFE-RR108A.pdf" target="_blank">Evaluation of Every Child a Writer: Report 1</a></li><li><a href="https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/DFE-RR108B.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Evaluation of Every Child a Writer: Report 2</span></a><br /></li><li style="font-style: italic;"><a href="https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/DFE-RR114.pdf" target="_blank">Evaluation of Every Child a Reader</a></li><li style="font-style: italic;"><a href="https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/DFE-RR121A.pdf" target="_blank">Parenting Early Intervention Programme Evaluation</a></li></ul>The complete Publications section of the DfE website can be <a href="https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/" target="_blank">found here</a>.

New DfE Research

The Department for Education tends to release a batch of research reports at the end of each month, and the latest ones have just been publ...

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Childhood and Education on Twitter

I've recently set up a Twitter account, and so to the right hand side of this page you'll now see an area entitled 'Twitter Updates'. This displays recent tweets from my account (<a href="http://twitter.com/UCBChildEd" target="_blank">UCBChildEd</a>) which will typically contain links to useful articles and other information relating to childcare and education. So in addition to the in-depth posts on this site which will continue, you'll also be able to get quick access to other items which will hopefully be relevant. Be sure to check these regularly, as there's likely to be something new every time you return!

Childhood and Education on Twitter

I've recently set up a Twitter account, and so to the right hand side of this page you'll now see an area entitled 'Twitter Upda...

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Foster Care Fortnight

Monday saw the beginning of <a href="http://www.fostering.net/foster-care-fortnight" target="_blank">Foster Care Fortnight</a>, which seems as good an excuse as any to post some resources about fostering, as it's a topic which I sometimes get enquiries about. Foster Care Fortnight is an annual event held by UK charity <a href="http://www.fostering.net/" target="_blank">the Fostering Network</a>, which aims to raise the profile of fostering and attract new carers. It is particularly timely this year, after the recent launch of the <a href="http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/f/the%20foster%20carers%20charter.pdf" target="_blank">Foster Carers' Charter</a>.<br /><br />The Fostering Network website has an area called the <a href="http://www.fostering.net/resources" target="_blank">Resource Centre</a>, which is as good a place as any to start researching the subject. This contains details of a large number of reports, podcasts, newsletters, statistics and other publications, many of which are free to download. The site also has a fairly comprehensive <a href="http://www.fostering.net/resources/useful-links" target="_blank">Useful Links</a> page, to point you towards other useful organisations and relevant legislation.<br /><br />Two other websites which you should visit are the <a href="http://www.baaf.org.uk/" target="_blank">British Association for Adoption & Fostering </a>(BAAF) and <a href="http://www.tactcare.org.uk/" target="_blank">The Adolescent and Children's Trust</a> (TACT). Both of these charities provide detailed information on fostering and help to link children with prospective foster families. TACT's 2009 report <a href="http://www.tactcare.org.uk/data/files/tact_full_reportlr.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Aspirations: the Views of Foster Children and their Carers</span></a> is also an invaluable introduction to many of the issues surrounding fostering, and there has recently been a follow-up report entitled <a href="http://www.tactcare.org.uk/data/files/Research_n_Policy/TACT161_Aspirations6.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Aspirations Three Years On</span></a>.<br /><br />For further research about fostering, Ofsted has released several publications on the topic over the last few years. <a href="http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/Publications-and-research/Browse-all-by/Documents-by-type/Thematic-reports/Being-fostered/%28language%29/eng-GB" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Being Fostered</span></a> (2005), <a href="http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/Publications-and-research/Browse-all-by/Care/Children-s-rights/Children-s-experience-of-private-fostering" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Children's Experience of Private Fostering</span></a> (2008) and <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/Publications-and-research/Browse-all-by/Documents-by-type/Thematic-reports/Care-and-prejudice" target="_blank">Care and Prejudice</a> (2009) are all worth a look.<br /><br />Finally, to bring us up to date, the <span style="font-style: italic;">Guardian</span> has today published 3 articles in its <span style="font-style: italic;">Society</span> supplement, to tie in with Foster Care Fortnight. <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/may/18/desperate-shortage-foster-families" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Foster Care: 'The Best Job I've Ever Done'</span></a> examines a shortage in the number of available foster families, <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/may/18/reaping-rewards-of-fostering" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Reaping the Rewards of Fostering</span></a> relates the experiences of a carer who fosters teenage boys, and <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/may/18/foster-providers-long-term-plans" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Foster Providers Need to Make Long-Term Plans Sooner</span></a> highlights the importance of stable placements in providing successful outcomes for fostered children.

Foster Care Fortnight

Monday saw the beginning of Foster Care Fortnight , which seems as good an excuse as any to post some resources about fostering, as it's...

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Excellence in English

A new report from Ofsted argues that <a href="http://www.cypnow.co.uk/go/education/article/1069997/creativity-classroom-allows-better-teaching-english-finds-ofsted/" target="_blank">creativity in the classroom allows for better teaching of English</a>. The publication, entitled <span style="font-style: italic;">Excellence in English</span>, examines 12 primary and secondary schools which are rated outstanding in their teaching of English, to explore how their approaches to the subject can be adopted by other institutions. Arranging for theatre trips and setting up reading groups are just two of the initiatives which impressed inspectors.<br /><br />To access both the full report and a summary version, <a href="http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/Publications-and-research/Browse-all-by/Documents-by-type/Thematic-reports/Excellence-in-English" target="_blank">click here</a>.

Excellence in English

A new report from Ofsted argues that creativity in the classroom allows for better teaching of English . The publication, entitled Excellenc...

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A New Beginning

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVkfhObT0D9DmbLIv0GPbJnmWJitj5ZAnf60PX6v6wa3PfDE8svUmWq_zXlB2N1fsfKGqQjQ7-WmlLLT7HXX5XjHv0CClrBptTbd-ykTJsoJtFEPnga6Kosgt5YiWSsd6NKpwPGm3HG4/s1600/Class+card+006.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606261344860014386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVkfhObT0D9DmbLIv0GPbJnmWJitj5ZAnf60PX6v6wa3PfDE8svUmWq_zXlB2N1fsfKGqQjQ7-WmlLLT7HXX5XjHv0CClrBptTbd-ykTJsoJtFEPnga6Kosgt5YiWSsd6NKpwPGm3HG4/s200/Class+card+006.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><br /><div>I just watched 23 of my student teachers graduate last week. Now they are actively interviewing for jobs as the local school districts are slowly posting their openings. Five of these soon-to-be new first year teachers already have a job. I was thinking recently about my first year of teaching back in 197... I always tell my students that everything I learned in college about teaching I did the first week. Subsequently, everything I said I would never say to children I had said by the end of the second week out of desperation. Then, I had to learn to be a teacher.</div><br /><br /><br /><div>The teacher preparation programs are so much better now. I like how my students spend almost an entire school year in a classroom. They get to see, participate in and create procedures and curriculum from the beginning of the school year until almost the end. At the same time, they learn and plan classroom strategies in college courses and then return with that information to the classroom. This scenario worked well for my wonderful cohort group this year. There were several who actually surpassed their site teachers ability to create an even more efficient classroom.</div><br /><br /><br /><div>Yes, times have changed. Teacher preparation programs are much better now. The breakdown in the system now comes when a new teacher does not receive the strong support necessary to continue the growth she started as a student. Even the best new teacher needs continual support and advice to be successful. I am hoping that each new teacher leaving my program will receive that support. I feel much like a parent sending my child out into the world. I hope each one will become the successful teacher I can see inside her/him today.</div>

A New Beginning

I just watched 23 of my student teachers graduate last week. Now they are actively interviewing for jobs as the local school districts are s...

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