December / January Newsletter Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from What are your plans for 2020? Here at the South East Hub we have been looking back at 2019 and thinking about what 2020 might bring. Over the past year, we have been delighted to meet so many new faces at our Alliance Connect events in Portsmouth, Gosport, Fareham, Winchester and Waterlooville. We are looking forward to meeting more members in the new year - if you would like to host an event, or see one close by, please get in touch with your suggestions - make your voice count. The end of the year is a natural time to plan ahead, and just as we are planning training and events, you will be planning too. Don't forget to take a look at our website to keep up to date with our latest offers. Aileen Kellam - Service Manager New Year's Resolution - Reduce plastic use It's a hot topic - plastic is finding its way into seas and rivers and into the food chain. But how much plastic do nurseries use, how much is single use and can the amount realistically be reduced? If you are considering your options this new year, why not take a look at some success stories from these two settings in Essex and Devon. Find out more about this subject and how you can reduce plastic waste in your setting Have your say! Our reconvened AGM will take place on 29 January 2020. Can't attend? We have made voting by proxy far more straightforward, making it easier to have your say. As an Alliance member you have the right to vote, so click the button below to register your vote. Forms must be submitted by midday on 22 January. Any questions or would like us to talk through the process? We can even do the IT bit for you. Call us on 02392 325 612 All you need are your membership details and your mouse - voting is just a click away! Have you responded to the EYFS consultation? The Department for Education (DfE) is currently consulting on proposed changes to the Early Years Foundation Stage. Improving practice in your setting There are lots of ways to drive up the quality of a setting, no matter whether small or large. Take a look at just 3 options in this blog, depending on whether you have time to read an article, do some online training or attend a workshop. In this guest blog, Steven White of Tiptoes Nursery, shares a case study example of using reflective practice and the development of leadership skills to improve outcomes for children's learning. First Aid - Did you know? Newly qualified staff with a level 2 or level 3 early years qualification, awarded after 30 June 2016, must also have either a full paediatric first aid (PFA) or an emergency PFA certificate within 3 months of starting work. If they do not have this you cannot count them in the EYFS staff:child ratios at level 2 or level 3. You may also wish to encourage new staff to complete PFA training so that your early years setting can apply for Millie’s Mark. This is a voluntary quality-mark awarded to settings where all staff have an appropriate PFA qualification.
Keeping children active in winter At this time of year, when the days are cold or wet, it can seem as if there are fewer opportunities to get children out and about and moving. However, it is important that under-fives still maintain the recommended three hours of physical activity a day — roughly a quarter of a child’s waking time. The Infant & Toddler Forum shares some ideas for keeping children active during the darker months. |