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This week

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

1. DID YOU KNOW
 

NDNA LAUNCHES FREE PARTNERSHIP WORKING GUIDE PACKED WITH HINTS AND TIPS FOR PROVIDERS

Free guide to support building of effective partnerships 
 

National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) today announced that it has released a free guide to partnership working for day nurseries. The guide 'Building better partnerships: guidebook for PVI providers in England' is now available at http://www.ndna.org.uk to download.

Supported by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), the guide explores the concept of partnership working, what a good partnership model looks like and helps settings understand how they can build an effective relationship with their own local authority. The resource also explores some of the outcomes from workshops delivered by NDNA for both providers and local authorities about partnership working, to help illustrate some of the pre-conceptions that exist and how these can be addressed. Although designed for use by day nurseries, it will also be a helpful tool for local authorities.

A clear and useful resource, the guide also outlines what local authorities and providers need to do to achieve true partnership working, what the characteristics of this are, hints and tips about working together and information for nurseries about becoming a preferred supplier. The guide also looks at the benefits of setting up a local nursery network to support representation and find out about opportunities.  The publication also highlights what NDNA is asking local authorities to do as part of the partnership process, and how through networks providers can create and seek to implement a partnership agreement with their local authority. Recognising that issues can occur during the partnership process, the guide also shares what settings can do if things do go wrong and gives ideas for getting a partnership back on track. The resource also includes useful contacts and details of further support.

Alongside the guidebook NDNA has also published a number of case studies exploring the theme of affordability and how to support parents. A range of detailed case studies are available on NDNA's website sharing innovative ways that providers are managing affordability and parental debts, including tax credits. 

Purnima Tanuku, Chief Executive of NDNA comments: "Partnership working is essential to local authorities in meeting their duties under the Childcare Act 2006, and effective partnerships with local authorities can be vital for childcare providers in remaining sustainable in what is a changing childcare market. This guide looks at some of the pre-conceptions that exist when it comes to partnership working, and outlines the characteristics that this involves such as honesty, equality and trust. The hints and tips will help providers understand what they can do to build an effective relationship with their local authority and shares what they can do if things do not go as planned. By working in partnership, providers can be informed about changes in the sector, receive support and take advantage of opportunities in children's centres and extended schools. The guide has been designed to be simple to use, and we hope that both providers and local authorities will find it an effective tool in achieving this important way of working."

GOLD MEDAL WINNING OLYMPIAN AND MOTHER OF THREE SALLY GUNNELL LAUNCHES TUMBLE TOTS' 'THE BIG SING!' EVENT FOR CHILDREN'S COMMUNICATION CHARITY I CAN
 

Last month, gold medal winning Olympic athlete and mother of three, Sally Gunnell, raised the roof with local Leeds children in an action song extravaganza at Greenacre Hall, Rawdon, to launch Tumble Tots' 'The Big Sing!' 
 

30 toddlers tuned their tonsils to launch the sponsored action sing-along, enjoying songs such as 'I have two eyes' and 'We all clap hands together'. 
 

Over the next 12 months, Tumble Tots groups across the UK will be encouraged to take part in the sponsored action sing-along during their regular circle time sessions, forming the main activity for a charity of the year partnership between I CAN and Tumble Tots. The money raised during the fundraiser will go towards I CAN's Early Talk programme, supporting children of pre-school age who are struggling to develop the communication skills they need to join in and learn when they start school. 
 

Sally says, "We all had such fun today! I love the idea that the children will be getting active and helping to develop their communication skills by taking part in this specially designed activity. I am supporting 'The Big Sing' because I understand the importance of fostering good communication skills in children. I fully support I CAN's work to raise awareness of this issue - I also know that all the children will love raising their voices and learning some of the more ambitious action songs!" 
 
 
 

Ian Toole, leader of Tumble Tots group in Rawdon, Leeds says "All the children were so excited to have Sally here and have been practising their favourite action songs for weeks now in preparation for their performance. Taking part in 'The Big Sing' has given the group the chance to learn about the importance of children's speech and language development - and we have had fantastic fun learning new ways to get physical with our songs! We are delighted to announce 'The Big Sing' as the start of a year long charity partnership with I CAN which we hope will raise in excess of £50,000."  
 

'The Big Sing' has been designed to suit the three different age categories of classes; Gymbabes for six months to walking, Tumble Tots for walking to school age, and Gymbobs for school age to seven years. Action songs have been chosen for each age group by I CAN teachers and speech and language therapists with communication development in mind. 
 

John Gilmartin, I CAN Early Years advisor says "' The Big Sing!' is a really fun, lively and action packed way to help develop children's communication skills and enjoy a fantastic fun filled day. Communication is the 21st century life skill; the foundation for all future learning and literacy, and Tumble Tots' 'The Big Sing' sees all children taking part benefit from the fun and educational activity, whilst also raising money and awareness to help others who struggle to communicate." 
 

Visit http://www.tumbletots.com for further information and to download your free activity pack. For more information about I CAN and children's communication development, visit http://www.talkingpoint.org.uk. 
 
 

2. WEBSITE OF THE WEEK

ESSEX GRID FOR LEARNING

Minibeasts

Some great online games featuring minibeasts

http://www.e-gfl.org/4.cfm?s=4&m=25&p=118,index
 

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

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

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

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

EARLY LEARNING FORUMS 

Join Us ! 

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

http://www.earlylearningforums.co.uk 

PRIME MINISTER LAUNCHES NATIONAL CHILDCARE WEEK
 

The Prime Minister Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP today launched Daycare Trust's 11th  annual National Childcare Week at an event at No10 Downing Street.

The theme of National Childcare Week is "Building brighter futures". National Childcare Week will run from 2-9 June 2008. The week is designed to promote the importance of investing in childcare, out-of-school activities and early years provision for children to strengthen and contribute to children's play and learning. Events will be taking place in childcare settings all over the country. 

The Prime Minister spoke at an awards ceremony for the winners of this year's art and writing competition for children to celebrate National Childcare Week and the National Year of Reading. He was joined by the Secretary of State for Children Schools and Families Rt Hon Ed Balls MP and Children's Minister Rt Hon Beverly Hughes MP.

The competition was for children ages 2 to 14, and was split into two categories. The first competition asked children ages 2 to 10 to choose their favourite book and design a new cover for it. The second competition invited children ages 5 to 14 to write a short story about what the future holds for all of us. Each competition was divided into three age categories. Winners each received a prize for themselves and their childcare setting/school. 

This year's competition was sponsored by The Children's Mutual, the only UK company specialising in long-term savings and investments for families with children.

Speaking ahead of the launch the Prime Minister said:
"High standard childcare and early learning give children the very best start in life, as well as helping parents balance the demands of work and family life. National Childcare Week is a great way to mark the importance of childcare and I extend my best wishes to all those parents, childcare professionals and young people up and down the country who are taking part in events to mark it."

Alison Garnham, Joint Chief Executive of Daycare Trust said:
"When Gordon Brown first became Prime Minister last year we dubbed him the 'Children's Champion', so we are delighted that he is personally launching National Childcare Week. It clearly demonstrates his Government's commitment to supporting parents and children.

"Quality, affordable childcare is vital for children, helping them grow and develop, and of course it enables both mums and dads to work, study and train. In the long term, providing the right childcare will even help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour and help create a better, happier society. 

"We hope this week people will see that childcare needs, and deserves, long-term public investment."

Children's Minister Rt Hon Beverley Hughes MP said:
"We want to make sure that high quality, flexible and affordable childcare is available, wherever families are in the country, to give children the best start in life, to help families out of poverty and to enable them to balance their work and family lives more easily. 
 
"Whilst the number of places continues to increase, we know that some parents find it difficult to get the childcare they need. That is why we have earmarked £1.3 billion over the next three years to support schools in providing access to childcare and activities before and after school, as part of their extended services offer. We also spend over £3.5m a day on tax credits to families to help with the cost of childcare and have committed an additional £600m a year to extend the free entitlement for three and four year olds to 5 hours a week, and £33 million for pilot programmes to test ways to provide better childcare for disabled children." 

5. NEWS

COOKIT FOR SUMMER
 

Have you ever wanted cooking equipment for your school? Are you interested in teaching children how to cook a range of dishes using fresh ingredients? How about a resource to assist you in teaching cooking skills from scratch? Well now's your chance with the Food Standards Agency's Cookit.

Cookit is a unique set of high quality cooking equipment and utensils, developed for primary schools by the Focus on Food Campaign and with the support of the Food Standards Agency. 

The equipment, which is housed in a bright wheeled trunk, is suitable for teaching children in playgroups, cooking clubs or in young people's organisations. This excellent resource enables teachers to teach cooking skills and inspire children to get involved in food safety and preparation. 

Lesley Batterham, of Birch Primary School, wrote to us when her school received its Cookit. 'I would just like to say a big thank you for the fantastic Cookit which I had the pleasure of unpacking yesterday,' she said. 

'As a school, we are passionate about giving our children opportunities to learn about food and cooking. We think that if we give children the skills to cook, we are giving them a choice of how they eat in the future. Having this kit ensures we are able to teach these skills with excellent resources.'

Focus on Food Director Anita Cormac said: 'The Cookit is a fantastic concept that has been really well received by all primary schools. After years of experience teaching cooking to young people, we know what works well, what will be used and will last. We also understand how carefully schools need to manage their budgets. The Cookit has been carefully designed and trialled to ensure it supports cooking in schools effectively. It offers very good value for money in terms of quality.'

The Cookit equipment has been selected from the same range used on board the FSA's famous travelling kitchen, the Cooking Bus, during the past eight years.

Each Cookit contains everything needed to teach basic cooking and baking skills to groups of six to 12 pupils. It also includes a range of items for demonstration and preparation by adults only.

As well as mixing bowls, jugs, chopping boards, scales, baking equipment and trays, saucepans, can-openers, ladles and much more, there is a set of table cutlery for 12 people. Cookits also come with full user information, such as activities, advice and recipes.

The FSA is currently offering grants towards the cost of buying this complete set of cooking equipment. Cookits normally cost £750 plus VAT (including packaging and delivery), however the Food Standards Agency is currently offering schools the opportunity to apply for a grant to cover 50% of the cost of a Cookit. 50 grants are being made available at £375.

If you are passionate about giving your children opportunities to learn about food and cooking, you can apply for a grant to buy this invaluable kit, using the application form at the link below. The deadline for applications is 23 June 2008.

http://www.food.gov.uk/healthiereating/nutritionschools/cookit
 

MULTI MILLION POUND BOOST TO PARENTING SERVICES

Almost a million parents, children and practitioners nationwide have reaped the benefits from round one of the Parenting Fund.

Run by the Family and Parenting Institute on behalf of the Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) the Parenting Fund gave £16 million to charities and voluntary organisations to boost parenting services across the country. It was spent on a wide variety of activities from employing extra outreach staff to help families in rural areas to creating family groups for teenage mums and parents of disabled children.

The first round ran from 2004 to 2006 and the second from 2006 to present. In the first phase nearly 33,000 parents received direct support on parenting and over 888,000 parents sought advice and information from websites, DVDs, leaflets and help lines. And it fulfilled a key ambition - to help parents who had been less well served in the past.

Beverley Hughes, Children and Families Minister said: "The Parenting Fund has helped many organisations provide support for those families who have needed help. It has played a significant role in enabling good voluntary organisations to grow and develop their services for parents.

"I am very pleased with the clear positive results the fund has had so far and will be considering how the fund will be taken forward in the future."

Mary MacLeod, Chief Executive of the Family and Parenting Institute said: "We are delighted that the Parenting Fund has reached so many people. But it's not just about numbers; every person who benefited from this project has their own story to tell about what the Parenting Fund has done for them."

Testaments from parents highlight the difference it has made to their lives. The Family Welfare Association in Slough ran a series of Family Links Nurturing Parenting Programmes where parents learnt how to deal with their children's difficult behaviour by making the most of techniques such as 'time out'. One mother said: "Listening and understanding others has made me feel more confident about being a mum." Another parent said: "I know that I am not the only one that finds it difficult." (see end for full case study details).

The Parenting Fund was not just about helping parents directly - it also backed projects which developed parenting professionals' skills. Over 38,000 practitioners received training on a wide range of issues from mental health to early learning.

The figures and case studies are released in a new report called 'The Parenting Fund 2004-2006: voluntary sector parent support' which is out this week. It contains all of the information from the first round of the Parenting Fund offering a vital reference point for good initiatives in parenting services.

Copies of the report are available to order or download from here

http://www.familyandparenting.org/publications
 
 

NDNA WELCOMES PARENTS' RECOGNITION OF QUALITY OF CHILDCARE
 

NDNA welcomes parents understanding of quality of care but agrees affordability an ongoing issue 
 

National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) today respond to the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) commissioned report 'Childcare and Early Years Survey 2007 - Parents' Use, Views and Experiences.' NDNA welcomed the recognition parents are happy with the quality of care but said that the affordability and access issues the report reveals would continue without increased direct investment in the sector. 

Purnima Tanuku, Chief Executive of NDNA comments: "We welcome how the report recognises the 'high level of parental satisfaction' in terms of the quality of childcare but the report also illustrates how barriers to take up and affordability issues continue to be ongoing concerns. Whilst flexible work patterns and extended maternity leave is good news, it has impacted upon the viability of day nurseries, especially coupled with increased costs in terms of staff wages, utilities, food and business rates. In addition, we were also pleased to see there are many three and four year olds accessing the benefits of early years education, although again the emphasis of usage by this age group is adding to sustainability issues in terms of problems with Nursery Education Funding. "

Purnima adds: "NDNA recognises that affordability continues to be an issue for parents, especially for lower income families. Day nurseries play a vital role in ensuring children get a good start in life and whilst we are pleased that views on affordability have improved, we believe it is absolutely vital that increased direct investment is made to ensure that more children can take advantage of quality early years care. We were unsurprised by the news that there is a concentration of 'non-users' of childcare in the lowest income groups. We believe that taking Tax Credits supply side to make them easier to access and to reduce the cost of childcare at the point of delivery would help address this. Whilst NDNA recognises that parents have a variety of needs when it comes to childcare that may involve atypical hours, it is important to highlight that nurseries do work hard to be flexible but in some instances certain types of care may not have enough demand to be viable. As pa!
 tterns change and the Government's vision for childcare is fully rolled out, NDNA believes financial support for providers will be essential to keep fees affordable, especially as more and more move towards delivering part-time, flexible care in response to families' needs. However, we are pleased that many parents reported positive experiences of childcare and valued the role their provider was playing in giving their child a good start in life."

 
Read the Report here

http://www.dfes.gov.uk/research/

6. INTERNATIONAL NEWS

AUSTRALIA

SYMPOSIUM TO DISCUSS EARLY YEARS LEARNING FRAMEWORK

The Australian Government is moving ahead with its plan to develop a national Early Years Learning Framework with a symposium to be held in Canberra on 28 and 29 May.

Representatives from federal, state and territory governments, peak organisations and early childhood education experts will begin work on determining the principles and components of the framework.

"The development of an Early Years Learning Framework is an important step towards realising the Australian Government's vision of high-quality, integrated, accessible and affordable care and education for young children," Ms McKew said. 

"It will be Australia's first national early childhood framework for children with the aim of ensuring a seamless transition into formal schooling."

The framework will inform the development of the new national Quality Standards that will provide nationally consistent standards for early childhood settings across Australia.

"The Early Years Learning Framework will need to be suited to the Australian learning environment and will take into account the diversity of our nation and our communities," Ms McKew said.

"Our goal is to build a learning framework that is locally valid, nationally embraced and internationally recognised.

"This will be accomplished through an extensive process of consultation and cooperation with all stakeholders."

The symposium will be facilitated by a Monash University consortium and will present a discussion paper on quality learning and development for young children.
 
 

7. MORE EDUCATIONAL SITES 

For more educational sites visit 

Sites for Teachers 

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

Kind regards 
 

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