Competition reminder

Don't forget to enter this month's TTS competition to win an Active World Lunar Mat.

To enter, simply log in or subscribe and turn to page 54 of the current edition for details of how to enter...good luck!

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Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Do you know the full version of this popular rhyme?

Check out our activity on pages 12-13 to learn the full rhyme and find your own star template.

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Space theme activities and focus plans

Have you looked at all of our activities and focus plans to support this month's theme?

For example,you can make our Cardboard Rockets by visiting page 7.

Check out our theme activities from pages 7-41.

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Space Topic Web

Check out page 19 of the current edition (issue 16) for our Space theme topic web.
It's full of lots of planning ideas to incorporate all 6 areas of learning into this magnificent theme.

Take the children to infinity.......and beyond!

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Who Are We?

Childminders - who are we?

Childminders themselves know the answer to this question of course, but how many other people within our communities even within the Early Years profession know the answer to this.

Read Kay Fisher's article whether you know the answer or not, and be sure to make the article available to parents or anyone else who seems to question, doubt or have no idea about the vital role of childminders within the Early Years profession. 

Log in or subscribe to view the article on pages 20-24 in the current edition, issue 16.

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New edition is available NOW!

Issue 16 is available now.

Log in or subscribe to view the new edition. This month's theme is SPACE with lots of fun activities to take you to the Milky Way!

Lots of Halloween ideas too and much much more!

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New edition available tomorrow, 1st October!

Issue 16, Space is available tomorrow!

Subscribers, don't forget to log in tomorrow to view your copy or if you wish to subscribe click on this link:

http://www.essentialchildminder.co.uk/Subscribe-Log-in.html

You can also take the opportunity to view our redesigned website!

Promotional Offer

We are giving away 6 months of FREE editions to everyone who enters our promotional offer.

Please log in and view page 11 of the current edition (issue 15) for full details on how to enter and to read the terms and conditions.

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TTS Competition

For a chance to win the fantastic TTS Jumbo Autumn Leaves, log in to view the competition details on page 58 of issue 15.

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Autumn activities

With the weather beginning to feel autumnal, check out all of our Autumn activities...what a lovely season autumn is.

Log in or subscribe to view all the activity ideas from pages 25-45...and lots more!

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Halloween

Why not order our Halloween edition from October 2010 for some early planning ideas.

This year's edition featuring a brand new range of Halloween activities will be available from 1st October, edition 16 Space.

Click on the link below:

http://www.essentialchildminder.co.uk/Subscribe-Log-in.html

Dyslexia

Read Clare McLeod's interesting and informative article this month on Dyslexia, see page 60 for more information. Log in or subscribe to view. http://www.essentialchildminder.co.uk/Subscribe-Log-in.html

Early Years Resource Centre

Updated today with printable Alphabet Cards to compliment the My Name focus plan in edition 14 - All About Me.

Click here to visit the centre.

Last Chance!

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) was recently reviewed by Dame Clare Tickell, Chief Executive of Action for Children. This consultation seeks your view on the Government's proposed changes to the EYFS.

This month is your last chance to comment on and provide your own input to the propsed changes to the EYFS, due to be published in spring 2012 and come into effect in September 2012.

Click the link below to visit the consultation page, find out more information and have your say.

http://www.education.gov.uk/consultations/index.cfm?action=consultationDetails&consultationId=1747&external=no&menu=1

Early Years Resource Centre

We have recently made some changes to our website and have replaced our old forum with an Early Years Resource Centre.

We are very excited about this new feature and are working hard to get it filled for you. We find there are so many things we want to include in the magazine but generally don't have space to fit it all in. The extra resources, templates, downloads and information will now all be added to the centre each month.

The Early Years Resource Centre is completely free and you don't need to be a subscriber to access it. Simply create a username and password then browse.

Ultimately we hope this will become an enormous bank of resources to support all early years practitioners in delivering the EYFS and of course we urge you to share your own contributions, activities and ideas.

Please bear with us while the centre is set up - it wont take long!

Edition 15 - AUTUMN. Don't miss it!

Edition 15 - AUTUMN

Don't forget to visit our website to order your copy, available from the 1st of September.

Don't miss our new promotions, planning ideas, articles, features and much much more...

A full contents list for each edition is available at the website.

We hope you enjoy it and don't forget to let us know what you think!

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Leaving Children At Home On Their Own

With parents finding it harder to afford childcare especially during the holiday periods, many parents question at what age it is acceptable for children to be left at home on their own and how long for.

 

There are many conflicting views on this subject and the link below outlines the legal requirements, or lack of, along with some of the social issues surrounding this subject.

 

Here at ECM we would love to hear your views on this subject please email us at info@essentialchildminder.co.uk or post on our facebook wall or on the blog.

 

http://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/when-can-you-leave-your-child-home-alone.html

Transitions

Do you have children starting school or preschool for the first time?

See our feature on Transtions - we have some great school transition self-help skills.

Log in or subscribe and go to pages 36-39 to view the feature.

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TTS Competition

For details of how to enter this month's competition to win a fabulous 'My Body' puzzle, log in and turn to page 46 for all the details.

Only 1 week left to enter!

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Focused Activity - Incy Wincey Spider

This month's nursery rhyme focus is Incy Wincey Spider!

 

Check out pages 12-17 for ideas of how to extend the learning aspect of the rhyme.

 

Log in or subscribe by clicking the link:

http://www.essentialchildminder.co.uk/Subscribe-Log-in.html

 

Learning Styles

People who work with children are told on almost every course, in almost every meeting and during almost every conversation that children learn in different ways and at different speeds. This phrase becomes a part of daily life, it is regurgitated to parents, co-workers, other professionals and is always at the forefront of all planning.

Have you ever considered what each of your minded children's learning style is? Read our article on this subject to find out more and to help when planning to meet individual children's needs.

Log in or subscribe to view the article on pages 32-33.

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Topic Web - All About Me

Check out this month's topic web for planning ideas on our All About Me theme.

Log in or subscribe and go to page 19.

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Don't forget issue 14, All About Me, is available now.

If you haven't already done so, please log in or subscribe to view the latest edition which was launched yesterday.
Issue 14, All About Me with more school holiday ideas, help with school transition and lots more!

Click the link below:
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Issue 14, All About Me is available NOW!

It's the 1st August and issue 14 is available right now!

Log in or subscribe to view your copy:

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New edition available tomorrow, 1st August!

Don't forget to log in to view August's edition from tomorrow, Monday 1st August!

Lots more school holiday ideas, help with school transitions and so much more.

If you don't already subscribe, please do so by clicking on the link below:

http://www.essentialchildminder.co.uk/Subscribe-Log-in.html

Issue 14 coming very soon!

August's Issue 14 will be available from 1st August 2011.

The theme is 'All About Me'.

We also have features about school transitions, how we can help children (and parents!) through this exciting, yet daunting for some, next stage!

More school holiday ideas and an article about learning styles plus much, much more!

Don't forget to log-in or subscribe from 1st August 2011.

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Competition reminders

Don't forget to enter our 2 fabulous competitions, this month is coming to a fast close!

Log in to check out pages 45 and 58 for details of how to enter and what you can win.

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Ofsted self-evaluation form

We hope you have found our series on the Ofsted self-evaluation form useful.

You can read the final instalment on page 60 of the current edition, July 2011 issue 13. 

Simply log in or subscribe to read further details.

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Early Years Qualification Review

An independent review of the Early Years qualifications has been launched. The government has asked Professor Cathy Nutbrown, professor of education at the University of Sheffield and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Early Childhood Research, to lead the review. 

Click on the link for more details:

http://www.cypnow.co.uk/Childcare_and_Early_Years/article/1080592/early-years-qualifications-review-launched/?DCMP=EMC-CONInPractice

Summer holidays planning

So it's the last week of the school year! 

If you need some ideas and inspiration for your school holiday planning, check out our Summer Holiday Planning ideas on pages 52-57 in the current edition.

Log in or subscribe to do so:-

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Morton Michel

Morton Michel are the UK's leading childcare insurance specialist.

Please visit their website for further details:

http://www.mortonmichel.com/

2011 Holiday childcare costs

Daycare Trust's tenth annual Holiday Childcare Costs Survey, sponsored by Computershare Voucher Services (CVS), is compiled from figures submitted by local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales. It compares by region the cost and availability of childcare provision during the school holidays, and is being released as part of National Childcare Week (11-18 July 2011). 

Click on the link below for further details:

http://www.daycaretrust.org.uk/news.php?id=50

Kiddie Sangria

Have you tried our Kiddie Sangria activity? See pages 50-51 for full details of how to make this summer cocktail with your minded children! 

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Around the World theme

Have you checked out the activities and focus plans for our Around the World theme in the current edition?

Check out pages 18-43 for all the details.

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Government introduces slimmed down EYFS

The Government will today set out changes to the EYFS - it will be more focused on making sure children start school ready and able to learn. The changes will be introduced next year under changes set out today by Children's Minister Sarah Teather.

It is a direct response to the EYFS review headed by Claire Tickell.

Click on the link below for full details:

http://www.education.gov.uk/a00191829/government-sets-out-reform-of-early-learning-and-childrens-centres

5 Little Ducks

The 5 Little Duck printable templates from page 13 of the July edition are now available to download from the subscribers area of our forum.

http://www.essentialchildminder.co.uk/Forum.html

Activities for July

Have you had the chance to read issue 14 yet?

We have some fantastic activities in this edition. For example, see page 7 for this month's 'Activities on a Budget'; this month it is Sheet Painting.

Log in for more details.

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Independence Day

One of our Cheeky Monkeys made 4th of July windmills with the children today, they are fantastic!!

Did you celebrate independence day?

Check out our latest edition for details of how to make these fantastic windmills.

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Issue 13, Around The World is available now!

Issue 13, Around The World is available right now.

Log in or subscribe to view your copy.

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Enjoy!

New edition available tomorrow, 1st July!

 

Issue 13, Around The World, will be available tomorrow.

Don't forget to log in to view your copy or subscribe if you haven't already done so.

It's jam-packed with ideas and activites for the summer holidays which are fast approaching!

Hope you enjoy the read and find it useful!

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Ofsted will not be split

The government has rejected calls to split Ofsted into 2 areas - education and social care; this is fantastic news for childminders. 

Click on the link below to read the article:

http://www.cypnow.co.uk/Education/article/1077311/ofsted-survives-calls-split/?DCMP=EMC-CONCYPNow%20Daily

The full report is available at:

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/cmselect/cmeduc/1317/131704.htm

New edition coming very soon!

Issue 13 July 2011 will be available on Friday 1st July! 

It is jam-packed with lots of summer activities...just in time for the school summer hoildays!

It also features the 7 natural wonders of the world.

Lots of planning resources and activity ideas to make the summer holidays fun-filled.

Log-in on 1st July to receive your copy.

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Potential industrial action by teachers

Industrial action by teachers is still a strong possiblilty on Thursday 30th June.

Have you been put on 'stand by' by any of your parents to provide care on this day should the strike action go ahead? Or maybe it hasn't even been mentioned by parents?

How do you feel about being asked to cover school age children at, what is likely to be, very short notice. How will this impact on your term time rountine with the early years age group?

Share your thoughts with us below or email us at: info@essentialchildminder.co.uk

Spiritual Development

Following on from last month's first instalment, have you considered further what Spiritual Development in the EYFS actually means?

Check out page 49 to read the 2nd part this subject by Sarah Knutsford.

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Where I Live

Have you been following this month's theme?

What activities have you completed to support this? We'd love to hear what you've been up to and how you've explored where you live.

Email us: info@essentialchildminder.co.uk

And don't forget to look at our activity ideas in issue 12, log in or subscribe to:

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Child Safety Week 20th-26th June 2011

"Take a second look for safety"

How are you going to promote Child Safety week within your setting next week?

See page 43 of issue 12 for more information on this very important week or visit the CAPT website for further details by following the link below:

http://www.childsafetyweek.org.uk/child-safety-week/

National Childminding Week 4-11 June 2011

So as National Childminding Week draws to a close, we'd love to hear you you've celebrated the week and whether it's been aspirational? 

Send us any photos or details about how you've celebrated the week either in your own setting, as a group or if something was arranged locally by your local EY team.

Email us at info@essentialchildminder.co.uk

National Childminding Week 4-11 June 2011

How are you celebrating this week's National Childminding Week?

The theme is 'aspirations'. Who or what do your minded children aspire to?

Share details of your week with us, we'd love to hear all about it.

Email us at: info@essentialchildminder.co.uk

National Childminding Week 4-11 June 2011

This week is National Childminding Week, the theme being 'aspirations'. What are you doing to celebrate the week. We'd love to hear your plans and see photos of what you do. Email your plans and photos to:

info@essentialchildminder.co.uk

Companies launch own version of Family Information Directory

Click on the link below to read this interesting article which relates to the Family Information Service:

http://www.cypnow.co.uk/Education/article/1072135/companies-launch-own-version-family-information-directory/?DCMP=EMC-CONInPractice

Issue 12 available now!

Issue 12 is now available. Log into your account to view your copy or subscribe if you haven't already done so.

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New edition available tomorrow, 1st June!

Don't forget to log in to your account tomorrow to view the new edition or subscribe if you haven't yet done so.

 

Issue 12's theme is Where I Live.

 

So remember tomorrow is the day the new edition is available.

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Final cometition reminders

 

Entries for this month's 2 competitions must be received by midday on Monday 30th May, so get entering!

TTS are giving away an Insect Habitat - check Pg 50 for details of how to enter.

The Childminding Shop are giving away a Jack & the Beanstalk masks & story props - see pg 41 for details. Simply email us 'Marks & Props offer' to enter.

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New edition coming very soon!

June's theme is 'Where I Live', so lots of fun activities based around the theme for you and your minded children to explore and enjoy.

Also, what is the Reggio Emillia approach?

FInd out about Gifted & Talented.

A feature on The London Moonwalk completed by our very own Kerry Baker!

Plus competitions, prizes and many more exciting things to read and try out

So remember to log in or subscribe from 1st June to view your copy.

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