In one short sentence, the authors of this report on EYFS sum up so much. Here I am, in a cold study with the snow pelting down and the light fading, struggling with what to say about Early Years and Health, and they give me the answer.
Let them say it themselves, then – although the emphases and editing are entirely mine.
Enhancing children’s development is skilful work, and practitioners need training and professional support to do it well, including making decisions about children’s individual needs and the ways to ‘personalise’ their learning.
Talking about feelings has beneficial effects. Although this has been a self-evident truth for decades, new research on ‘Social and emotional aspects of learning’ for children shows how it benefits learners of all ages, even children under four.
Formative assessment will lie at the heart of providing a supporting and stimulating environment for every child. This may require professional development for practitioners and liaison with individuals and agencies outside the setting.
The art of early years practice is getting the balance right between guided and self initiated learning, either in homes or in settings.
Skillful work. Art. Balance.
The excitement of helping a child melt a handprint into frost.
Knowing when to swap the sand for cooked spaghetti, or to put a plastic penguin in a tub of water in the freezer for tomorrow.
And from the point of view of ‘health promotiong activities?’
Is the In Depth section for EYFS Health and Well Being really sufficient?
nicktomjoe 