bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infection: what it is and how it spreads
Authors: Farley Audrey
Published: May 2014

Infection can spread rapidly in childcare settings as children play together. It is therefore important to know how to identify infections and to have policies and procedures in place to reduce their spread. Audrey Farley offers some advice
Words you need to know: kinesthetic
Authors: Fisher Sue
Published: May 2014

You will have noticed if you care for kinesthetic learners – they are the children who enjoy being active, on the move and ‘hands on’. Many young children develop in this way, so you need to know how to plan your environment to suit their needs and help them reach their potential
Exploring the rain
Authors: Jackson Caroline , Miller Collette
Published: May 2014

Tired of telling your children not to jump in puddles? As the old saying goes, ‘if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!’
Creating a portfolio to share with parents
Authors: Renouf Helen
Published: May 2014

Creating a professional image is so important when it comes to meeting Ofsted inspectors, or potential clients. Helen Renouf explains how compiling a portfolio can help you achieve this.
Hospital play specialists
Authors: Harris Harriet
Published: May 2014

Harriet Harris discusses therapeutic play services for children. She explains what working in this area entails, how to qualify and what other childcarers can do to prepare the children in their care for a hospital visit.
Beep Beep! Day
Authors: Lee Dawn , Smith Sue
Published: May 2014

Teaching children road safety in a fun way is important. Two childminders share how they celebrated Beep Beep! Day in August.
Sense and sensibility
Authors: Cooper Melinda
Published: May 2014

Melinda Cooper suggests some practical activities to help children who have difficulty processing sensory information.
On reflection... Onwards and upwards
Authors: Griffin Sue
Published: May 2014

Looking back on 2007 – Sue Griffin reviews some of the key developments for home-based childcare.
Childcare not there!
Authors: Nodder Bridget , Tweed James
Published: May 2014

Bridget Nodder, director of the Northern Ireland Childminding Association, talks to James Tweed about the childminding crisis and what needs to be done about it.
Santa Claus is coming to town...
Authors: Youngman Angela
Published: May 2014

A visit to Santa should be a magical experience, but queuing up in a department store can make it seem anything but. Angela Youngman suggests some imaginative alternatives, to put the sparkle back into your Christmas treat.
Christmas crafts
Authors: Cruikshank Sarah
Published: May 2014

Sarah Cruikshank reveals some cracking Christmas makes.
Rendcomb nursery
Authors: Langstaff Sophie
Published: May 2014

Nursery teacher Sophie Langstaff, discusses her experiences setting up a nursery at Rendcomb College.
Understanding older children: communication skills
Authors: Lindon Jennie
Published: May 2014

If you look after school-aged children, whether after school or during school holidays, you may find it useful to have an insight into how you might expect them to develop and behave as they grow older, so that you feel able to meet their changing needs.
I don’t want to share!
Authors: Ledgerton Cooper Selena
Published: May 2014

Selina Ledgerton Cooper gives some handy hints on what to do when you have a child who refuses to share.
Nanny award
Authors: Tweed James
Published: May 2014

Childcare writer James Tweed takes a look at the upcoming Professional Nanny of the Year award and reveals how you can enter.
www. childcare: Help and support online
Authors: Renouf Helen
Published: May 2014

Helen Renouf takes a journey into cyberspace and reveals some of the most useful websites for childcarers.
Happy Holidays
Authors: Dawson Susanna
Published: May 2014

Dolly and Sam, aged two and four, are brother and sister and have been coming to me since they were babies. They love the school holidays, because this means my own two children James (14) and Leah (12) are around.
Decoding EYFS: What will it mean for you?
Authors: Griffin Sue
Published: May 2014

From September 2008, all early years providers registered by Ofsted will be required to promote the Early Years Foundation Stage. Sue Griffin looks at the implications for childminders.
Jars and cans
Authors: Green Christine
Published: May 2014

Craft activities needn’t be expensive. In a new series, Christine Green reveals how everyday items can be transformed into imaginative makes.
Curing bad habits: Part two
Authors: Ledgerton Cooper Selena
Published: May 2014

In the second of two articles, Selena Ledgerton Cooper offers advice on habits such as head banging, hair pulling and fidgeting.
New beginnings: Ready for the classroom?
Authors: Thornton Stephanie
Published: May 2014

Stephanie Thornton looks at the challenges of preparing a child for the first day at school.
The Early Learning Goals
Authors: Wilkinson Gay
Published: May 2014

The Government has now published its new policy statement for the early years - the ‘Early Learning Goals’. These have been developed from the age-related desirable learning outcomes following consultation with providers and others with an interest in the early years.
Identifying features of living things
Authors: Creary Carole
Published: May 2014

Caring for a pet offers many learning opportunities for young children. Helping with the daily routine of cleaning and feeding can help them appreciate that all animals need care and that, like us, they need food, water and somewhere to live.
Research into brain development - what does it tell us?
Authors: Rodd Jillian
Published: May 2014

A child’s brain begins to develop before they are even born. A developing foetus has its full complement of about 100 billion neurons and the first connections between neurons are formed. After birth the process accelerates rapidly with the brain quadrupling in volume by adulthood. This extra volume is made up of new synapses or connections between cells and it is these that are critical for learning and memory.
Farmer, farmer
Authors: Williams Brenda
Published: May 2014

Young children often show they have a natural sense of rhythm by dancing to music and singing along to nursery rhymes. Many soon develop a delight in words that rhyme.
Knot just for skipping!
Authors: Heald Chris
Published: May 2014

Young children need to develop their large motor control (body movements using arms and legs), so that they will be able to move with imagination and control in later years.
Scenarios Management and administration
Authors: Wilcock Liz
Published: May 2014

You are a newly qualified member of staff working in the local pre-school. You are well known in the community and are familiar with most of the families whose children attend the pre-school. You know the supervisor and have been looking forward to working in the pre-school with her and the other staff.
Don't forget to write
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

Children learn many skills by observing and copying others. Your child will most likely have watched you writing shopping lists, cheques, letters, filling in forms and crosswords since they were very young. How many times are you asked ‘Can I do one, too?’ in the average day? On visits to the local bank or post office, my youngest child always has to fill in her own paying-in slip with squiggles and lots of noughts of course!
A creative approach to maths and science
Authors: Blanchard Chrys
Published: May 2014

Some people learn better from visual or aural stimuli, others from hands-on experience. Most of us have a preferred way of learning, and yet will benefit further from a combination of all three styles. Through music and play we can explore some of the concepts in maths and science in a hands-on way whilst having fun at the same time.
Encouraging children to explain
Authors: Graham Jo
Published: May 2014

The introduction to the Knowledge and Understanding of the World Early Learning Goals states: ‘Children need opportunities to gather information to satisfy their curiosity. They do this in many ways, for example by asking questions of adults, of each other and of themselves.’
Trends in teaching reading
Authors: Jolly Christopher
Published: May 2014

With all the curriculum changes in the last few years it is to be expected that the materials used will change, too. Nowhere should this be more true than in the teaching of reading. Yet the old reading schemes, based on the ‘look and say’ approach, continue to be the mainstay of teaching reading.
Scissor happy!
Authors: Frankish Lorraine
Published: May 2014

When your child is just beginning to use scissors, the most important thing is gaining control, so give them a few thin strips of paper, about 20cm long and 1cm wide, to snip through. Provide a small container for the cuttings to drop into. Your child will enjoy sticking with these small pieces later.
The value of gardening
Authors: Mountain Julie
Published: May 2014

It is easy to justify time spent on gardening in the pre-school or nursery. The Foundation Stage guidance says that an effective early years curriculum should be carefully structured and include ‘Planned and purposeful activity that provides opportunities for teaching and learning, both indoors and outdoors’.
Make a collage box
Authors: Frankish Lorraine
Published: May 2014

With just a bit of forward planning and at little cost you can gather together lots of odds and ends and keep them all together in a special collage box. Imagine your child's excitement when you get the box out! The contents will give them hours of entertainment while also helping with their physical and creative development.
Encouraging children to be creative
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2014

What is creativity? In a nutshell, it is the ability to use your knowledge and skills as well as your imagination to tackle and solve any problem. Creative thinking does not just apply to obviously creative tasks such as artwork or music but can be used in investigations in science and across the Foundation Stage curriculum. To develop creativity children need time, space, and opportunities to experiment with materials and ideas. How can you make this happen for the children in your care?
Toy safety
Authors: Waters Mike
Published: May 2014

The safety of toys is encompassed by the Toys (Safety) Regulations 1995 which come under the Consumer Protection Act 1987.
Tap dancing
Authors: Dowdy Meg
Published: May 2014

Dance in its many forms and styles offers fascinating and valuable learning experiences for the young child. So much of dance connects to history, foreign peoples, religion, landmarks in arts movement and developments in physical expression. To see it only as a physical activity underestimates dance's creative potential.
Resources to support: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Authors: Pearson Linzi
Published: May 2014

Personal, Social and Emotional Development is about teaching children to interact with each other, cope with their feelings and deal with new experiences. Although this area of learning is so important, the resources that are used to promote it are not always as obvious as they are for other areas. It is more about the way they are used and the discussions they promote.
Organising snack and mealtimes
Authors: Heald Chris
Published: May 2014

One of the first things you should do when thinking about snack or mealtimes is ask why things are done in a particular way. Are they done that way for the benefit of the children or for the ease of the adults? Look at everything you do and try to put yourself in the child's place to discover what could be done better. Ask yourself some hard questions:
Drip and dribble paintings
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

Different coloured ready-mixed paint in squeezy bottles; small bowls and teaspoons; items for making tracks and patterns in the paint – toy tractors, pastry wheels, plastic pan scourers, sponges, old toothbrushes, wellies; large sheets or strips of paper (the back of unpasted wallpaper works well); a large plastic mat.
Taking children on trips
Authors: Milner Angela
Published: May 2014

It is essential to plan effectively for any visits outside your setting. You should have your own policy or guidelines to follow. This should include:
Take a runner bean
Authors: Casey Beth
Published: May 2014

It is hard for children to realise that the plants they see around them have grown from small seeds. By growing beans, they will learn all about the different parts of a plant and see that to grow, they need water, warmth and light, just like we do.
Tapping into popular culture
Authors: Marsh Jackie
Published: May 2014

From birth, children are presented with an array of toys that are linked to technology – toy laptops, mobile phones, robots and so on.
Loopy fun with hoops
Authors: Taylor Pam
Published: May 2014

This structured game can be done both inside your setting and outside.
Numbers, numbers all around
Authors: Lee Mercia
Published: May 2014

Many practitioners working with preschool children (you may be one of them!) feel more comfortable helping children recognise letters and words than numbers. Perhaps this is because in early years settings we use the language of words all the time and share text in books with children everyday.
An art experience: Action painting
Authors: Cruickshank Sarah
Published: May 2014

Action painting is the splatters of paint on giant canvasses championed by the American artist Jackson Pollock. It is the perfect outside art experience an a bright spring or summer day, but there is far more to these pictures than merely throwing paint and hoping that the outcome will look interesting.
What’s new
Authors: Tweed James
Published: May 2014

A handbook on conflict resolution has been translated into Arabic to help Iraqi children deal with the legacy of the war.
Who was Friedrich Froebel?
Authors: Lennox Nikki
Published: May 2014

In the following two articles, we look at two influential figures in education, and how their philosophies affect the way children learn today
An inspector calls
Authors: Jones Caroline
Published: May 2014

This is the first of two articles on the revised inspection framework introduced from September 1, 2008 by Caroline Jones
Every child a learner
Authors: Griffin Sue
Published: May 2014

In the first of a series of articles on personal, social and emotional development, Sue Griffin looks at promoting children's interest in learning
Funny food poems
Authors: Croft Sue
Published: May 2014

Here are some new rhymes to share with the children. The suggested follow-up activities touch on all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The poems and ideas are by Sue Croft
Getting to know you
Authors: Griffin Sue
Published: May 2014

When children develop the skills of making relationships, there are longlasting effects for children and those around them. Getting on with our fellow human beings is essential to us as individuals and also to our community.
Yoga go go!
Authors: Astill Mel
Published: May 2014

Introducing simple yoga techniques to children can have a positive effect on their physical development. Easy postures, meditation and breathing exercises can be used in specific sessions or integrated into other parts of the day to energize the body and mind!
It's a small world
Authors: Clarke Jenni
Published: May 2014

A small world play box is a collection of objects and scenery linked by a theme in a shoebox. Making these boxes with the children gives them a sense of achievement and ownership, meaning they are more likely to look after and value the boxes. If you wish for more boxes, volunteers for a small world box afternoon may be needed.
At the hairdressers
Authors: Hampshire Viv
Published: May 2014

Acting out a visit to the hairdressers offers children a range of play and developmental opportunities, whether they are pretending to greet a customer, learning lessons in self-care, or being introduced to health and safety, writes Viv Hampshire.
A winter wonderland
Authors: Astill Mel
Published: May 2014

Setting up an area for creative development provides children with opportunities to design and make, explore, imagine and play with independence. Using winter as a theme, Mel Astill suggests ways to inspire children’s creativity.
Abby Marshall Childminder and SEN respite care worker
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: May 2014

Abby Marshall tells Karen Hart about the thrills involved in working with SEN children.
Food for thought
Authors: Doyle Phoebe
Published: May 2014

For pre-school practitioners, children who are fussy eaters can prove to be a challenge at ever-busy snack and mealtimes, so what can you do to encourage healthy eating and ensure that they have a balanced diet? Phoebe Doyle investigates.
Making sense of our senses: touch
Authors: Hampshire Viv
Published: May 2014

In the fourth article of the series, Viv Hampshire describes some tactile activities to stimulate children's sense of touch and help them to explore the world around them.
Parents as partners
Authors: Goodchild Rachel
Published: May 2014

Fostering good practitioner-parent relationships is important – not just for staff, but for parents and children as well. Rachel Goodchild explores the benefits, tensions and intricacies involved, and how to approach these effectively.
Developmental delay
Authors: Mountstephen Mary
Published: May 2014

What is developmental delay, how can it be identified among pre-school children, and what should you do to address it once it has? Mary Mountstephen shares some useful tips.
Managing chickenpox
Authors: Stevenson Jane
Published: May 2014

Chickenpox is a common disease among young children, so what can you do to prepare yourself for when it occurs? Jane Stevenson gives you some valuable advice.
Lost in transition
Authors: Sullivan Karen
Published: May 2014

Moving from pre-school into reception, and then into key stage 1, can be a daunting prospect for children. Karen Sullivan explains how handling the transition sensitively can help make the experience positive for both children and teachers alike.
How to spot Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Mountstephen Mary
Published: May 2014

Autistic Spectrum Disorders: what are they and what steps can you take to ensure that children affected are dealt with in the best possible way? Mary Mountstephen investigates.
Sue Griffin says…
Authors: Griffin Sue
Published: May 2014

Each month, early years experts Sue Griffin and Dr Amanda Gummer will alternately respond to your problems. Sue Griffin kicks off by giving her advice on potty training issues.
How to cope with crying
Authors: Sullivan Karen
Published: May 2014

It is natural for children to cry, but when it becomes a regular feature of daily life in the classroom, it can discourage learning and healthy peer relationships. Karen Sullivan investigates.
Helping young children to deal with anger issues
Authors: Sullivan Karen
Published: May 2014

Anger is a normal emotion experienced by adults and children alike; however, when this emotion leads to unacceptable behaviours, it is time to step in, writes Karen Sullivan.
Priory Park Playgroup
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: May 2014

In the last in the series, Karen Hart talks to manager Philippa Tregenza about Priory Park Playgroup in Cambridgeshire, and discovers what makes it ‘outstanding’.
Reading: The story unfolds
Authors: Whiteford Rhona
Published: May 2014

In the next article in her literacy series, Rhona Whiteford explains that learning to read is a holistic concept and should be treated as such.
Making sense of play
Authors: Gascoyne Sue
Published: May 2014

The anticipated revised Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework is set to alter the face of early years education. Sue Gascoyne examines what is proposed for a child's first years and asks, can sensory-rich play contribute to meeting the revised goals and help establish a strong foundation for life?
Dr. Gummer says…
Authors: Gummer Amanda
Published: May 2014

Divorce is a difficult subject, especially when it involves young children, but there are practical steps you can take to address it, says Dr. Amanda Gummer.
Writing: Putting pen to paper
Authors: Whiteford Rhona
Published: May 2014

How can we best give children the opportunities to learn to write, as well as inspire and motivate them? Rhona Whiteford gives you some advice.
Supporting physical skills through ICT
Authors: Kniveton Mark
Published: May 2014

In the next article of the series, Mark Kniveton explains how information and communication technology (ICT) can be used to stimulate early learning by fostering children's physical skills.
Work it out!
Authors: Astill Mel
Published: May 2014

Children love to emulate the working world and different types of jobs. Channel their interest about the world of employment into focused, practical learning to develop their knowledge and understanding of the world, writes Mel Astill.
Stories, songs and stimulating the senses
Authors: Brayley Helen
Published: May 2014

Children's stories, which are full of vibrant characters, rhymes and pictures, act as ideal vehicles for muti-sensory learning, whether through movement, music or role-play, writes Helen Brayley.
The power of picture books
Authors: Hampshire Viv
Published: May 2014

This month Viv Hampshire looks at how picture books can help children to talk about the things they are afraid of.
At the airport
Authors: Trundle Holly
Published: May 2014

Check-in for a flight of fantasy with these airport-themed activities – a passport to Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy development through play, writes Holly Trundle.
Getting into the Olympic Movement
Authors: Jones Eileen
Published: May 2014

Involve the children in the country's excitement by inviting them to rehearse their own dance and movement sequences for the opening of the London Olympic Games, suggests Eileen Jones.
Festivals and folklore
Authors: Davies Alison
Published: May 2014

Starting this month, Alison Davies will be looking at spiritual and religious festivals from around the globe, and providing some ideas for creative activities that you can use in your sessions.
The revised EYFS: What it means for the children
Authors: Bruin Eleanor de
Published: May 2014

In a new three-part series, Eleanor De Bruin takes a look at the impact of the revised Early Years Foudation Stage (EYFS) on the three core groups that it will affect: children, practitioners and parents.
We're all going on a summer holiday!
Authors: Croft Sue
Published: May 2014

Summer is approaching, so why not get into the spirit by chanting the following rhymes? Kick-start activities and learning based on the theme of holidays, writes Sue Croft.
Opposites attract
Authors: Astill Mel
Published: May 2014

Mel Astill invites you to explore simple yoga activities, through the theme of opposites, to support children's physical development.
An outstanding setting
Authors: Whiteford Rhona
Published: May 2014

Rhona Whiteford revisits St Anne's Catholic Primary School in Merseyside to find that their early years setting, now twice rated ‘outstanding’ by Oftsed, has improved even further. She investigates why.
Behavioural problems: When it's best to intervene
Authors: Cracknell Kate
Published: May 2014

Kate Cracknell talks to emotional wellbeing charity, Place 2 Be, about young children with behavioural problems, and finds out the most effective strategies for getting to the root of the problems.
Dyslexia: When is the right time to diagnose?
Authors: Cracknell Kate
Published: May 2014

Kate Cracknell questions whether seven is too old for a first diagnosis of dyslexia and provides some helpful tips to support pre-school practitioners in identifying early indicators.
Classic picture books
Authors: Harries Jude
Published: May 2014

This is the second in a pair of articles exploring the storybook After the Storm by Nick Butterworth. Jude Harries suggests some related activities for getting the most out of the story.
Working with parents
Authors: Bruin Eleanor de
Published: May 2014

Eleanor de Bruin provides some top tips for working effectively in collaboration with parents and shares the secrets of an ‘outstanding’ nursery which displays excellent practice in regards to how it involves parents.
Using the arts to stimulate literacy skills
Authors: Doyle Phoebe
Published: May 2014

Using the arts can help to inspire even those who find literacy work tricky. They can provide excitement, fun and significantly boost self-esteem. Education Writer Phoebe Doyle provides some suggestions.
The imaginary friend
Authors: Hampshire Viv
Published: May 2014

Viv Hampshire investigates the role and impact of imaginary friends on a young child's personal, social and emotional development and asks: why do children invent friendships?
Safeguarding and the EYFS
Authors: Hook Elaine
Published: May 2014

In the second of her articles on safeguarding, Elaine Hook provides an overview of how policy and procedures fit together with the revised Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
Christmas: The greatest story ever told?
Authors: Kniveton Mark
Published: May 2014

Approaching the topic of festivals can be tricky, particularly in settings where there are children from a range of cultures. Mark Kniveton discusses the Christmas story; how we should tell it to young children, and why.
Christmas countdown!
Authors: Stroud Anna
Published: May 2014

This month Anna Stroud encourages you to get into a festive spirit as she explains how Christmas lends itself perfectly to a number of fun mathematical learning experiences.
Takashi from Japan
Authors: Kniveton Mark
Published: May 2014

In the third article in his series about countries and cultures, Mark Kniveton explains how to teach children about Japan, by discussing the country through the eyes of a child.
Sharing ideas on an international scale
Authors: Joyce Rosaleen
Published: May 2014

Have you ever considered how the work we do indoors and outdoors with our young children would look to foreign visitors? Rosaleen Joyce invited two Swedish teachers to the UK to hear their thoughts.
Inspired by winter
Authors: Parnell Sharon
Published: May 2014

Some of us love the season of winter, while others hate it! Whichever side you are on, you will find plenty of fun activities to brighten up the cold and gloomy days. Sharon Parnell explains.
The pain of back problems
Authors: Taylor Lorna
Published: May 2014

Lorna Taylor, a chartered physiotherapist, explains why staff are at risk of work-related musculo-skeletal injury and offers some practical advice for employers and practitioners.
Safeguarding today
Authors: Hook Elaine
Published: May 2014

In the final article in the series, Elaine Hook looks at safeguarding in a modern context, reflecting on polices for internet and social media use, supporting disadvantaged familes and ensuring the protection of staff.
Hearts and flowers
Authors: Hampshire Viv
Published: May 2014

Viv Hampshire explains how you can help children to show they care with some simple activities to share on St Valentine's Day.
Dance, dance, dance
Authors: Hodgman Liz
Published: May 2014

Liz Hodgman suggests some ideas for planning a creative session of movement and music with the children in your setting, based around the popular story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Numbers everywhere!
Authors: Garner Lynne
Published: May 2014

Lynne Garner provides some fun activities for spotting and learning from numerals in the everyday environment, whether in the setting, home or outdoors.
The winner takes it all?
Authors: Thornton Stephanie
Published: May 2014

Dr Stephanie Thornton asks: Is competition a good thing? And how can we help the children in our care to deal with the competitive challenges they are inevitably going to face?
Plotting a good spot
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

Dots and spots are one of the easiest motifs to create – and they can be used for exploring many different concepts; including pattern, colour, size and shape. Hilary White explains…
The magic of clay
Authors: Horvath Judit
Published: May 2014

Judit Horvath explains how clay is the perfect medium to use within adult-guided, child-led sessions, and gives some guidance on different ages and stages of physical development.
Recording their stories
Authors: Barber Jenny
Published: May 2014

Accurate records of learning and development need to be maintained for all children in the setting and may be checked by Ofsted. Jenny Barber gives a step-by-step guide to observation and assessment.
Goldilocks, the chairs, and three bowls of dhal
Authors: Sharpe Deborah
Published: May 2014

Story expeditions turn familiar tales into three-dimensional experiences – with physical, creative and mathematics activities – and encourage children to imagine and invent. Deborah Sharpe explains.
Blow, bounce, burst
Authors: Hampshire Viv
Published: May 2014

Viv Hampshire takes a birthday party favourite home and suggests fun ideas for games with balloons with no need to involve a bang, plus art and craft activities that you may not have thought of.
Stripes all around us
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2014

When you look, stripes are everywhere in a huge variety of sizes, colours and patterns. Hilary White shows just how many learning activities you can develop from a simple idea once you start exploring.
Spring into maths!
Authors: Hodgman Liz
Published: May 2014

Liz Hodgman kicks off a seasons-based series designed to help make mathematical activities fun throughout the year. For spring: baby animals, new flowers and April showers.
A different beanstalk
Authors: Harries Jude
Published: May 2014

With its twist on a familiar tale and structure based on days of the week, Jasper's Beanstalk is a great way to encourage children to anticipate what will happen next and write simple stories, says Jude Harries.
Supervision in practice
Authors: Barber Jenny
Published: May 2014

Regular supervision and a formalised appraisal process are a requirement for all settings. How can you make the process effective and positive, and ensure it benefits the children? Jenny Barber has some tips.
Checking in with the twos
Authors: Lindon Jennie
Published: May 2014

Between two and three, there are huge changes in children's personal, social and emotional development. Jennie Lindon looks out how to support these stages and work effectively alongside family relationships.
Dipping more than a toe in
Authors: Joyce Rosaleen
Published: May 2014

To maximise outdoor learning, coastal settings can become Beach Schools and really connect children with their environment. Rosaleen Joyce explores the benefits, practicalities and training requirements.
The beasts of Britain
Authors: Hewson Claire
Published: May 2014

Activities based around wildlife and plants in your local environment are a great way for children to explore the similarities and differences in living things and develop their knowledge of how and why changes occur.
No glee for cheerleading
Authors: Bryce-Clegg Alistair
Published: May 2014

Former headteacher Alistair Bryce-Clegg explains why teachers need to keep clear of formulaic approaches to teaching literacy. You can read his blog at abcdoes.com
Displays for learning
Authors: Keeling Anne
Published: May 2014

Anne Keeling gives some suggestions for transforming the classroom into a space that both scaffolds and develops pupils’ individual learning.
Olympic movement across the world
Authors: Cosh Jackie
Published: May 2014

Jackie Cosh talks to two primary schools who are both using British Council resources to link learning connected to London 2012 with other international projects.
Naughty… or dyslexic?
Authors: Aitken Elizabeth
Published: May 2014

Elizabeth Aitken gives some pointers for identifying children in your class who might be dyslexic and suggests some strategies for supporting them.
Raising standards
Authors: Thornton Stephanie
Published: May 2014

Dr Stephanie Thornton considers why standards of literacy and numeracy are deemed to be low in some schools and what can be done to address the broader issues.
From seeds to saucepans: Growing and cooking!
Authors: Hewson Claire
Published: May 2014

Claire Hewson provides some recipes and suggestions for gardening and cooking with the children in your class, as well as tips for encouraging responsibility for tools used.
The crashing of waves, the clanging of cymbals
Authors: Aitken Elizabeth
Published: May 2014

Elizabeth Aitken concludes her series on coaxing poetry out of reluctant pupils with some ideas for using music and art to get the creative juices flowing.
Partnering up puts the world in their hands
Authors: Doyle Phoebe
Published: May 2014

More and more schools are developing international links – using technology in innovative ways and maximising exchange visits. Phoebe Doyle talks to some.
Support at every stage
Authors: Cartwright Eva
Published: May 2014

Eva Cartwright continues her series on pupils who have English as an Additional Language by looking at the five main stages that the child might need to adjust to.
Ice, vinegar and cabbage
Authors: Hewson Claire
Published: May 2014

Everyday substances can make for jaw-dropping experiments. Claire Hewson creates squidgy plastic, solid milk and polymer slime to get children excited about chemistry.
Starting a new narrative
Authors: Rhodes Liz
Published: May 2014

A new school has given one Devon teaching team the opportunity to develop a truly creative curriculum that encourages questioning and effective lifelong learning.
What does a Master's in Education involve?
Authors: Donohoe Tom
Published: May 2014

A major commitment but one that brings great rewards for your teaching and career development. A head and a recent MA graduate discuss how to make study work.
Maximising mentoring
Authors: Adams Margaret
Published: May 2014

A mentor can enhance your professional development and help you get to where you want to be. Margaret Adams advises on creating a productive relationship.
Swipe a little bit harder
Authors: Thornton Stephanie
Published: May 2014

Stephanie Thornton agrees that iPads can offer great benefits in the classroom but suggests we think carefully about when to use them and the results we expect.
Make a meal of science
Authors: Hewson Claire
Published: May 2014

Claire Hewson explains some edible experiments – chemical and physical reactions you can create with food to encourage children to look more closely at the familiar.
Finding magic in maths
Authors: Youngman Angela
Published: May 2014

Angela Youngman suggests ways to spark interest in maths – from museum visits and the many jobs that involve it, to games and music you can add in to any lesson.
A structured approach
Authors: Aitken Elizabeth
Published: May 2014

Our grammar series concludes by looking at pieces of text as a whole – teaching pupils why we use paragraphs and the structural techniques that create interest for readers.
Tough Hutt
Authors: Mair John
Published: May 2014

John Mair meets “super head” Sir Dexter Hutt who turned around a failing school and now advises other schools
Look on the bright side
Authors: Murray Roisin
Published: May 2014

Roisin Murray and Jenny Fox Eades describe an approach that is used to bring about lasting positive change in the business world and show how it can be adapted for education
What'
Authors: Smurthwaite Nick
Published: May 2014

Education professor Gervase Phinn tells Nick Smurthwaite about getting bullied at school for having an unusual name
The digital divide
Authors: Thompson Valerie
Published: May 2014

As schools provide more online resources for students to use at home, those who do not have access to a computer become increasingly disadvantaged. Valerie Thompson explains
The great debate
Authors: Williams Jack
Published: May 2014

English teacher Jack Williams reckons that debating is an important part of the curriculum. We asked him to argue his case
The right direction?
Authors: Adams Margaret
Published: May 2014

Margaret Adams asks if you know where you are going with your career
Casting the net over bullies
Authors: Wright David
Published: May 2014

The government's Regional Broadband Consortia, which combine to provide a national education network, are working with local authorities, schools and parents to teach children to protect themselves from cyber-bullying.
Girl gang culture
Authors: Deeks Jenny
Published: May 2014

The rise of girl gangs in inner cities is something that schools should be aware of. Jenny Deeks looks at the work of School-Home Support in this area
Don't smile ‘til Christmas?
Authors: Abbott David
Published: May 2014

David Abbott looks at the ingredients you need to achieve good discipline
Changing times
Authors: Fleming Ray
Published: May 2014

Educational publishers are having to adapt their practice in order to meet the demands of our technology-driven age.
The healthy option
Authors: Cox Lindsey
Published: May 2014

For one secondary school in Portsmouth, the decision to become an accredited healthy eating school has led to a turn around in the school's fortunes. Lindsey Cox reports
Dangerous liaisons
Authors: Pattisson Rachel
Published: May 2014

Trying to please everyone in Sex and Relationships Education is not easy says Rachel Pattisson
Case study on street cred
Authors: Morgan Tim
Published: May 2014

Tim Morgan has retired from teaching, but he's finally achieved some street cred – and it isn't awarded lightly
Face value
Authors: Roberts Caroline
Published: May 2014

Disfigurements can have a massive impact on a child's ability to lead a ‘normal’ life, but many teachers are inexperienced in handling these pupils. Caroline Roberts explains
Reality TV
Authors: Wilgoss Peter
Published: May 2014

Schools are increasingly turning to CCTV to increase security and cut down on anti-social behaviour. Peter Wilgoss looks at the issues surrounding the installation and use of these systems.
Live life in the fast lane
Authors: Davis Hazel
Published: May 2014

Fast Track. The saviour of the teacher shortage or the scourge of the old school? Hazel Davis finds out.
Brave new world
Authors: Tebbutt Peter
Published: May 2014

Peter Tebbutt looks at the growth of converged voice, data and video networks in schools and what benefits they can bring
Aiming high
Authors: Arrowsmith Jamie , Davies Caroline
Published: May 2014

Jamie Arrowsmith and Caroline Davies have been working with primary schools to widen participation in higher education, and argue that secondary schools could learn a lot from the project's underlying principles
The Holy Grail?
Authors: Fletcher Sarah
Published: May 2014

The extended project is to become a part of the new diplomas and a free-standing qualification. Sarah Fletcher from Rugby School believes it could be transformational
I don't get IT!
Authors: Morgan Tim
Published: May 2014

Tim Morgan explains his acronym deficit disorder
The tools of the trade
Authors: Thomas Martin
Published: May 2014

Martin Thomas explains how the Engineering and Technology Board can help you to inspire your students
Linking contents
Authors: Sharpe Helen
Published: May 2014

Build Africa's School Tie Project is aiming to link schools in the UK and Africa. Helen Sharpe explains how you can get involved
Teachers and innovation
Authors: Williamson Ben , Payton Sarah
Published: May 2014

Schools and teachers are in the frontline of the emerging ‘innovation age’. Ben Williamson and Sarah Payton from Futurelab explain
Reading the warning signs
Authors: Applebaum Devra
Published: May 2014

The Special Award winner at the Dyslexia-Friendly Best Practice Awards, Devra Applebaum, was recognised for her dedication to whole-school support for learning disabilities. She explains her school's strategy and gives advice to teachers when it comes to
A story of success
Authors: Sell Susie
Published: May 2014

Winner of the SecEd Headteacher's PA of the Year Award in 2008, Pam Waters, is crucial to Forest Gate Community School. Susie Sell visited the east London school to meet Pam and find out more about this amazing institution
Home help
Authors: Thompson Valerie
Published: May 2014

The e-Learning Foundation's Valerie Thompson updates us on the government's Home Access programme and urges schools to move quickly to get involved
The history of protest songs
Authors: Westland Naomi
Published: May 2014

The latest Amnesty resource and activity for schools focuses on the history of protest songs and challenges students to create their own. Naomi Westland explains.
Replacing CPD with JPD
Authors: Farrar Maggie
Published: May 2014

Maggie Farrar discusses joint practice development, a peer-to-peer approach to CPD which is prioritised and modelled by school leaders too.
The five steps to vocational success
Authors: Gallagher Caroline
Published: May 2014

Caroline Gallagher discusses the five key elements to delivering a successful programme of vocational education.
How to stop the cyber-bullies
Authors: Kramer Earnie
Published: May 2014

Earnie Kramer offers practical advice for how schools can help to prevent cyber-bullying.
The effect of adding butorphanol tartrate to an acepromazine maleate premedicant on anaesthetic induction and recovery in dogs
Authors: Marshall Hannah , Heayns Bethaney , Brizuela Carole , Martin Erica , Flattery R
Published: May 2014

This study evaluated the inclusion of butorphanol to an acepromazine maleate (ACP) premedication in 20 healthy bitches undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy to determine whether this was beneficial in improving the practice's premedication protocol. Ten bitches were administered ACP (0.04 mg/kg) and ten bitches were administered ACP (0.01 mg/kg) and butorphanol (0.01 mg/kg); both groups received carprofen (4 mg/kg). Anaesthesia was induced with propofol (4 mg/kg) to effect and was maintained on isoflurane. The time of extubation, sternal recumbency and standing was recorded, and pain scores were completed at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 24 hours. The volume of propofol required to induce anaesthesia was also recorded. Owners completed a questionnaire regarding the bitch's behaviour post operatively. It was concluded that the addition of butorphanol to an ACP premedication significantly increases the time for the bitch to regain sternal recumbency and to stand (p=0.017); all other differences in effects and observations between the two groups were statistically insignificant.
Managing conflict at work: why managers fail
Authors: Coates Catherine R
Published: May 2014

Conflict management is an integral part of a manager's role, but many managers shy away from tackling difficult situations, because they often lack the necessary skills and experience. Managers' failings in this area of management, however, cannot always be ascribed to a lack of competence. This article draws on research within the fields of management behaviour and social science to examine the causes of workplace conflict and the conflict process itself. A range of factors are identified within both, which act as barriers to effective management. The article concludes that managers cannot always be blamed for poor conflict outcomes, but can and should work to build workplaces where issues are brought out into the open and discussed freely and honestly and where employees take an active role in finding the right solutions.
Is there consensus on feline urethral obstruction treatment?
Authors: Kelly Sarah
Published: May 2014

Feline urethral obstruction is a complex topic on which there is a vast amount of discussion and research evidence available. However, despite this it is an enigmatic disease on which much clinical and research effort has been expended, but about which much remains to be understood. This article will look at the literature available on feline urethral obstruction, treatment options and how this literature should be reviewed critically to ensure the best possible treatment is provided to this group of patients.
Informed consent: what do veterinary nurses need to know?
Authors: Wager Catherine
Published: May 2014

Whether consent is informed or not has numerous implications for the veterinary team. A signed consent form is not sufficient to establish informed consent. Consent to treatment of an animal by the owner can constitute a contract between the client and the veterinary practice; that the consent is informed is a legal requirement of ensuring any such contract is valid. In order to be sufficiently informed, the likely outcome and any possible risks of the proposed treatment must be clearly explained. Communication skills are vital in conveying this information to clients. While it is the veterinary surgeon's professional responsibility to obtain consent, veterinary nurses still have a key role to play in the process.
Detection and diagnosis of dog lungworm larvae and eggs
Authors: McGarry John W. , Morgan Eric R.
Published: May 2014

Several species of lungworm infect dogs in the UK, some causing similar clinical signs, which range from mild to life threatening. Timely and accurate laboratory diagnosis is therefore vital to clinical management and prognosis. With basic equipment and a little practice, diagnosis can be achieved in the practice laboratory. This article reviews the principles of larval and egg recovery from dog faeces, to help the veterinary nurse to identify infections in a clinical setting. Issues relating to diagnosis are discussed in relation to example clinical cases.
Use of veterinary diets for dogs and cats hospitalized at a veterinary university clinic in Sweden
Authors: Sallander Marie , Jaktlund Annica
Published: May 2014

Background:

Few scientific studies have reported on the use of veterinary diets.

Aim:

To examine how many of the dogs and cats were given diets suitable for their medical conditions and how they complied with the diet both at the clinic and at home.

Methods:

Five days recording of dietary intake at a Swedish university animal clinic, and a combined mail and telephone questionnaire to owners 6 months later.

Results:

The most common type of disease seen in dogs and cats hospitalized at the university clinic at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences is gastrointestinal problems (44 and 46% of the dogs and cats, respectively). Dogs have more oncology problems and individuals that have been poisoned, while cats suffer from more urological problems. At the clinic, a total of 56 and 85% of the dogs and cats, respectively, were put on veterinary diets. When discharged 43 and 32% of dogs and cats, respectively, were prescribed a veterinary diet. Most owners (92%) stated that they believed the veterinary diet had positively influenced the health of the animal.

Conclusion:

Veterinary clinics should put more focus on the fact that the diet plays an mportant role in the recovery of the animal both at the clinic and at home.
Managing staff training and development
Authors: Coates Catherine R
Published: May 2014

Managing staff training and development is a key part of a practice manager’s human resources (HR) role. This article explains the reasons why it is important to develop and train staff and describes an approach to the task, which ensures that training needs are prioritized, met and evaluated in line with the practice’s staff development policy and overall business strategy. Frameworks for producing a staff development policy and conducting a training needs review are outlined along with the various methods that are available for delivering training. Finally, the article discusses ways in which training that is undertaken can be evaluated in order to inform future planning and budget setting.
Code of professional conduct launched
Authors: Jeffery Andrea
Published: May 2014

Veterinary nurses (VNs) have come a long way in the last 50 years since the start of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ (RCVS) Veterinary Nursing Scheme, and are now professionals with their own responsibilities.
Ethical dilemmas: who can decide when euthanasia is justified?
Authors: Crump Laura
Published: May 2014

The aim of this article is to examine the ethical dilemma of euthanasia, considering the views of the veterinary nurse, the owner and the animal. The article will include criminal and civil consequences and will explain basic ethical theories with the aim of answering the question of who can decide when euthanasia should be carried out.