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Liverpool City Region and Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Hub Home Events Newsletters Blogs Programmes Documents Subscribe Childminders Recruitment Maths Champions As part of NDNA's recruitment of settings for the Maths Champions programme, we are holding a number of information sessions. Led by our team of expert Early Years Advisors, these sessions will provide a comprehensive explanation of the programme, the eligibility criteria for settings to take part, and the commitment involved. There is also an opportunity for settings to ask direct questions to the Early Years Advisors, followed by clear instructions of next steps and how to sign up. Below are the dates we have scheduled, and additional dates will be added in November. Maths Information Sessions October Friday 10th October 11:00-11:30 Wednesday 15th October 14:30-15:00 Monday 20th October 14:00-14:30 Thursday 23rd October 15:30-16:00 Tuesday 28th October 14:00-14:30 Thursday 30th October 13:30-14:00 November Tuesday 4th November 11:00-11:30 Thursday 6th November 14:00-14:30 Monday 10th November 15:00-15:30 Wednesday 12th November 16:00-16:30 Tuesday 18th November 14:00-14:30 Friday 21st November 10:00-10:30 Wednesday 26th November 10:00-10:30 Thursday 27th November 15:30-16:00 December Thursday 4th December 14:00-14:30 Friday 5th December 10:00-10:30 Tuesday 9th December 11:00-11:30 Wednesday 10th December 15:30-16:00 Strategic Partners Stronger Practice Hub Privacy Notice

Supporting self-regulation in the early years Liverpool City Region and Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Hub Home Events Newsletters Blogs Programmes Documents Subscribe Childminders Recruitment Supporting self-regulation in the early years Amanda Quirk is an early years teacher and leader with over 30 years’ experience working with children 0 -5, early years teachers and educators in PVIs and schools. Amanda is an area lead for the DFE Experts and Mentors programme. In my role I am lucky enough to be out and about the North West, supporting many early years’ practitioners, leaders and managers. Working with young children post COVID has brought some even bigger challenges to us all. One current issue I have observed and I hear about is children who lack basic social skills, have poor emotional regulation, no impulse control, lack focus and are unable to adapt to different situations. These behaviours are closed aligned to self-regulation. I am not alone in worrying about this trend and what it may mean in the future for these children. The Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework for group and school-based providers. January 2024, states. ‘Children should be supported to manage emotions, develop a positive sense of self, set themselves simple goals, have confidence in their own abilities, to persist and wait for what they want and direct attention as necessary.’ Self-regulation is what makes self-control possible. Without the skills linked to self-regulation, there is an inability to manage oneself and to control actions linked to strong emotions and feelings. This could lead to conflict with peers and adults, a brake down in friendships, and may become a barrier to learning. As early year’s educators, we are fortunate, in that we have a chance to work with children at their most receptive and responsive. This thought always gives me hope and the belief that in early years, we can be arbiters of change. The OFSTED report ‘Best Start in Life Part 2’ makes clear the research that supports links between strong PSED skills and academic success (follow the link below) Here are 3 key strategies that research advocates in supporting young children to start better self-regulation: Help children to name a range of different emotions. Use yourself, books and stores, pictures, mirror play, photographs and role play to name and recognise different emotions and feelings with children to extend their vocabulary. Help children to understand these different emotions. Talk about how different emotions look or feel like in order to help children better understand themselves. Model a range of feelings and emotions and how to deal with them. : Be a role model by demonstrating positive behaviours. Encourage empathy and understanding by discussing feelings and emotions with children, helping them develop their language and emotional intelligence. Co regulation before self-regulation. Initially narrate the problem and possible solutions with children, then gradually move on to coaching children through real life events that will help to develop language and strategies available to them independently. The good news is that we can teach self-regulation skills, and they can be learnt. The tools and resources you use may not cost a lot but will have a big impact on the lives of the children in your setting. If we help children to identify their emotions and teach strategies to help children to cope with how they are feeling or what is happening, we will be giving the life-long gift of being able to achieve goals and navigate life’s challenges. For further information and reading, please click the links below. OFSTED Research and analysis. Best Start in Life Part 2 Best start in life part 2: the 3 prime areas of learning - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) EEF. Personal Social and Emotional Development. Approaches and practices to support Personal, Social and Emotional development in the Early Years EEF | Personal Social and Emotional Development (educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk) Strategic Partners Stronger Practice Hub Privacy Notice

Liverpool City Region and Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Hub Home Events Newsletters Blogs Programmes Documents Subscribe Childminders Recruitment Liverpool City Region and Beyond Stronger Practice Hub Sign Up Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs will support other early years settings in the designated areas to improve outcomes for children in their local area across the EYFS, but specifically focusing on areas of development that research informs us have been most impacted by COVID-19: personal social and emotional development (PSED); communication and language, and early literacy and mathematics. Each Hub is led by a group-based (school-based, private, voluntary, or independent) early years provider. (Please check your inbox Junk folder for blocked correspondence). * Indicates required question Email Name Local Authority your setting is based in: School / Setting name Setting Postcode Setting URN number: What best describes your role in the Setting Choose an option What best describes your Setting Choose an option Which area would your setting like support with? * Required Communication and Language Literacy Mathematics Other Which Social Media channels would you like to see our information on? * Required Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Whatsapp Other Would you like to subscribe to our monthly newsletter? * Required Yes No I understand that by signing up on this form, my contact details will be kept by Liverpool City Region and Beyond Stronger Practice Hub at Everton Nursery School and Children's Centre. Your details will be kept for the purpose of sending emails and newsletters. I agree Submit Thanks for subscribing! Please check your inbox Junk folder for blocked correspondence Strategic Partners Stronger Practice Hub Privacy Notice

The benefits of outdoor play Liverpool City Region and Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Hub Home Events Newsletters Blogs Programmes Documents Subscribe Childminders Recruitment Deysbrook Childminding Network By Tracie Dowling My name is Tracie Dowling and I have been a childminder for over 32 years and I live in Anfield Liverpool. I am also part of the strategic team at Liverpool City Region and Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub (EYSPH) and support childminders within the Region. My role is to be a point of call to support the childminders, signpost them to early years funded support programmes and link in with the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) to promote the Early Years Evidence store and Early Years Tool kit. https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/ The Stronger Practice Hub has funded a Childminder Network drop In at the Deysbrook Village Centre. https://www.deysbrook-vc.co.uk/ This provides the local childminders with a venue to meet up weekly with their minded children, link to myself and each other to share good practice and access face to face support. The childminders and children enjoy attending the drop-in sessions as this supports good practice by giving the children experiences to gain valuable social skills like sharing, taking turns, communication, and cooperation by interacting with others children. Having access to larger group activities such as music and movement and craft time also provides opportunities to develop language skills, motor skills, and overall confidence through play-based learning and exposure to larger group activities and toys and helping with preparing for school transition. The Drop in provides a venue for childminder and child-based training opportunities and a space for childminders to connect and build a community with each other. Over the last few months, the childminders and children have enjoyed the Sustainability Goal bitesize sessions that I have facilitated. https://sdgs.un.org/goals We have focused on one goal each week, for example week 1, we focused on Goal 1 ‘No Poverty’. We all sat together on the carpet and read the story ‘The Three Little Pigs’ we discussed the different types of housing and what it’s like to be homeless. We thought about what the safest house would be and which would have strong foundations that can withstand challenges due to global warming. I provided the children with an activity using wooden ‘Three Little Pig’ story props to decorate using crayons and recyclable materials. At the end of the session, I gave each childminder an information pack explaining why I chose the activity, how I incorporate the goals within my setting, extra reading materials / information around the Sustainability Goals. The following week before we started the next focused activity, we discussed the previous goal and how and what the children did at their childminders setting to include ‘poverty’. One child told me she made a Den, but she got upset because one of the children pulled off the blanket. I suggested next time they use pegs to see if the den stayed up longer. She told me her childminder made another den out of a big sturdy box and this was fun. Another child had used their props to tell the story again. This feedback from the children was invaluable and makes the time I spend putting the activities together all worthwhile. Anne Wrigley a childminder of the Deysbrook Drop in provided me with some amazing feedback. She said by attending the drop in and accessing support gave her confidence when she had her latest OFSTED inspection. By taking part in the bite sized Sustainability Goals awareness made her realise she was already promoting sustainability but hadn’t realised this. Since attending the sessions, she now takes the children to the local charity shop to donate and purchase items and every few weeks she buys wool to knit squares with the children to make blankets for the homeless. Anne and the children go on a trip to St Luke’s church to donate food for families who are less fortunate. During Annes previous OFSTED inspection, the inspector commented on the lack of extra training. In this inspection the inspector said it was evident Anne had been very proactive extending her continuous professional development. Anne explained to the inspector about the SPH webinar recordings and how she liked them as she can dip in and out, at a time that suits her due to the flexibility and thought they were a perfect way to extend her knowledge. Further reading: https://www.strongerpracticehubs.org.uk/hubs/nw/liverpool-city-region-and-beyond-eysph/resources/autumn-time-apples-and-apple-juice-dr https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/early-years/evidence-store https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/early-years/toolkit/play-based-learning https://www.evertonnurseryschoolandfamilycentre.org/childminders https://www.evertonnurseryschoolandfamilycentre.org/early-years-sustainable-hub Strategic Partners Stronger Practice Hub Privacy Notice

Liverpool City Region and Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Hub Home Events Newsletters Blogs Programmes Documents Subscribe Childminders Recruitment Reddish Vale Nursery School Blog Becoming physical development champions and beyond…. This blog explores the importance of evaluating the opportunities available to promote physical development in the early years, with a particular focus on promotion children’s independence, risk taking and following their lead. Our pedagogy Opportunities for outdoor play are vital in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Reddish Vale Nursery places equal value on outdoor and indoor play, and the well-resourced outdoor area is an important part of the continuous provision. As a team we work on the premise that regular activity is vital for strengthening neural networks, where regular, intense exercise results in the growth of neurons to aid memory and learning. Opportunities in the outdoor area are designed to improve concentration, hand eye coordination, confidence and decision making. The evidence RISE at Manchester Metropolitan University outlines the importance of physical development where ‘Physical development lays the foundation for learning, health and wellbeing. The more physically active we are as young children, the more likely we are to maintain an active lifestyle later in life. This sets a positive health trajectory, promoting long-term physical well-being and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Encouraging early physical activity is crucial for establishing healthy habits and also impacts greatly on early literacy and the social, emotional, and cognitive development of children.’ Rise x Future Me at Manchester Met (mmu.ac.uk) Children who are given the opportunity to play outdoors are shown to have better planning, attention and inhibition where regular activity reduces stress, and increases self-regulation. Children learn how to control their bodies, develop physical competence and an enjoyment of outdoors and to practice problem solving. The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) on the Early Years Evidence Store key findings in ‘promoting physical activity’ outlines the following: There is evidence that promoting physical activity improves children’s physical development outcomes including a range of movement skills. Encouraging enjoyment through play and a focus on child-directed choice are effective strategies to further support children’s physical development. Motivating children to be physically active through the use of resources or equipment, both outdoors and indoors, can support children’s physical development. Educators have an important role to play in structuring the environment and activities to support children’s physical development. EEF | Physical Development (educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk) Becoming Physical Development Champions Reddish Vale Nursery School engaged in Physical Development Champion training where we evaluated our current environment and made some changes to promote gross motor skills. We removed the majority of chairs from the tables to enable children to stretch for resources. We made group times more physical. We increased activities which help to develop core strength. We corrected W sitting where this was happening. We also provided more opportunities for tummy time. Although we have always promoted independence in children we looked for times of the day where we could increase opportunities for this. We encourage children to pour their own drinks at snack time and peel their own fruit. At lunch time children collect their own lunches and clear away after themselves. There is an absolute wealth of evidence based information, videos, case studies and examples for best practice available you can read at your own pace, but did you know that researching, investigating and using the Education Endowment Foundation EEF Evidence Store shows that you are reflecting on your setting so make sure you add these to your personal development record. The furniture was also checked to ensure that this was appropriate for the individual and we changed chairs to enable children to anchor themselves properly when seated, with both feet on the floor. Some chairs with arms are used for children that need extra support. Beyond our Physical Development Champion work – what did we do next? Observation and reflection The EEF studies looked at the benefits of introducing different resources to stimulate interest or encourage nature-based play. Different or new resources could be smaller tools such as hand tools and jigsaws or more dynamic toys such as balls or climbing frames. In nature-based studies, children were encouraged to participate in more risky play through climbing natural structures. Likewise, freedom to play with natural elements such as grass, rocks, and branches was supported. These activities all led to improvements in children’s physical development outcomes. A common theme across the evidence was ensuring that children were provided with choice and a high degree of independence. EEF | Physical Development (educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk) Introducing a gravel pit Gravel pits can bring the following benefits: 1. Sensory Development Gravel offers a unique tactile experience different from sand, water, or soil. This helps children explore texture, weight, and sound, enriching their sensory input. 2. Fine Motor Skills Scooping, pouring, picking up, and sifting small stones promotes hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Using tools like shovels, buckets, or sieves builds grip strength and control. 3. Creativity and Imaginative Play Gravel can be used in pretend construction, road-building, or even as "ingredients" in play kitchens. It encourages open-ended play, allowing children to invent their own games and stories. 4. STEM Learning Children naturally engage in early science and math concepts through sorting by size, counting stones, or experimenting with gravity and volume. Opportunities for cause and effect learning, like observing how gravel moves or shifts. At Reddish Vale Nursery School, the children made their own gravel pit using tarpaulin, sleepers and a huge order of pea sized gravel. Climbing opportunities in the 2s Through observing our 2 year olds we noticed their need for a constructive physical outlet, helping them to burn energy and regulate emotions and behaviour afterward. We therefore introduced a climbing wall where 1.Gross Motor Development Climbing strengthens large muscle groups in the arms, legs, and core. This helps develop balance, coordination, and body awareness. 2. Fine Motor and Grip Strength Grasping climbing holds improves hand strength, finger dexterity, and fine motor control—important for future skills like writing and self-care. 3. Confidence and Independence Climbing challenges young children in a way that lets them experience success, promoting self-esteem and a sense of achievement. It encourages independent decision-making and exploration. Conclusion When did you last evaluate your environment through the physical development lens? Do your routines and environments all offer opportunities for independence? Are your children encouraged to take risks? Are there opportunities for tummy time, even for older children? Look specifically at what the children are already doing and how this could be developed. Do you already have resources that could be introduced in a different way? Are you making the best use of the space you’ve got? References https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/early-years/evidence-store/physical-development https://www.reddishvalenursery.stockport.sch.uk/our-curriculum/physical-development-champions https://rise.mmu.ac.uk/topic/the-importance-of-physical-development/ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/670fa42a30536cb92748328f/EYFS_statutory_framework_for_group_and_school_-_based_providers.pdf Physical Development Physical activity is vital in children’s all-round development, enabling them to pursue happy, healthy and active lives9. Gross and fine motor experiences develop incrementally throughout early childhood, starting with sensory explorations and the development of a child’s strength, co-ordination and positional awareness through tummy time, crawling and play movement with both objects and adults. By creating games and providing opportunities for play both indoors and outdoors, adults can support children to develop their core strength, stability, balance, spatial awareness, co-ordination and agility. Gross motor skills provide the foundation for developing healthy bodies and social and emotional well-being. Fine motor control and precision helps with hand-eye co-ordination, which is later linked to early literacy. Repeated and varied opportunities to explore and play with small world activities, puzzles, arts and crafts and the practice of using small tools, with feedback and support from adults, allow children to develop proficiency, control and confidence. P10. https://child-development-training.education.gov.uk/about/module-5 Strategic Partners Stronger Practice Hub Privacy Notice

Liverpool City Region and Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Hub Home Events Newsletters Blogs Programmes Documents Subscribe Childminders Recruitment Sign-up to receive our Newsletter on the second week of each month. Will aim to provide practical information from educators across the Liverpool City Region and Beyond as well as information from the Department for Education and Education Endowment Foundation. See below for previous editions. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LIVERPOOL CITY REGION AND BEYOND EARLY YEARS STRONGER PRACTICE HUB MAILING LIST Sign-up to receive news from our Hub by email, including upcoming courses and events, links to additional resources, and more! Subscribe Strategic Partners Stronger Practice Hub Privacy Notice

Liverpool City Region and beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Hub Home Events Blogs Childminders Programmes Documents Subscribe Early Years Professional Development Programme Newsletters Recruitment Early Years Professional Development Programme (EYDP) https://www.earlyyearspdp.com/ I cannot recommend the Early Years Professional Development Programme enough to any early years practitioner whether they are new to the sector or have many years of experience. Being able to adapt ideas from the training and talking to colleagues on the webinar has been invaluable. Understanding children’s depth of knowledge in Early Maths has allowed me to enhance activities allowing me to see the immediate, positive impact on their learning. Ten simple hints and tips could make any setting become “language rich” and the ability to spot and fix communication “cold spots” personally I am so glad I signed up. June Cargill Ofsted Registered Outstanding Childminder Strategic Partners Stronger Practice Hub Privacy Notice

Liverpool City Region and Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Hub Home Events Newsletters Blogs Programmes Documents Subscribe Childminders Recruitment Autumn the time of apples By Diane Boyd By immersing early years children in place-based learning and letting them become part of seasonal experiences, will strengthen their environmental sustainability lens. Children can only become empathetic and caring about their world, if they understand how their world works. A wonderful way to be aware of the seasons is to follow a seasonal calendar. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) are keen for children to become gardeners and provide resources to support this process -RHS Crop Planner Additionally, The Horticultural Society provides a month-by-month guide for you to use - Vegetable Planting Guide By Month In The UK | Horticulture At Everton Nursery School and Family Centre recently the children were very lucky to have an amazing Autumnal experience using a crop of apples. The crop of locally grown apples comprised of Keswick Codling, Ribston Pippin, Ladies Finger of Lancaster, Scrumptious and Egremont Russett. What a wonderful array of names for apples! The children were introduced to the different varieties initially to observe, feel and taste them. This simple sensorial activity will enhance the children’s communication and language development in a holistic and organic way. Consider the language that describes the taste of different apples – bitter, tart, sweet but also some apples seem fluffy to eat, whereas others are hard or crunchy. Apples also come in all shapes and sizes, so this simple activity provides easy opportunities for early numeracy to be developed. As the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) Early Years evidence store for Communication and Language states, “Vocabulary instruction that explicitly draws pupils’ attention to words, their meanings and their features appears to be effective”. (EEF | Communication and Language ) The bowls of apples inspired Intergenerational conversations that were both cultural and social, allowing children to hear the conventions of a conversation, that reflect social sustainability with parents and grandparents reminising about tradititional October activities with apples. They recalled apple bobbing with apples floating in bowls of water or hanging from string, with the aim of trying to eat them! Research from the EEF Personal, Social, Emotional Development Early evidence store ( EEF | Personal Social and Emotional Development ) highlights the importance of showing “children good examples of social communication,” and by listening to these cultural narratives provides such examples for children. Supporting children to repeat the names of the apples tasted or to engage in a conversation about cultural stories will aid “children’s early literacy”, which “is dependent on their oral language skills” (EEF Early Years Evidence Early Literacy)( EEF | Early Literacy ). The National Literacy Trust emphasises the importance of quality pedagogical experiences especially in disadvantaged areas such as Liverpool, Birmingham and Manchester where research (Pro Bono Economics) identified that more than a quarter of five-year-olds have low levels of literacy. These authentic teaching moments need to be extended with songs, stories and high-quality conversations revisiting the experiences. Ensure your setting or home has a variety of stimulating books to revisit the experiences and develop their communication and language. Examples here reflect both apples (starting point of original provocation) and the seasonal element of falling apples to collect. Links below. Hello, World! How Do Apples Grow? : Jill McDonald: Amazon.co.uk: Books Autumn: 4 (Seasons, 4) : Child's Play, Busby, Ailie: Amazon.co.uk: Books Do encourage parents to visit their local library to extend the language, as research from EEF Early Years Evidence – C&L suggests “shared book reading has often been found to be a useful activity…”. alongside “explicit vocabulary instruction”. This also sustains the local library too for the community. From an Environmental Sustainability perspective seeing apples that are wonky and not perfect, celebrate the diversity of the natural world, celebrating all things (both human and non-human) are worthy regardless of shape or size (SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities). This also highlights that we must eat all fruit and vegetables regardless of whether they look perfect, encouraging our parents and grandparents to buy the cheaper ‘wonky’ produce in their shops. The children and their families were invited into the nursery to use real working equipment and press the apples and make freshly squeezed juice. From an economic sustainability perspective, the families had been asked to bring recycled plastic containers to use for their squeezed apple juice. This simple request highlights SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production, with children and families seeing how to effectively support the planet by reusing them. The process of apple pressing was then demonstrated to everyone emphasising the correct terminology of trade and environment. As the EEF Early years evidence store opines for C&L, “the adult models using language to summarise activities” ( EEF | Communication and Language ) . The parents and grandparents were invited to be an active part of the collaborative process, demonstrating the authenticity of Intergenerational learning as a socio-cultural sustainability approach and resonating with SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities. The process involved everyone putting apples into either electronic presser, so the children had to stretch up high and aim correctly to place their apples into the open vent. Smaller or less confident children were physically lifted and supported by their key person to aim. This process was enjoyed by the children filling them with excitement. They were told to carefully watch the bottom funnel and see what happens as a result! This is both economic sustainability in action, but also STEM (Science, technology, engineering and Math) learning. Introducing children in their early years to STEM activities supports their Understanding of the World Specific area (EYFS(DfE,2024) in seeing how materials change. The apple started the process as a round hard matter, then became pulp before finishing as a dark liquid. The colour depended on which variety of apples were pulped. This provides wonderful scientific conversations and consolidates the EEF Early evidence store C&L, which states, “there is strong evidence that teaching and modelling vocabulary to children in the early years can have a positive effect on their oral language skills.”( EEF | Communication and Language ). The children also had the chance to physically crush and press the apples manually too, aligning with the pioneering giants of early childhood, such as Froebel or Steiner, who advocated that children must be physically active developing their hand -eye co-ordination and skills. The EEF Evidence Store for Physical Development( EEF | Physical Development ) highlights the importance of children having the “time for play, practise, and repeat an activity”. It also aligns with both SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 9 Industry, innovation and Infrastructure. Using the actual tools of apple pressing, also supported their physicality- consider the effort it takes to crush apples in a solid state, to reduce them small enough to be pushed through the juicer! The children shared and worked co-operatively together, enhancing the community spirit. The EEF Early Evidence Store regarding Self -regulation and Executive Function( EEF | Self-Regulation and Executive Function ) reminds educators “to scaffold cooperative learning between peers”. The quality of the practitioner (SDG 4 Quality education) was evident in how they supported the children through the process. Not only did they model the language, but they demonstrated both the action to be completed but also supported the children in repeating the actions themselves physically. The children moved their bodies like the wheels turning in the crushing process and jumped as the apples squashed into the shute. These authentic physical opportunities will extend and develop the whole body especially children from disadvantaged backgrounds, which the EEF evidence store for PD states; “are at greater risk of not reaching expected levels of physical development than their more affluent peers. Evidence indicates that children from disadvantaged backgrounds benefit from educators targeting their movement and handling skills” (EEF | Physical Development ). Songs are a cultural and social way to consolidate both the language and action, drawing on the pioneer Frederick Froebel. His original Mother songs made connections to real life, for example, the rhyme ‘Pat-a-cake’ made links for the children with the corn growing in the fields, the miller grinding the corn, the baker kneading the bread and finally being eaten by the child. Froebel made a seemingly simple song about baking, but the depth and meaningful notions, can be shared with children through song and action (Froebel, 1895; Froebel Trust). You could create your own songs and actions to help children’s holistic development, such as the Apple press rap! Think of the fun they would have recorded it developing their technological skills. The children were given agency to decide what aspect of the process they wanted to be involved in, with some children preferring to just sit quietly and watch. Quality early childhood education requires educators to know the children in their care, to offer new and exciting pedagogical experiences, but know their boundaries. This is socio-cultural sustainability resonating with the Article 12 of the UNCRC (1989)( Convention on the Rights of the Child text | UNICEF ) which says that “every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously.” There was one little two-year-old boy who did not to want to drink water in the nursery and always needed to be encouraged to stay hydrated. He loved the fresh apple juice and proceeded to drink three lots of the juice. His mum was thrilled as she had never tried apple juice with him before and now had a healthy alternative to offer him, resonating with SDG 3 Good Health and Wellbeing. Additionally, the kitchen staff were part of the community of apple pressers watching and joining in with the parents and children. Afterwards they took away in recycled bottles fresh apple juice for the lunch time meal, ensuring all children had the opportunity to try freshly pressed juice. This simple activity of pressing apples reflects all three Pillars of Sustainability and the 17 SDGs. In 2015 the United Kingdom Government signed the Paris Treaty (UNSCO,2015) which positioned the 17 Sustainable Development Goals as an integral part of all policy, curricula and pedagogical experiences (SDG 12.8). At Everton Nursery and Family Centre they are now central in the entrance foyer so parents, carers and Grandparents can become familiar with them. Make them visible and part of your everyday pedagogical experiences. Strategic Partners Stronger Practice Hub Privacy Notice

Liverpool City Region and Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Hub Home Events Newsletters Blogs Programmes Documents Subscribe Childminders Recruitment Are you looking to spend your Early Years Pupil Premium strategically? Kaya Doyle (Programme Manager) has put a short webinar together to support you when considering what to spend your Early Years Pupil Premium, titled 'Maximising the Impact of Pupil Premium in the Early Years'. For the link email: sphubnw@evertoncentre.liverpool.sch.uk Strategic Partners Stronger Practice Hub Privacy Notice

Liverpool City Region and Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Hub Home Events Newsletters Blogs Programmes Documents Subscribe Childminders Recruitment The hub offers free advice, support and training to childminders across Liverpool City Region and Beyond. We are aiming to set up Peer to Peer Childminder Support and Play Sessions for Children. Please join our mailing list to be kept informed of future events and launches, newsletters and availability for training dates and drop-in sessions. If you would like to be involved or have suggestions, please let us know. Online Childminder Network which is the last Saturday morning 10a.m. – 11.30a.m. of every month: CHILDMINDER DROP IN Deysbrook Network: Everton Nursery School and Family Centre, Spencer Street, Liverpool, L6 2WF Held every Wednesday 9.30- 11.30am Hunts Cross Network: St Hilda’s Church Hall, Stuart Avenue, Hunts Cross L25 0NG Held every Wednesday 9.30-11.30am Kendal Network: Beck Community Centre, 20 Esthwaite Avenue, Kendal LA9 7NZ Held every Thursday 9.30 – 11.30am Bromborough Childminder Network: Bromborough Family Hub, Gratrix Road, Wirral CH62 7BW Held Thursdays 9.30 – 11.30 am What is a Childminder Drop In? The childminder drop-in sessions provide local childminders with an opportunity to access up to date information, recourses, face to face support, support from a member of the hub team and for childminders to share best practices. The group offers the children a multitude of benefits including enhanced social, emotional, and cognitive development, improved communication skills and opportunities to access larger play equipment to promote physical development. The facilities provide a safe space where childminders can organise events, celebrations and provide larger scale structured activities for the children which in turn supports transitions to school. Liverpool City Region and beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Childminder Network Meetings Held every last Saturday of each month for Teams Link see the monthly newsletter. The aim of the Monthly meetings is to keep childminders up to date with local / national changes, information sharing, identify training needs and give general help and advice. Should you want to have anything specific added to the agenda please email the Stronger Practice Hub on sphubnw@evertoncentre.liverpool.sch.uk WELLCOMM BAGS If you are a Liverpool Childminder and wish to borrow a Wellcomm bag to use with your children, email the sph email as we can support you and loan a Wellcomm bag to you for a period of time. CHILDMINDER RESOURCE BAGS Calling all SPH Network Members….. FREE Resource bags coming soon, funded by the SPH this is a fantastic opportunity for Childminders. Each bag of carefully selected items will be a welcome addition to your setting which in turn supports your children’s development. Each resource bag is designed to be used individually, with a group of childminder colleagues and shared as a lending library. In the next few weeks you can apply for resources that cover Communication and Language, Early Maths and Story Comprehension including a selection of various quality Story Sacks. Also included will be Outdoor and Nature, Habitats and Musicical Instruments bags. Look out for the launch coming the end of April/early May depending on your location within Liverpool City Region and Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub…. Literacy Blog, written for Childminders by June Cargill Strategic Partners Stronger Practice Hub Privacy Notice

Liverpool City Region and Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Hub Home Events Newsletters Blogs Programmes Documents Subscribe Childminders Recruitment The following information and documents will provide you with an insight of the Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs working with the Education Endowment Foundation A flexible way for settings to engage with various online recordings Liverpool City Region and Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub, have introduced a flexible way for settings to engage with various online recordings. Feedback from Local Authorities highlighted Communication and Language development as a continued key priority, so this has been the focus of the CPD resource. The resource provides flexibility to suit all educators, whether refreshing their knowledge or exploring communication and language in more depth for the first time. Childminders plan to use the recordings during network meetings to encourage good practice and discussion. Similarly, other settings can incorporate the recordings into INSET days or staff meetings. To support this, there is a written INSET template for those who prefer this delivery format. This resource will be a valuable tool to support evidence-informed practice, encourage professional dialogue, and promote the effective sharing of knowledge across early years settings. If you would like the recording that accompanies this inset resource please email sphubnw@evertoncentre.liverpool.sch.uk providing us with your name, setting name, postcode and Local Authority your setting is registered with. Early Education Journal Early Education published a Journal issue on Cultures of Sustainability in Summer 2024. The journal started a conversation exploring sustainability, referenced by Jan White in the editorial. This issue is a follow on from that one, building on the articles and educators’ experiences of sustainability in practice. Communication and Language A short INSET template to use with your team which will support professional development to improve practice and outcomes for children. Early Years Pupil Premium | EEF - Education Endowment Foundation The Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) has one aim: to improve outcomes for socio-economically disadvantaged children from 9 months upwards. In April 2025, the Department for Education (DfE) increased funding for the EYPP by 45% to £570 per child per year. https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/early-years/pupil-premium A School’s Guide to Implementation Maximise the impact of new approaches and practices. educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk A School's Guide 1 A School's Guide 2 Early Mathematics The EEF is an independent charity dedicated to breaking the link between family income and educational achievement. https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/early-years-evidence-store/early-mathematics Early Years Evidence Store https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/support-for-schools/evidence-for-the-early-years/early-years-evidence-store Support to help you put evidence-informed approaches into practice. educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk Early Years Toolkit A summary of the best available evidence on key areas for learning and development Early Years Toolkit | EEF (educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk) Preparing for Literacy Seven recommendations to support improving early language and literacy Preparing for Literacy | EEF (educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk) Early Literacy The EEF is an independent charity dedicated to breaking the link between family income and educational achievement. EEF | Early Literacy (educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk) Strategic Partners Stronger Practice Hub Privacy Notice

Liverpool City Region and Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Hub Home Events Newsletters Blogs Programmes Documents Subscribe Childminders Recruitment CONCEPT CAT By Alex Gower-Jones Strategic Partners Stronger Practice Hub Privacy Notice