Search Results

Liverpool City Region and Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Hub Home Events Newsletters Blogs Programmes Documents Subscribe Childminders Recruitment ENGAGING GROWTH WITH ‘THE GARDEN CLASSROOM’ By Tracie Dowling My name is Tracie Dowling, I have worked in childcare for over 30 years. I’m an OFSTED Registered Childminder, Mentor for the Department of Education , Northwest Childminder Representative and Childminding Network Co-ordinator, PEEP Facilitator and Childminder Employer based in Liverpool. I employ an amazing assistant, Debbie and together we care for eight children under the age of five years. Throughout my career as a Registered Childminder, I have incorporated holistic learning into my practices. Over the years this has evolved, and I refer to my way of teaching as ‘The Garden Classroom’ which you can read about on my blog . Although this way of learning is primarily outdoors, the learning is year-long and therefore I have created ways of learning no matter the season. The Garden Classroom practices always incorporate the three prime areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and the Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning. Read on to learn how I weave these key components into outdoor play. OUTDOOR LEARNING The Garden Classroom is a space where children can learn and grow, connecting to nature and the world around them. Outdoor exploration not only connects toddlers and babies with the seasons and everchanging weather, but also promotes physical activity, a sense of wonder, and an appreciation for the natural environment. Providing gardening activities for my children has proven to be great way to engage them with hands-on learning, including growing food from seed to plate, food sensory education , pond-dipping and lifecycles, and practicing sustainability through composting and recycling. The children learn vital skills such as adaptability and resilience by witnessing their environment going through the cycles. This helps them understand the concept of change and builds resilience in the face of transitions. In one area of our garden, we have a pet cemetery. Here, we have buried our family pets and other creatures who have come and gone. This space allows us to teach the children about the life-death cycle and accept change. Similarly, every year we experience frogspawn, giving us the opportunity to learn about birth and growth as we watch their little tails shrink and their legs grow. To support the children’s cognitive skills, we provide activities to observe and understand nature through investigation. The children’s favourite activities at the moment are pond dipping and growing and harvesting flowers, fruit, and vegetables. Some of the learning objectives within these activities are linked to lifecycles, categorising, comparison and pattern recognition in nature. Supporting the children to experience the wonders of changing seasons has a positive effect on their emotional well-being, mine, and Debbie’s too! The children take naps outside and participate in meditation while the birds are singing away. These activities provide opportunities for relaxation and promote a sense of calm and happiness. It is proven that spending time in nature has mental health benefits as well as emotional and physical benefits . SEASONAL LEARNING Every season and even every different day outdoors, brings a new set of sensory stimulation by exploring the sights, textures, aromas, even the noises of the natural world. The experiences are endless. The children love finding the strawberries and munching away, and there is no better taste than a sun-ripened cherry tomato, if they leave me any! Unfolding the characteristics of seasonal vocabulary during our activities also contributes to early language and provides children with the skills to articulate their observations and experiences. Whether its playing in the muddy puddles, counting the frogs or learning to sow seeds, the language opportunities are endless. The seasons are also a lovely way to promote cultural celebrations and traditions. We love the harvest festival where we like to gather our produce and share with our families, or Diwali where we cover the garden with lights and have a magical Diwali feast. There are many ways to weave cultural traditions into your very own Garden Classroom. “Lovely to watch her be so interested in how it grows. How she cares for it, and that she’s happy with the end result, we’ve even started growing our own strawberries and sunflowers at home” – Elsie’s Mum. By incorporating a Garden Classroom into your setting, your children can foster environmental awareness, develop a sense of responsibility and appreciation of the natural world, which in turn lays the groundwork for their future environmental consciousness. Seasonal changes spark natural curiosity and wonder within the children, giving them the opportunity for questioning and exploration, cultivating a mindset of inquiry and lifelong learning. The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) The Early Years Toolkit brings together the best available evidence on key areas of learning and development. It can support all childminders when making decisions on how to improve learning outcomes. Physical development approaches | EEF educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk) Other research Useful resource: Garden activities for September :: The Garden Classroom - NurtureStore The Edible Garden – Alys Fowler (book and BBC Series 2010) Strategic Partners Stronger Practice Hub Privacy Notice

Liverpool City Region and beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Hub Home Events Blogs Childminders Programmes Documents Subscibe Early Years Professional Development Programme Newletters Recruitment Please fill out the following information in order to access this webinar on-demand. Email Name Local Authority your setting is based in: School / Setting name Setting Postcode What best describes your role in the Setting Choose an option What best describes your Setting Choose an option Setting Region Choose an option Number of practitioners/teachers watching on this device, including yourself * Session: Session URL: By ticking this box, you understand that all materials are the copyright of Liverpool City Region and Beyond Stronger Practice Hub at Everton Nursery School and Children's Centre and/or the webinar presenter(s). You will be subscribed to the Liverpool City Region and Beyond Stronger Practice Hub Mailing List and will receive occasional emails from us; you can manage your preferences and unsubscribe anytime. I agree Watch Strategic Partners Stronger Practice Hub Privacy Notice

EYSH SDG 15 | ENSFC W harmonii UNESCO SDG 15 LINK SDG 15 Sustainable Development Goals. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Home | Climate Action Strategy | Case Studies | Curriculum Resources | Blog and Video Logs

Liverpool City Region and Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Hub Home Events Newsletters Blogs Programmes Documents Subscribe Childminders Recruitment Anchor 1 Anchor 2 Mathematics WEBINARS We are running these webinars on the following dates, all at 10-11am: Intro to Physical Development - Wednesday 11th March Play Conference Tuesday 17th March 2026, 9.45am – 2.15pm At the Everton Nursery School and Family Centre Spencer Street, Liverpool, L6 2WF This conference will provide opportunities to engage in dialogue and reflect on play, exploring shared meanings, knowledge, and insights about children and the possibilities created through play. Food growing and Sustainability – improving our skills in order to ensure best practice in implementing the New EYFS Nutritional guidance. Wednesday 18th March 6.30-8p.m. with Lil Newton (Early Years Consultant and previous Nursery Headteacher) online on Zoom Workplace. A lack of nutritious food affects a child’s physical health, emotional well-being as well as cognitive and social development A recent report from the Food Foundation (October 2025) found that 1 in 4 children in Britain are living in food poverty. This webinar will look at the requirements of the new EYFS nutritional guidance, current health research, soil and nutrient density. Lil will give many practical tips and ideas about how food growing and sustainability can enrich our curriculum, develop vocabulary, thinking skills, resilience and problem solving and support every child’s health and well being. Email: SpHubNW@evertoncentre.liverpool.sch.uk to book a place. Beach school session first session theory Wednesday 13th May 1-4p.m. Beach school practical Wednesday 10th June 1-4p.m. at Everton Nursery School and Family Centre, Spencer Street, Liverpool 6 2WF Please email SpHubNW@evertoncentre.liverpool.sch.uk to book a place. Forest school first session theory Wednesday 20th May 1-4p.m. Forest school practical Wednesday 17th June 1-4p.m. at Everton Nursery School and Family Centre, Spencer Street, Liverpool 6 2WF Please email SpHubNW@evertoncentre.liverpool.sch.uk to book a place. All CPD sessions are open to all Early Years practitioners in the Liverpool City Region and Beyond Stronger Practice Hub 10 Local Authorities. To book on to any CPD session live or recorded email: SpHubNW@evertocentre.liverpool.sch.uk LEARNING WALKS If you wish to offer your setting for a learning walk to share practice especially linked to research in communication or early mathematics, let us know via email on sphubnw@evertoncentre.liverpool.sch.uk RECORDED SESSIONS We have a number of recorded sessions online for staff training: EARLY WRITING 25 minutes with Laura Johnson, Early Years Teacher from Duke Street Nursery School, Chorley. SELF REGULATION AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTION 25 minutes with Emma Doran, Early Years Co-ordinator from Whitefield Primary School, Liverpool CELEBRATING DIVERSITY, PROMOTING INCLUSION, AND ANTI-RACIST CULTURES IN THE EARLY YEARS 25 minutes with Sian Phillips - Anti-Racism Advocate/Researcher/Consultant. MAXIMISING THE IMPACT OF PUPIL PREMIUM IN THE EARLY YEARS 20 minutes with Kaya Doyle, Programme Manager. INSET SESSION 1 TEACHING AND MODELLING LANGUAGE: 30 minutes with Alex Gower-Jones (Independent Consultant). This has an accompany written sheet of activities to support this recorded Inset session. INSET SESSION 2 TEACHING AND MODELLING VOCABULARY: 30 minutes with Alex Gower-Jones (Independent Consultant). This has an accompany written sheet of activities to support this recorded Inset session. INSET SESSION 1 EARLY LITERACY – TEACHING SOUND DISCRIMINATION 30 minutes with Alex Gower-Jones (Independent Consultant). INSET SESSION 2 EARLY LITERACY – TEACHING SOUND MANIPULATION 30 minutes with Alex Gower-Jones (Independent Consultant). INTERACTIVE READING CONFERENCE: Conference from 29th March on Interactive Reading re 1 hour, 30 minutes with Alex Gower-Jones (Independent Consultant). 17 SUSTAINABLE GOALS: Conference from Saturday 22nd March on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals – An Introduction re 2 hours with Diane Boyd. WORKING WITH 0-3’s: An introduction to working with children 0-3 years by Amanda Quirk (Early Years Advisory Teacher). SENSORY FUN Tiny Happy People sensory fun for babies indoors and outdoors with low cost/no cost activities shared by Denise Wright (Independent Consultant). The webinar shows educators how they can inspire parents to undertake sensory activities at home to support their child’s learning and development through play. INTERACTIVE READING online recorded session by Alex Gower-Jones (Independent Consultant) explores how early years educators can explore interactive reading in their practice. SKILLS BEFORE WRITING online recorded session by Amanda Quirk (Early Years Advisory Teacher) has put together an online programme for early years educators exploring skills before early writing. EMOTIONAL REGULATION online recorded session by Maria Beale (SENDCO) and Emma Doran (Early Years Co-ordinator) from Whitefield Primary School, Liverpool. Maria and Emma share how they have worked with children in the early years and their families exploring emotional regulation. NURSERY RHYMES online recorded session by Faye Johnson, Assistant Headteacher from Everton Nursery School and Family Centre has put together a session on exploring Nursery Rhymes with young children. COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGE online recorded session by Amanda Quirk, (Early Years Advisory Teacher) has put together an online programme for early years educators exploring communication and language. OAP (ORDINARY AVAILABLE PROVISION) – Amanda Quirk, (Early Years Advisory Teacher) has put together a recording on OAP (Ordinary Available Provision) in early years. USING MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS - Craig and Pip from East Prescot Nursery School, Liverpool have developed an online recording on how to use a range of musical instruments. Childminders across our Hub have the opportunity to borrow a musical instruments bag but many early years educators will have these musical instruments in their provision. MATHEMATICS RECORDED ONLINE – Rebecca Morgan (Nursery Teacher) from Everton Nursery School and Family Centre has recorded a practical session online to share with colleagues to explore mathematics with under fives. EARLY EMOTIONS RECORDED ONLINE Kaya Doyle (Programme Manager) shares an introduction to early emotional health, the issues children face and links to socio-economic backgrounds. If you would like to access to any of the recorded training sessions, email sphubnw@evertoncentre.liverpool.sch.uk Don’t forget to access information from our National Stronger Practice website: https://www.strongerpracticehubs.org.uk/hubs/nw/liverpool-city-region-and-beyond-eysph Strategic Partners Stronger Practice Hub Privacy Notice

EYSH SDG 8 | ENSFC W harmonii UNESCO SDG 8 LINK SDG 8 Sustainable Development Goals. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Home | Climate Action Strategy | Case Studies | Curriculum Resources | Blog and Video Logs

Liverpool City Region and Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Hub Home Events Newsletters Blogs Programmes Documents Subscribe Childminders Recruitment Our aim as an Early Years Stronger Practice Hub will be to share communication and language and literacy programmes initially. Please keep checking back as we aim to provide recorded and live webinars and face to face drop in's and twilights regarding the programmes we will offer. In the meantime look at the programmes on offer through the Department for Education (DfE): https://help-for-early-years-providers.education.gov.uk/ New Maths Champions 2025 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 Exploring Understanding the world By Michelle Bennett. (Childminder) My Name is Michelle Bennett and I am an OFSTED Registered, outstanding childminder which I have undertaken for eleven years. I am based in the Morecambe area of Lancashire and one of the Lancashire leads for childminders in my area. I am the childminding representative for the Morecambe Bay curriculum and have worked previously in numerous Nurseries and as a teaching assistant in a local primary school. I am very passionate about the work we all do, as we are, in my opinion, very lucky to support education. We develop the young people that come to us, with their learning and understanding of the world that we live in. I believe that our actions will enable and encourage their knowledge for learning of the prime areas and specific area of learning: Communication and language, Physical development, Personal, social and emotional development Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the world and Expressive arts and design I am passionate about the freedom of childminding, and creating awe and wonder every day. For me play is so important in so many ways as this supports children to learn and develop and as a childminder I can plan for the children’s interests as individuals. In this blog I will share with you how the children gained knowledge of the circus theme and scarecrows and increased their vocabulary from a visit to a local village. What did our children find on the visit to a local themed experience? Our visit was to the annual Wray scarecrow display. This is the oldest running scarecrow display in the UK, since 1992 and is run by a committee of local people from the village of Wray, Lancashire. The display of scarecrows has a different theme each year, and most of the local community of Wray will make a scarecrow for this event. The children that come to me, on the week leading up to the visit did talk about the theme and what they knew about scarecrows and the theme. This year the theme was circus. We had numerous conversations between myself and the children, as well as conversations between child to child, and the topic of the conversations they were having was about what type of activities / acts that you would see in a circus? The vocabulary included: strong man, jugglers, tightrope walkers, acrobats, clowns. Where do the circus people live? What nationality or country do the circus people come from? What is a circus tent made from? How are the scarecrows at Wray made? Who makes them? Why do they make them? Who chooses the theme and what scarecrow they would make if they lived in Wray? The day of the visit to Wray…. We were armed with cameras for the children to take photos of what they wanted to. As we were going around Wray there was lots of conversations of what the children could see, what they like and why they liked the scarecrows and displays. We spoke about favourite colours, the different sizes of scarecrows, the role of the scarecrow made and what their role is in a circus theme. The children spoke with local people and asked why they had made their scarecrow and what was the reason for the ones they made. Two of the children that were present had come the last three years with me, and they could remember the last year’s theme (which was magic) and spoke about that, with the current children. They spoke about the previous children that had come on the previous visits and what they liked and where they were now. While we were having our lunch, the children had conversations between themselves, about which scarecrows were their favourite and why they were. When we return back home, this continued the theme and children decided to demonstrate Circus skills, drawings, role play games and ask numerous questions. The following week after the visit…. The week after we had visited Wray, the children were keen to make some scarecrows, so we made smaller ones and a big one, using sticks and decorated them using the fantastic box of crafts I won after attending the recent Stronger Practice Hub conference, which all the children loved using these crafts. The scarecrows where then placed around the garden and the children made their own pretend village scarecrow display. The children began role playing at being the local people of their pretend village. We also dressed up as scarecrows with a circus theme with items we purchased from local charity shops. When we purchased these items of clothing from the charity shops, we talked about what charity shops do, the reason behind the purpose of the shop. Why local people donate and buy from them, and about sustainability and my children have really been understanding all about recycling. What does the evidence say for Understanding the world? Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community. The frequency and range of children’s personal experiences increases their knowledge and sense of the world around them – from visiting parks, libraries and museums to meeting important members of society such as police officers, nurses and firefighters. In addition, listening to a broad selection of stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems will foster their understanding of our culturally, socially, technologically and ecologically diverse world. As well as building important knowledge, this extends their familiarity with words that support understanding across domains. Enriching and widening children’s vocabulary will support later reading comprehension. Taken from: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/670f8c0f366f494ab2e7b93d/EYFS_statutory__framework_for_childminders.pdf The https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/early-years/evidence-store references Communication and Language which became part of our focus within the visit as the children spoke to each other, with myself and grew in their understanding of new vocabulary connected with the circus. This resulted in the children knowing more and remembering more through their visit from last year and this year. Exploring the DfE module 4 on supporting language development in the early years enabled me to appreciate even more the importance of a language rich approach where interactions are promoted. I consider the circus theme visit supported both the children in their learning and development which in turn supported my continuous professional development (CPD) in researching the theme and the learning opportunities for the children in communication and language, physical development and Understanding the world. The children and I are looking forward to our next visit out to extend learning further within Understanding the world and the other Early Years Foundation Stage areas of learning. References: https://www.evertonnurseryschoolandfamilycentre.org/strongerpracticehub https://www.strongerpracticehubs.org.uk/hubs/nw/liverpool-city-region-and-beyond-eysph https://wrayscarecrows.wordpress.com/ https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/early-years/evidence-store https://birthto5matters.org.uk/ https://www.ncfe.org.uk/media/xbcbjrfj/early-years-sustainability-resource.pdf https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/670f8c0f366f494ab2e7b93d/EYFS_statutory__framework_for_childminders.pdf https://child-development-training.education.gov.uk/about/module-4 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 NELI Preschool Craig Bolton, Headteacher at East Prescot Road Nursery School, Liverpool, introduces the NELI Preschool programme. East Prescot Road Nursery School is a partner of the Stronger Practice Hub. What is NELI Preschool? The Nuffield Early Language Intervention for Nursery (NELI Preschool) combines elements of two successful existing interventions: NELI-R and Parent and Children Together (PACT). NELI Preschool is an enrichment programme, delivered to the whole class, with additional targeted support for children with weaker oral language. The programme is designed for 3 and 4 year olds and runs over 20 weeks. It involves scripted interventions, focusing on dialogic reading, teaching vocabulary, listening and narrative skills. In Reception year, the NELI-R programme follows on and develops children’s phonological awareness and letter sound knowledge. Reading is at the heart of NELI Preschool. The programme is crafted around 20 high-quality, engaging books, including traditional tales, non-fiction and fiction. Ideas are often expanded into language-rich and engaging continuous provision and can become a solid basis for a book-focused sequenced and progressive curriculum. Why did we adopt NELI Preschool? Our school’s top priority had been improving children’s outcomes in communication and language. This became even more pressing following the Covid pandemic. We had devised a strategy for professional development to improve practitioner expertise within the language-rich learning environment. We had already adopted a range of interventions and approaches to assess and support our children’s listening and attention, comprehension and speaking skills. We wanted to build upon our existing approach and to further develop our curriculum to incorporate books and the direct teaching of new vocabulary. The NELI Preschool programme was the ideal complement to our existing provision and offered opportunities for professional development for the whole staff team. The power of NELI Preschool is that it is a whole-school intervention, a universal model. All children explore the same high-quality text, learn the same new words and their meanings and engage in the same learning activities that deepen their conceptual understanding. How does NELI Preschool work? Our whole staff team were very well supported in our preparation phase. We received handbooks, resources, flashcards, training and mentor support. Children were then assessed through an app called ‘Language Screen’, which identifies children needing most support with their language skills. This informs the groupings of children who will receive further support in small groups 3 times per week, and those who will benefit from short individual sessions. There are three elements of the programme: whole-class sessions delivered by a trained practitioner five times a week; targeted intervention in small groups for children with the weakest language skills and weekly individual sessions as a further opportunity to revisit learning. The NELI Preschool structure operates over a five-day cycle, in daily 15-20 minute sessions. The first day involves sharing the book of the week with the whole class. The remaining four days focus on a ‘Special Word’ from the shared text, with interactive learning activities designed to explore the new word and linked concepts in greater detail. The programme is supported by digital resources for the Interactive Whiteboard and scripted handbooks to support the delivery of the sessions. The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) is funding a project to further understand delivery of the programme in PVI settings, with interested settings able to register now to take part. In addition, EEF in collaboration with the Department for Education’s Stronger Practice Hubs, are exploring funding a larger trial in 2024 with both state-maintained and PVI settings. What to do if you would like more information about NELI Preschool, or supporting the language and literacy development of children in your setting If you would like to develop your skills or further your knowledge in early language or literacy development for children in your setting, why not explore: The support available through your local Early Years Stronger Practice Hub, which is detailed here . The EEF Evidence Store gives accessible evidence-based information on approaches that practitioners can use when supporting communication and language development, and early literacy . The NELI website can be accessed here. Strategic Partners Stronger Practice Hub Privacy Notice

EYSH SDG 5 | ENSFC W harmonii UNESCO SDG 5 LINK SDG 5 Sustainable Development Goals. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Home | Climate Action Strategy | Case Studies | Curriculum Resources | Blog and Video Logs

Early Years Sustainable Hub W harmonii Mail Email: sphubnw@evertoncentre.liverpool.sch.uk In Harmony Liverpool jest inspirowany wenezuelskim El Sistema i wykorzystuje tworzenie muzyki orkiestrowej w celu poprawy zdrowia, edukacji i aspiracji dzieci i młodzieży w Evertonie. Założona w 2009 roku w Faith Primary School z 84 dziećmi, In Harmony Liverpool rozrosła się tak, że ponad 700 dzieci i młodzieży w wieku od 0 do 18 lat oraz ich rodziny bierze teraz co tydzień bezpłatny udział w tworzeniu muzyki orkiestrowej najwyższej jakości, w szkole i poza nią. Tworzenie muzyki odbywa się w Faith Primary School, The Beacon CE Primary School, Everton Nursery School and Family Centre, All Saints Catholic Primary School, Anfield Children's Center oraz Liverpool Philharmonic at the Friary, naszym centrum prób w West Everton._cc781905-5cde- 3194-bb3b-136bad5cf58d_ Featured Resources UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals Early Years Sustainable Resource External Links Taking action to protect our planet can start at any age. Eco-Schools designed specifically for the littlest of learners and nursery practitioners Eco-Schools National Trust Find natural play areas, go exploring on buggy-friendly paths and spot lots of wildlife along the way with The National Trusts pick of gardens that the whole family can enjoy Count Your Carbon is the nation’s first free, full scope carbon emissions calculator built for – and in collaboration with – nurseries, schools, and colleges. Count Your Carbon Home | Climate Action Strategy | Case Studies | Curriculum Resources | Blog and Video Logs

EYSH SDG 16 | ENSFC W harmonii UNESCO SDG 16 LINK SDG 16 Sustainable Development Goals. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Home | Climate Action Strategy | Case Studies | Curriculum Resources | Blog and Video Logs

Regulamin szkoły/ośrodka W Everton Nursery School and Family Centre mamy szereg szczegółowych i integracyjnych zasad, które stanowią podstawę wysokiej jakości praktyk i usług. Aby pobrać i przeczytać niektóre z naszych zasad, kliknij poniższe łącza. Papierowe kopie wszystkich zasad obowiązujących w szkole/ośrodku są dostępne na żądanie od naszego zespołu administracyjnego. Admission Policy Behaviour Policy Charging and Remissions Policy Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy Code of Conduct Complaints Policy Curriculum Learning and Teaching Policy Equal Opportunities Racial Diversity Policy Equality Statement First Aid Policy ICT Policy Privacy Notice SEND Policy Debt Recovery Policy Adverse Weather/Snow and Ice Policy Attendance Policy SEN Summary Uniform Policy Workplace Safer Recruitment Policy Parent Guide to School Complaints