Success at school depends on being ready for school. Perfect for all nursery and pre-school settings, this book is packed full of fun and educational play-based ideas to develop the basic skills that every child needs to prepare them for that next big step. For newly qualified and experienced practitioners alike, this book offers a huge range of activities, from laying the foundations for early reading and writing, to developing social skills and building up physical dexterity. Tips are provided for making the ideas relevant to every child, whatever their learning style or individual needs and additional ideas for involving parents are also included. With 20 years' experience of teaching in mainstream and special education settings, Clare Ford brings vast experience, innovative ideas and invaluable advice for all Early Years practitioners involved in making the transition to 'big school' as smooth as possible.

Forest School sessions have risen in popularity in recent years, with many nurseries and pre-schools offering them as part of their regular programme of activities. This new title in the best-selling 100 ideas series is filled with easy-to-implement ideas for introducing Forest School activities and concepts into each day, without putting pressure on the practitioners' time or the setting's budget. 100 Ideas for Early Years Practitioners: Forest School promotes the use of natural resources and the environment, as well as encouraging and instigating child-led learning and play. It addresses health and safety in the outdoor classroom, discusses issues and myths surrounding Forest School, and explores how integrating it into early years settings and provision can enhance children's learning as well as developing a range of 'soft skills' such as self-confidence, working with others, sharing, problem solving, empathy and respect for self, others and their environment.

100 Ideas for Early Years Practitioners: Observation, Assessment & Planning is not only filled with easy to implement and practical ideas for the early years classroom, but it also demonstrates why assessment is an important formative tool to help further children's learning. In this book, early years expert and experienced author Marianne Sargent explains the cycle of observation, assessment and planning with advice on how to carry out different types of observation, guidance on how to make effective use of observations to assess children's knowledge and understanding, and explanations for how to use this information to inform future planning. The book also offers ideas on how to carry out summative assessments - as well as how to organise assessment information for reporting purposes. With the ever-increasing focus on observation, assessment and planning in the early years, this book is a must-have for all practitioners looking to effectively introduce all three into their setting while still ensuring the children in their care are in an environment where they can be confident, feel supported and still have fun as they grow and learn.

Children benefit hugely from regular, frequent and progressive outdoor play, and it should therefore be an integral part of their early education. This addition to the 100 ideas series offers early years practitioners easy-to-implement outdoor play activities and practical advice on managing and evaluating your provision. Dip in and out of the ideas which range in complexity, from 'getting started' activities for practitioners who are inexperienced or less confident about outdoor play, to more challenging strategies for those who have used Forest School ideas. Julie Mountain's wealth of knowledge and abundance of creativity and enthusiasm shines through with activities involving mark making, storytelling, communicating, exploration, maths and mud! In addition, there are guest ideas from outdoor play experts Kierna Corr, Felicity Robinson, Lesley Romanoff, Juliet Robertson, Lily Horseman and Mary Jackson and an extensive further reading section. The ideas in this book will inspire you to get outside and make the most of your outdoor space however big or small it is and whatever the weather decides to throw at you! INCLUDES Teaching tips - Taking it further ideas - Ideas for involving parents - Bonus ideas

An excellent, easy to use tool for those new to working with this early years age range, as well as more experienced practitioners.

There are more than one million children in UK schools who speak English as an additional language (EAL), and this number is continually rising. Many early years practitioners are unsure about how best to support these children and need guidance to do this with confidence. This book offers advice on how to welcome and provide for children with EAL and how to support their families, taking into consideration their unique identities and culture and ensuring that these are preserved and appreciated in the setting. With links to all areas of the curriculum and specific focus on language acquisition, each idea is straightforward and can be easily adapted and developed to suit children's individual needs. It is an essential guide for all practitioners in early years settings to raise your competence and confidence in providing for EAL learners.

How to be an Outstanding Early Years Practitioner is an all-encompassing, comprehensive guide to improving and developing your early years knowledge and delivering outstanding practice on a daily basis. It is the perfect companion for any new school-based early years practitioner or for experienced practitioners looking to revisit fundamental elements of the profession and be inspired. Each easy-to-follow chapter is broken down into key areas of practice, including knowledge of the EYFS, relationships with others, planning and assessment, and safeguarding and child protection. Experienced teacher and author Louise Burnham provides ideas for incorporating these critical concepts into your lesson planning and practical advice for handling any number of scenarios that may arise in the early years classroom day-to-day.