TEY-10.2

Teachearlyyears.com 03 Regulars There have been a lot of changes over the last six months. One of which is that I have taken over the editor’s chair from Jacob Stow. Those are very big shoes to fill and I hope that I will have as good a relationship with the sector as he did. However, the biggest change affecting everybody has been the coronavirus lockdown. It has thrown up major challenges for everybody in the sector. These have been very difficult times for settings everywhere and we still don’t know how things will turn out. However, settings have risen admirably to the challenge. Global Montessori ambassador Barbara Issacs has said that many businesses feared for their survival and are still concerned about the future. She has reflected on the last six months, the challenges faced and has looked to the future (page 45). But the easing of the lockdown restrictions and a full return can also bring a lot of worry and anxiety. Children coming back into settings, maybe for the first time since March, will feel disconnected and it will take time for them to settle back in. Every child is going to have had a different and unique experience of lockdown, some better than others. It may be particularly difficult for children with SEND to make the change to the ‘new normal’. Kerry Payne gives her advice on transition and emotional safety for those children (page 12). But it isn’t just the children that may have difficulty in coming back to work. It is important that staff mental wellbeing is taken into account and any fears that they may have in coming back to the workplace. Mark Hayhurst - Editor Don’t miss an issue of Teach Early Years – turn to page 50! Subscribe 6 Nursery now Your update from the early years. 9 How was the lockdown for you? Staff described their nurseries as cocoons, says June O’Sullivan. 15 How to speak child More than ever our children need to feel safe, says Nikky Smedley. 19 Tales from the setting floor Emma Davis explains how a lockdown project brought joy to the community. 22 What did we learn from lockdown? Valuable lessons can be taken away from the enforced break, says Sue Cowley 37 My Snapshots Laura England suggests simple tips to brighten your setting and maintain a sense of well being. 41 ABC of the Early Years Our alphabetical exploration reaches H - the letter of helicopter, health and safety and halloween. 45 Reflections on a lockdown Barbara Isaacs looks at the lessons learned during the last six months. Hello NEW PHONETICALLY DECODABLE READING SCHEME B A S E D O N L E T T E R S & S O U N D S W W W . B O O K L I F E . C O . U K NEW OVER 120 GRADED BOOK BAND TITLES FROM LILAC TO LIME 48 Resources Great ways to support creative learning. 56 The Book Corner Inspiring titles to share with your 0-5s. 64 Have you seen TEY’s round-up of the latest early years tools, toys, books and activities. 72 In training James Hempsall explains how to hold successful meetings. 82 Everyday objects TEY’s round-up of the latest early years tools, toys, books and activities.