Children just love finding out, whether it is the one-year-old who loves to drop keys, remote control, and anything else in the bin, or toilet. Or those slightly older who find it fascinating pouring their unfinished juice into any receptible they can find could be the fruit bowl, their unfinished lunch, or your shoes. They also love pressing buttons to see what happens; it may be the washing machine, switched off without your knowledge, though fully loaded. Then there is the inquisitive never-ending, why? To every question you answered, you can expect another why? Children are born to explore and [...]

For early years children, every experience or encounter presents a learning opportunity that is why the first five years of their lives are so important. They learn from everything they see, do, hear, feel, smell, and taste; everyone they interact (talk, play, laugh) with; and everywhere they go. It is widely suggested that good quality childcare offers a range of benefits to children, as well as support to their families. Education specialists state that early years children, learn best when they interact with their peers and are recipients of a coordinated home to nursery partnership. In addition, in an environment [...]

Pause for thought! We are constantly reminded that we are living in unprecedented times. There is a lot of worry, anxiety and fear in families and communities right now. Normal life is not what we have known it to be. It has changed drastically. So understanding the needs of your child is even more important. They too, are experiencing the changes which lockdown brings. Some children have enjoyed staying at home with family while others have found it difficult to have their normal routine abruptly change; to not see friends or play outdoors freely is confusing to say the least. [...]