The first five years
The first five years of a child's life are immensely important, but how much do we know about the range of support and opportunities available to Wandsworth's youngest children and their families?
In September this year the government is bringing in a new Early Years Foundation Stage. This covers all children from babies to the age of five, and sets out clear standards childcare providers must meet. It builds on work that shows children learn best when they have opportunities to explore, investigate and gather a variety of experiences in a rich and stimulating environment. Parents should also be actively involved.
Free training is provided by Wandsworth for practitioners working with these young children and their hard work is helping to narrow the gap between the lowest achieving children and the rest.
Work is increasingly also focusing on how Wandsworth supports parents. Below, we highlight some of the work being done by Wandsworth's early years providers, and look at some ways the Council, the Primary Care Trust, Job Centre Plus and the Private and Voluntary Sector is helping practitioners develop their skills and work in partnership with parents.
Find out more about the Early Years Foundation Stage at www.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/eyfs To find out more about early years education, childcare and working with children call (020) 8871 7899.
Somali Play And Learn Group
The Battersea Early Years Multi Agency Sure Start Team are very proud of the local Somali families who come together at York Gardens One O'Clock centre each week to discuss issues surrounding the early education and development of their children.
One parent said:
Coming to the group has helped my son to calm down. He has learned how to share and make friends. He only went shopping before!
Bumble Bee Nursery School
This private nursery school in Battersea has just been described as 'outstanding' in every area by Ofsted.
Head teacher and owner Anne Shine said:
We regularly self-evaluate our setting and make good use of the courses and advisory service offered by the Wandsworth training team. Therefore we were able to provide evidence that we are continually striving to improve our work in early years childcare.
St Boniface School
St Boniface, a Voluntary Aided Roman Catholic School in Tooting, recently received an outstanding Ofsted inspection. The Foundation Stage teaching was described as 'lively and interesting' with emphasis on learning through play.'
Cool2Care3 Programme
This unique training programme for lone parents helped them achieve the Children's Care, Learning and Development Level 3 CACHE qualification and helped them get back into work.
Joyce Upton
Wandsworth childminder Joyce has also been described as outstanding by Ofsted. Joyce has been childminding for 28 years and regularly attends the Children's Services Department's training courses for childminders. She loves her job and still sends birthday cards to children she has minded over the years!