Valuing Identity - Early Years conference

Best practice tips and hints…  Let children understand that they are all different but all valued in the same way.  More resources to develop children’s imagination skills. That their play is important for self-esteem.  We celebrate cultural diversity without making the children in our care feel ‘different’  Role play using different day to day roles.  Take time to listen to each child and show an interest in their lives.  I take the time to find out about each child. I have a photo of each child and their family in a frame which is displayed.

Best practice tips and hints…  We have self registration board. First thing in the morning children can put a picture of themselves on the board to say they are here today.  Listen to them (giving them time to think about what they want to say)  Culture box- Children are given a box to fill with favourite items to then share at school. Supports independence, choice communication and listening skills.  We share models the children have created in construction/ junk modelling at end session/ group times to celebrate achievement.  Celebrate their achievements however big or small.

Best practice tips and hints…  The unique child- The importance of a name, getting it right, spelling it right etc  Offer the same opportunities, resources, activities etc. to all children.  At my school Edale rise Primary and Nursery- We invite the families to come for a picnic on our hillside.  To be able to adapt to different children for specific reasons (SEN etc).  Treat each child as an individual.  I will look out for ‘play cues’ and not dismiss it as ‘naughty behaviour’  Look through the eyes of a child and you may just learn something.

Best practice tips and hints…  Speech and language games everyday.  I am independent. Empowering the children. They can do it. We are all stars.  Ensuring all staff use children’s correct names.  Give children choices about how and what they learn.  Have a bucket list of activities this summer.  Encourage children to create ‘shrine’ boxes all about themselves.  All about the family board. Pictures & facts about their family and their likes and dislikes. This is shown in show & Tell and then displayed in the setting.

Best practice tips and hints…  We have a ‘Artist of the week’ -a framed pic of a chosen child's work displayed in entrance- changed each week- developing sense of pride in achievements.  Circle time.  Photobooks with pictures of the children and their families to share with others.  Do lots more imaginative play in future and let the children choose.  Treat all children as an individual.  I can work with children to help them know that they “can do”

Best practice tips and hints…  We include the children in writing of policies- what they think should be included, why, If they feel it works or should be changed.  Time to talk- friendship group intervention with boys with behavioural problems and children who do not talk much.  Promote independence and allow them to discover who they are, not what people want them to be.  Children take home a box, place special object in from home, return to school & play activity of children asking them questions to find out what hidden object is.

Best practice tips and hints…  By letting them be themselves and celebrate that.  Positive relationships with keyworker and child/parents, consistent 1- 1/groups, 2 way feedback, effective communication, appropriate activities. Parents evening- meet & greet, newsletters, notices.  Read Nick Butterworths “My Dad is Brilliant”  Potato activity.  I truly believe that every child has a voice and this has aided my practice immensely.

What parts of our identity do we value…  I value each child individually. Caring and trusting I am me and a mum.  Play supports- resilience, independence, happiness and confidence.  Encourage independence and self-care in both boys & girls.  Valuing everything children say, don’t say, do and don’t do.  Happier children, happier parents.  I am kind, special, a friend, a daughter, Christian, lovely, a friend.  We try to value our children by involving them in their profiles & discussing our activities and how we can deliver it to them in a fun way.  Show and Tell. Talking table.

What parts of our identity do we value…  Jenny, Mummy, friends, daughter, Christian.  Key worker system, celebrating religious celebrations, 2 way feedback, positive relationships and friendly staff.  Clever, generous, busy and funny.  Value others, listen, value and respect.  Mum, friend, happy and positive.  Organised, friendly, easy going and adaptable