Posts by Rebecca Sowden
Early Years Conference North Tyneside: Inspiring Adventure in Early Education
The Longstanding Tradition of the Early Years Conference North Tyneside There has been an early years conference in North Tyneside every year this millennium (and longer), with keynote speakers including Penny Tassoni, Ruth Swailes and Jean Gross. Over the years, the Early Years Conference North Tyneside has explored themes such as developing an effective curriculum,…
Read MoreOne More Step Along the World I Go
Managing Transition in the Early Years For Early Years educators, this time of year can feel particularly challenging. There’s the emotional weight of saying goodbye to your class, alongside summative assessments, report writing, sports day preparations, and—almost quietly but just as significantly—the organisation of transition. For Early Years leaders, the scale is even greater. You…
Read MoreWhen Was the Last Time You Wrote Something by Hand?
Think about it—when was the last time you picked up a pen or pencil and wrote on paper? Maybe it was a shopping list, a Christmas card, or a quick post-it reminder. For many of us, those moments are becoming rare. Personally, I confess: I do my shopping online and jot lists in my phone’s…
Read MoreCreative Christmas Learning in Early Years
Ah, Christmas time in the Reception classroom – where the joy is contagious, the excitement is palpable, and the tinsel crowns are perpetually slipping off little heads. It’s a time full of giggles, chaos, and, of course, a certain cheeky elf or two. Now, settle in, my friends, because I have a little tale to…
Read MoreAll Change Please – September Is Nearly Here!
As summer winds down, the familiar buzz of a new academic year begins to stir. Thoughts of your new cohort, classroom setup, staffing and planning are likely starting to surface. It’s a time filled with anticipation—and a few challenges too. Reception lunch duty, for example, can be a physically demanding task (especially if you’re tall!),…
Read MoreWelcome to the Wonderful World of Early Years.
Moving to Early Years? Have you just been told that you are moving from key stage one or two into early years? Or maybe you have a new colleague coming into the early years team? If you, or they are currently rocking, sweating and wondering ‘what have I done to deserve this?’ Well, they are…
Read MoreThe Importance of Mental Health Training for Early Years Practitioners.
Mental health is a critical aspect of human well-being, and it is not limited to adulthood. It starts from infancy and childhood and continues throughout life. Early years provisions, such as preschools and childminders, play a pivotal role in shaping a child’s mental health and overall development. Around 80% of children’s mental health support is…
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